American Viticultural Areas

American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) are designated wine grape-growing regions in the United States, recognized for their unique geography, climate, soil conditions, and grape varieties. The AVA system helps consumers identify wines that reflect the specific characteristics of where the grapes were grown. Each AVA has its name, such as Napa Valley or Sonoma Coast, and may contain smaller sub-regions. The establishment of an AVA involves a petition process to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), ensuring that each area has distinct attributes that contribute to its wines' flavor and quality.