Upper Hiwassee Highlands AVA

Upper Hiwassee Highlands earned its AVA designation on July 17, 2014, making it simultaneously Georgia's first AVA and North Carolina's fourth. It holds the distinction of being the first American Viticultural Area to span two states. The modern wine industry in the region traces its roots to experimental plantings in the 1970s and 1980s, part of a broader post-Prohibition revival that gathered momentum through the late 20th century.

• Established by the TTB on July 17, 2014
• Georgia's first AVA and North Carolina's fourth AVA
• First bi-state AVA in the United States
• Experimental plantings began in the region during the 1970s and 1980s

The AVA sits near the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains, within the upper Hiwassee River basin. Its 690 square miles span portions of five counties across two states. Elevations average around 2,000 feet, reaching up to 2,400 feet, which tempers the warm, humid southeastern climate and creates conditions notably warmer than neighboring regions to the north, east, and south, while remaining slightly cooler than the region to the west. The 161 to 168 freeze-free days support a workable growing season. Diurnal temperature variation and cooling foggy mornings in the river valley help grapes retain acidity and minerality.

• Elevation range of 2,000 to 2,400 feet moderates the southeastern climate
• Warmer than surrounding regions to the north, east, and south
• 161 to 168 freeze-free days annually
• Cooling foggy mornings along the river valley preserve acidity and minerality

Soils throughout the AVA are deep, moderately to well-drained, and moderately fertile, derived from metasedimentary rocks. The dominant soil association is the Tsali-Spivey-Santeetlah-Junaluska complex, covering 37% of the area. The Saluda-Hayesville-Evard-Brevard-Bradson association accounts for 20%, followed by Evard-Clifton-Braddock at 11% and Tusquitee-Porters-Edneyville-Ashe at 10%. This metasedimentary bedrock origin distinguishes the AVA's soils from those of the surrounding regions and forms a key basis for its boundary definition.

• Soils derived from metasedimentary rocks throughout the AVA
• Tsali-Spivey-Santeetlah-Junaluska association is dominant at 37%
• Soils are deep, moderately to well-drained, and moderately fertile
• Soil composition forms a defining distinguishing feature of the AVA's boundaries

Upper Hiwassee Highlands producers grow an unusually diverse range of varieties. Vitis vinifera plantings include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Grüner Veltliner, and Albariño. French-American hybrids such as Vidal Blanc, Chambourcin, Seyval Blanc, and Traminette are also widely planted. Native and American varieties including Norton, Muscadine, and Niagara round out the mix. Wine styles range from dry vinifera bottlings to sweet and off-dry hybrid and native grape wines, reflecting both the diverse plantings and the preferences of the local and regional market.

• Vinifera varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Grüner Veltliner, and Albariño
• French-American hybrids include Vidal Blanc, Chambourcin, Seyval Blanc, and Traminette
• Native varieties include Norton, Muscadine, and Niagara
• Sweet and off-dry styles are notable alongside dry vinifera wines

At the time of establishment in 2014, the AVA counted 26 commercial vineyards with 54 total acres under cultivation. Producers active in the region include Calaboose Cellars, Crane Creek Vineyards, Nottely River Valley Vineyards, Valley River Vineyards, Eagle Fork Vineyards, FernCrest, Shooting Creek Vines, Odom Springs Vineyards, and Paradise Hills Vineyards. The landscape remains primarily rural and forested, with vineyards occupying a small but growing share of the upper Hiwassee River basin.

• 26 commercial vineyards with 54 acres under vine at time of AVA establishment in 2014
• Landscape is primarily rural and forested
• Producers span both North Carolina and Georgia sides of the AVA
• Crane Creek Vineyards and Nottely River Valley Vineyards are among the established estates