The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau has approved the Tryon Foothills as North Carolina’s seventh American Viticulture Area (AVA), marking the first such designation for Polk County. The new AVA covers approximately 176 square miles and includes more than 77 acres of winegrapes, reflecting decades of growth in local viticulture.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler commented on the development, stating, “The designation of the Tryon Foothills AVA is a proud moment for North Carolina agriculture and a testament to the hard work of our growers and winemakers in this region. Our state’s wine industry continues to grow in both quality and prominence. The official recognition of the region highlights the unique character of our foothills and the value of preserving agricultural land for generations to come.”
Joseph Forrest from Resource Geoservices LLC played a key role in outlining the AVA’s specific boundaries. The area is located on the western edge of the Inner Piedmont, where rolling hills meet the Blue Ridge Mountains’ foothills. This geography contributes to distinct climate conditions, including elevations ranging from 712 to 1,656 feet above sea level. The region falls into a “Hot” climate category with average growing season temperatures between 67-72°F, making it suitable for vinifera and Rhône-style grape varieties. A natural thermal belt effect helps extend the growing season by reducing frost risk.
Nicole Chesney, NCDA&CS marketing specialist and executive director of the N.C. Wine and Grape Council, explained what this means for producers: “For winemakers and growers inside the newly established AVA, this means they may now label their wines as ‘Tryon Foothills’ as long as at least 85% of the grapes are grown within the AVA. It gives them a defined brand and provenance that aligns with the quality of wines that are being made in the foothills.”
The Tryon Foothills AVA sits entirely within Polk County without overlapping any other AVAs. It includes four commercial wineries—Mountain Brooks Vineyard, Over Mountain Vineyards, Parker Binns Vineyard, and Russian Chapel Hills Winery—and twelve vineyards cultivating fourteen grape varieties across about 77.7 acres.
Cory Lillberg from Parker Binns Vineyard noted that local professionals have pursued this designation for nearly twenty years: “The establishment of this AVA has been a goal for the industry professionals of Polk County for the better part of two decades. It represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to producing world-class, award-winning wines in a place with viticulture history dating back to the late 1800s.”
The Tryon Foothills AVA Committee led efforts to secure approval by organizing local stakeholders around shared goals for promotion, education, and marketing under this new regional identity.
According to information from the North Carolina Wine & Grape Council, there are over 200 wineries and vineyards statewide, placing North Carolina among America’s top ten wine-producing states.
