The Other 46

On The Monticello Wine Trail

In celebration of Virginia Wine Month, I decided to begin October with a recap of my recent visit to Charlottesville, Virginia along the Monticello Wine Trail.  Located in the Monticello Viticultural Area (AVA), more than 20 wineries claim residence along the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Our first stop included a visit to [...]

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Upper Mississippi River Valley AVA

The Upper Mississippi River Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) officially became the world’s largest designated appellation on July 22nd.  Encompassing 29,914 square miles along the Upper Mississippi River and its tributaries in northeast Iowa, northwest Illinois, southeast Minnesota and southwest Wisconsin, the AVA unseats the 26,000-square-mile Ohio River Valley AVA. Though the region is big, the [...]

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North Carolina On The Rise

On April 29th, North Carolina will welcome Haw River Valley as the states 3rd designated grape growing region, joining Swan Creek and Yadkin Valley.  Located in the northern and central portion of the state, the Haw River Valley AVA encompasses approximately 868 sq. miles (555,508 acres).  The area presently includes 6 wineries and over 10 [...]

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Sawtooth Winery

Today’s stop across the other 46 states is Sawtooth Winery, located in Nampa, Idaho, in the Snake River Valley AVA.  Idaho is that other state located in the Pacific Northwest, well suited for growing many different Vinifera wine varietals.  With 38 wineries to date and counting, the industry is thriving more than ever.  Typically known [...]

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