Upper Hiwassee Highlands AVA
A high-elevation cross-border AVA nestled in the Southern Appalachians, where diurnal swings and sandstone soils define a unique American wine identity.
Upper Hiwassee Highlands AVA spans 690 square miles across North Carolina and Georgia at elevations averaging 2,000 feet. Established in 2014, it holds the distinction of being Georgia's first AVA and North Carolina's fourth, as well as the first AVA in North Carolina shared with another state.
- Established July 17, 2014 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
- Covers portions of Cherokee and Clay Counties in North Carolina and Towns, Union, and Fannin Counties in Georgia
- Average elevation of 2,000 feet; most vineyards sit between 2,000 and 2,400 feet
- 161 to 168 freeze-free days annually; hardiness zone 7b with elevated areas in 7a
- At time of establishment, 26 commercial vineyards cultivated approximately 54 acres
- Soils are deep, moderately to well drained, and largely sedimentary sandstone types
- Surrounded by national forests along the upper Hiwassee River watershed
Establishment and Boundaries
The Upper Hiwassee Highlands AVA was officially established on July 17, 2014 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. The petition was submitted by Eric Carlson, owner of Calaboose Cellars. The AVA made history as Georgia's first designated viticultural area, North Carolina's fourth, and the first AVA in North Carolina to be shared with another state. Its boundaries follow the upper portions of the Hiwassee River, running from the river's headwaters in Towns County, Georgia, to Hiwassee Dam in Cherokee County, North Carolina.
- Established July 17, 2014; petition submitted by Eric Carlson of Calaboose Cellars
- Georgia's first AVA and North Carolina's fourth AVA
- First AVA in North Carolina shared with another state
- Covers Cherokee and Clay Counties in NC; Towns, Union, and Fannin Counties in GA
Climate and Elevation
Elevation is the defining feature of the Upper Hiwassee Highlands growing environment. Vineyards sit primarily between 2,000 and 2,400 feet above sea level, producing a climate that is warmer than surrounding regions to the north, east, and south, yet slightly cooler than the region to the west. The area records 161 to 168 freeze-free days annually and falls within hardiness zone 7b, with higher elevations reaching zone 7a. Gentle slopes and broad valleys allow high solar radiation to reach vineyards, while diurnal temperature variation helps grapes retain natural acidity through the ripening season.
- Average elevation of 2,000 feet; most vineyards between 2,000 and 2,400 feet
- 161 to 168 freeze-free days; hardiness zones 7a and 7b
- Warmer than neighboring regions to the north, east, and south
- Diurnal temperature swings preserve grape acidity
Soils and Landscape
The soils of the Upper Hiwassee Highlands are deep, moderately to well drained, and moderately fertile. Sedimentary types dominate, with sandstone particularly prevalent across the region. The AVA covers 690 square miles of Southern Appalachian terrain, entirely within the Upper Hiwassee River watershed and surrounded by national forests. The combination of broad valley floors and gentle slopes creates favorable conditions for viticulture, maximizing sun exposure across the growing season.
- Deep, moderately to well drained, moderately fertile sedimentary soils
- Sandstone is the dominant soil parent material
- 690 square miles within the Upper Hiwassee River watershed
- Surrounded by national forests; gentle slopes maximize solar exposure
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At the time of establishment, 26 commercial vineyards were operating across approximately 54 acres within the AVA. Growers cultivate Vitis vinifera, French-American hybrids, and American grape varieties, reflecting the practical realities of a developing wine region in the Southern Appalachians. Sweet and off-dry style wines are characteristic of the area. Notable producers include Calaboose Cellars, Valley River Vineyards, Crane Creek Vineyards, Eagle Fork Vineyards, FernCrest Winery, Nottely River Valley Vineyards, Shooting Creek Vines, and Hightower Creek Vineyards.
- Vitis vinifera, French-American hybrids, and American varieties all cultivated
- Sweet and off-dry styles are characteristic of the region
- 26 commercial vineyards covering approximately 54 acres at establishment
- Eight notable producers operating within the AVA
Wines from the Upper Hiwassee Highlands tend toward sweet and off-dry styles, with natural acidity preserved by the significant diurnal temperature variation at high elevations. The cool nights and well-drained sandstone soils contribute freshness and structure across the range of Vitis vinifera, hybrid, and American varieties grown in the region.
- Crane Creek Vineyards Estate Wine$12-18One of the AVA's founding producers, offering approachable sweet and off-dry styles from mountain-grown fruit.Find →
- Nottely River Valley Vineyards Reserve$20-35High-elevation vineyard within the AVA producing wines that showcase diurnal-driven acidity and regional character.Find →
- Calaboose Cellars Signature$22-40Producer whose owner filed the original AVA petition; benchmark wines for the Upper Hiwassee Highlands appellation.Find →
- Established July 17, 2014; Georgia's first AVA and North Carolina's fourth AVA
- First AVA in North Carolina shared with another state (Georgia)
- 690 square miles; vineyards at 2,000 to 2,400 feet elevation; zones 7a and 7b
- Soils are deep, well-drained sedimentary sandstone types; 161 to 168 freeze-free days
- Vitis vinifera, French-American hybrids, and American varieties; sweet and off-dry styles predominate