Tryon Foothills AVA Gains Federal Recognition, Covering 176 Square Miles and Nearly 78 Acres of Vineyards

The wine industry in North Carolina has reached a new milestone with the federal approval of the Tryon Foothills American Viticulture Area (AVA), the first such designation for Polk County and the seventh in the state. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau granted the status after a multi-year effort by local growers, winemakers, and geoscientists to define the region’s unique characteristics. The Tryon Foothills AVA covers about 176 square miles entirely within Polk County and includes more than 77 acres of vineyards producing a range of grape varieties.

The AVA designation is a recognition of the area’s distinct geography, climate, and history. The region sits on the western edge of North Carolina’s Inner Piedmont, where rolling hills transition into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Elevations in the AVA range from just over 700 feet to more than 1,600 feet above sea level. This topography creates a “thermal belt” effect, where warm air settles on hillsides at night, reducing frost risk and extending the growing season. The climate falls into what viticulturists call the “Hot” category, with average growing season temperatures between 67 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions are well-suited for vinifera grapes and Rhône-style varietals.

Joseph Forrest of Resource Geoservices LLC played a key role in documenting these features for the federal petition. He noted that while climate and topography were central to the application, local soils and drainage patterns also support high-quality grape growing. The AVA does not overlap with any other designated wine region and is not nested within another AVA, making it a distinct marker for wines produced there.

For local wineries and vineyards, this new status allows them to label their wines as “Tryon Foothills” if at least 85 percent of the grapes are grown within the AVA boundaries. Nicole Chesney, marketing specialist with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and executive director of the N.C. Wine and Grape Council, said that this gives producers a clear brand identity tied to place and quality. She expects that consumers will soon see “Tryon Foothills” on wine labels as an indicator of regional character.

Currently, four commercial wineries operate within the new AVA: Mountain Brooks Vineyard and Overmountain Vineyards in Tryon, Parker Binns Vineyard in Mill Spring, and Russian Chapel Hills Winery in Columbus. Twelve vineyards cultivate wine grapes across nearly 78 acres, growing 14 different varieties. Local winemakers say that recognition as an AVA will help attract investment, increase tourism, and raise awareness of Polk County’s long history with viticulture—a tradition dating back to the late 1800s.

Cory Lillberg from Parker Binns Vineyard said that establishing an AVA has been a goal for Polk County’s wine industry for nearly two decades. He described it as a culmination of years of work by growers dedicated to producing high-quality wines in a region with deep agricultural roots. The Tryon Foothills AVA Committee, made up of local stakeholders, led efforts to secure federal recognition and now plans to focus on promoting the region through education and shared marketing.

North Carolina’s wine industry has grown steadily over recent decades. With more than 200 wineries statewide, North Carolina ranks among the top ten wine-producing states in the country. State officials see the new AVA as both an acknowledgment of past achievements and an opportunity for future growth in Polk County’s wine sector.

The North Carolina Wine & Grape Council continues to support producers through education, marketing initiatives, and advocacy for quality standards. As more vineyards plant grapes within the Tryon Foothills AVA and bring wines to market under its name, both industry leaders and state officials expect increased interest from visitors and consumers looking for wines with a clear sense of place.