Western Connecticut Highlands AVA

Western Connecticut Highlands AVA
Wine region
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established1988[1]
CountryUnited States
Part ofConnecticut
Other regions in ConnecticutSoutheastern New England AVA, Eastern Connecticut Highlands AVA
Climate regionContinental
Soil conditionsGlacial schist and gneiss[2]
Total area1,004,550 acres (1,570 sq mi)[3]
Grapes producedCabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot noir, Seyval blanc, Vidal blanc[2]
No. of wineries7[2]

41°42′15″N 73°13′13″W / 41.7042°N 73.2204°W / 41.7042; -73.2204 The Western Connecticut Highlands AVA is an American Viticultural Area that includes all of Litchfield and parts of Fairfield, New Haven, and Hartford counties in Connecticut. The Connecticut Highlands are far enough away from Long Island Sound that there is little of the moderating effect on climate that large bodies of water produce. The region is relatively cool, with a short growing season between mid-May and mid-September. The soil in the area is glacial schist and gneiss. Local vintners have had the most success with cool climate Vitis vinifera and French hybrid grape varieties.[2] The region is located in hardiness zones 5b and 6a.

  1. ^ "§9.122 Western Connecticut Highlands" (Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9 — American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C — Approved American Viticultural Areas). Code of Federal Regulations (e-CFR). Retrieved February 8, 2008.
  2. ^ a b c d "Western Connecticut Highlands (AVA): Appellation Profile". Appellation America. 2007. Archived from the original on September 6, 2013.
  3. ^ "American Viticultural Areas by State". Wine Institute. 2008. Archived from the original on January 27, 2008.