Tryon Foothills set to become the newest American Viticulture Area established in North Carolina.
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau announced on Friday, January 5th, 2024, four proposed new AVA rules.
The announcement proposed to change the name of the established Mendocino Ridge AVA, and to establish three pending American Viticulture Area’s. The three new AVA’s proposed are Conneaut Creek, Nashoba Creek, and Tryon Foothills.
The announcement from TTB is copied below.
This week we proposed to change the name of the established Mendocino Ridge American viticultural area (AVA) and to create three new AVAs called Conneaut Creek, Tryon Foothills, and Nashoba Valley. We are making these proposals in response to petitions from local wine industry members. All comments on these proposals are due to TTB by March 5, 2024.
Mendocino Ridge Name Change. We propose to change the name of the established Mendocino Ridge AVA, located in Mendocino County, California, to “Mendocino Coast Ridge.” The AVA is located within the established North Coast AVA.
Conneaut Creek. We propose to establish a new 70,437-acre AVA called “Conneaut Creek,” in Ashtabula County, Ohio, and within the established Lake Erie AVA.
Tryon Foothills. We propose to establish a new 176-square mile AVA called “Tryon Foothills,” in Polk County, North Carolina. The proposed AVA is not located within any other AVA.
Nashoba Valley. We propose to establish a new 18,367-acre AVA called “Nashoba Valley,” in Worcester County, Massachusetts. The proposed AVA is not located within any other AVA.
We wrote back in October, 2021 that the proposed Tryon Foothills AVA was pending approval by the TTB.
Current wineries within the AVA boundaries are Parker-Binns Vineyard, Overmountain Vineyards, Mountain Brook Vineyards, and Russian Chapel Hills Winery.
After a lengthy wait as pending, the process is finally nearing approval for the establishment of the Tryon Foothills AVA.
An established AVA allows wineries to label their wines with the designated region. The AVA further gives credibility to an established and unique grape growing region.
“The more legitimate and defendable appellations we can get, the better off we are. It solidifies the areas personality(TERROIR), memorable varietals and helps engender a sense of community among the wineries. Plus, the areas can form their own internal “quality alliances” for the betterment of the wines and promote the appellations. Good for us all”, stated David Coventry, winemaker at Mountain Brook Winery,
Years of research, documentation, and lobby by the established growers of the Tryon Foothills led to this remarkable success. The establishment of the Tryon Foothills AVA will further distinguish the region as an area producing high quality award-winning fine wines!
Cheers 🥂 to the Tryon Foothills American Viticulture Area!
Wine Competitions and Marketing! 