Rocky Knob AVA
| Wine region | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 1983, amended 1987[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | Virginia |
| Climate region | Maritime |
| Precipitation (annual average) | 43.1 inches |
| Total area | 9,000 acres (3,642 ha)[2] |
| Grapes produced | Seyval blanc[3] |
The Rocky Knob AVA is an American Viticultural Area in a mountainous area east of the Blue Ridge Parkway in southwest Virginia. The AVA includes portions of Floyd and Patrick counties. The area is located on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the towns of Woolwine and Meadows of Dan and astride the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was established in 1983 and encompasses 9,000 acres (36 km2). The soil is primarily loam and gravel and is well-drained. Rocky Knob AVA was named for the eponymously named mountainous recreational area located within the AVA.[4]
Climate
The elevations in the Rocky Knob AVA range from 1,600 feet (490 m) to 3,574 feet (1,089 m) above sea level. Strong winds at these elevations help protect grapes from fungus and mildew conditions. The average rainfall is 43.10 inches (1,095 mm) per year.[4] The vineyards are located in hardiness zones 6b and 7a.
References
- ^ Code of Federal Regulations. "§ 9.43 Rocky Knob." Archived 2008-09-28 at the Wayback Machine Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9 — American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C — Approved American Viticultural Areas. Retrieved January 30, 2008.
- ^ Wine Institute, The (2008). "American Viticultural Areas by State". Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ Appellation America (2007). "Rocky Knob (AVA): Appellation Description". Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ a b Rocky Knob AVA Notice of Proposed Rule Making, BATF