Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA

Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA Important Grapes By the Numbers Established: 2019 Total Acreage: 137,683 acres Number of Wineries: 14 Soil Types: Rocky, mineral-rich Elevation: 1,394 to 4,396 feet This Region Is Tasted by Cheron Cowan Cheron Cowan reviews wines from the U.S. states including Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Carolina [...] Read More... The post Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.

May 1, 2025 - 22:58

Crest of the BLue Ridge AVA — Image Courtesy of Stone Ashe Vineyards

Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA

(krest uhv thuh bloo rij HEN-dur-suhn KOWN-tee)

Where the Southern Appalachian Mountains reach across western North Carolina, the Crest of the Blue Ridge AVA straddles the Eastern Continental Divide. That divide separates the Blue Ridge Plateau from the Blue Ridge Escarpment, a steep mountain front that rises suddenly 1,200 feet from the east. It’s a unique landform in Appalachia and a great place to grow Vitis vinifera and hybrid grapes throughout its many microclimates. The soils are rocky, well-draining and mineral-rich. In terms of winemaking, the region draws much inspiration from France, Germany and Austria.

Important Grapes

Cabernet Sauvignon

Chardonnay

Cabernet Franc

Merlot

Vidal Blanc

By the Numbers

Established: 2019

Total Acreage: 137,683 acres

Number of Wineries: 14

Soil Types: Rocky, mineral-rich

Elevation: 1,394 to 4,396 feet

This Region Is Tasted by Cheron Cowan

Cheron Cowan reviews wines from the U.S. states including Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Carolina and elsewhere on the East Coast. She is an advanced sommelier with the Court of Masters and the beverage director at Craft, Tom Colicchio’s flagship restaurant in New York City.