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. This new AVA spans approximately 176 square miles and includes over 77 acres of winegrape cultivation, highlighting the region’s growing prominence in viticulture.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler commented on the achievement: “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 identifying the unique features that define this AVA. The area is situated on the western edge of the Inner Piedmont, where rolling hills meet the Blue Ridge Mountains’ foothills. Its topography ranges from about 712 feet to 1,656 feet in elevation, giving it a distinctive foothill character. The climate falls into what experts call a “Hot” category under Winegrape Climate/Maturity Grouping, which supports certain vinifera and Rhône-style grape varieties.
One notable characteristic is the natural “thermal belt” effect. This occurs when cool air drains away at night while warmer air settles along hillsides, extending the growing season and reducing frost risk. While soils and drainage patterns were not central to federal approval, these factors also support high-quality grape production.
Nicole Chesney, marketing specialist with NCDA&CS and executive director of the N.C. Wine and Grape Council, explained what this means for local 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 contains four commercial wineries—Mountain Brooks Vineyard, Over Mountain Vineyards, Parker Binns Vineyard, and Russian Chapel Hills Winery—and twelve vineyards cultivating fourteen different grape varieties across nearly 78 acres.
Cory Lillberg from Parker Binns Vineyard reflected on reaching this milestone: “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.”
Local stakeholders formed an AVA committee that led efforts to secure federal recognition; they plan to continue promoting education among growers as well as marketing initiatives around this new regional identity.
North Carolina’s wine industry includes more than 200 wineries statewide, placing it among America’s top ten wine-producing states.
