Base Map via the TTB AVA Explorer
On September 29, 2025, the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the United States approved the Tryon Foothills American Viticultural Area (AVA). The new AVA is located in Polk County, North Carolina. While North Carolina now contains five complete AVAs and portions of two others, the new appellation does not include or overlap any previously established AVAs.
According to the original petition (first submitted in July of 2021), the distinguishing features of the Tryon Foothills AVA are primarily its topography and climate. These features are discussed below.
Topography: The Tryon Foothills AVA is located slightly east of the previously established Crest of Blue Ridge-Henderson County AVA. The new appellation is a region of low mountains and rolling hills perched along the eastern edge of Blue Ridge Mountains’ Inner Piedmont, with elevations ranging from 712 feet asl to 1,656 feet asl.
Base Map via the TTB AVA Explorer
Climate: This topography helps to create a “thermal belt” of warm nighttime temperatures, as nighttime cooling causes warm air that has accumulated in the higher elevations to sink and settle on the mountain slopes, resulting in a warm layer of air between two cooler layers (both above the below the thermal belt). As such, the Tryon Foothills AVA tends to be somewhat warmer than the surrounding regions.
When the Tryon Foothills AVA is brought into force—on October 29, 2025—the total number of AVAs in the United States will be 277. The area is home to four wineries and five commercial vineyards. The vineyards—covering a total of approximately 78 acres—are planted to a range of grape varieties (both vinifera and hybrid). The leading grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Petite Manseng, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, Muscadine, and Chambourcin.
Welcome to the world, Tryon Foothills AVA!
References/for more information:
Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org