View source for American Viticultural Areas (AVA)

'''American Viticultural Areas''' (commonly abbreviated as '''AVA''') are legally defined wine-growing regions in the [[United States]], established to identify distinct geographical origins of [[wine]]. The system is administered by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and provides a framework for labelling and marketing American wines.<ref>Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), "American Viticultural Areas", ttb.gov/wine/american-viticultural-area-ava.</ref>

== Definition and Legal Framework ==
An AVA is a delimited area recognised under U.S. federal law as possessing unique geographical or climatic features that distinguish it for [[viticultural]] purposes.<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015.</ref> Unlike European [[appellation]] systems, AVAs do not prescribe permitted [[grape varieties]], yields, or [[winemaking techniques]], but instead focus on place-based identity. The TTB oversees the creation and regulation of all AVAs, ensuring compliance with federal wine labelling standards.

== Historical Development ==
The AVA system was introduced in 1978 following decades of growth in the U.S. [[wine industry]] and increased demand for clearer labelling.<ref>Pinney, ''A History of Wine in America: From Prohibition to the Present'', University of California Press, 2005.</ref> The first recognised AVA was [[Augusta, Missouri]], approved in 1980. Shortly thereafter, [[Napa Valley]] became the most widely recognised designation, helping to establish the importance of AVAs in American viticulture. The system has since expanded to include hundreds of regions across the country, reflecting the diversity of U.S. [[terroirs]].<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., 2019.</ref>

== Criteria and Establishment ==
Petitioners seeking AVA recognition must demonstrate distinguishing features such as geology, [[soils]], elevation, climate, or historical use of a name.<ref>Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), "American Viticultural Areas", ttb.gov/wine/american-viticultural-area-ava.</ref> The process involves public consultation and detailed mapping, after which the TTB approves or rejects the application. Some AVAs contain smaller, nested AVAs, reflecting finer distinctions in terroir.

== Labelling and Regulations ==
When an AVA is used on a wine label, at least 85% of the grapes must originate from within its boundaries.<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015.</ref> For varietal labelling, the wine must also meet federal requirements regarding grape composition. Nested AVAs allow producers to specify increasingly precise origins, such as “[[Sonoma Valley]]” within the larger “[[Sonoma County]]” AVA. The system offers transparency to consumers while allowing flexibility for winemakers.

== Significance in American Wine ==
AVAs have become central to the identity of American wine, helping to highlight regional diversity and promote international recognition.<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., 2019.</ref> Prominent examples include Napa Valley in [[California]], [[Willamette Valley]] in [[Oregon]], and the [[Finger Lakes]] in [[New York]]. The system has also provided a means of comparison with European appellations, though its emphasis on geography rather than production rules reflects the distinct character of U.S. wine regulation.

== See also ==
* [[Napa Valley]]  
* [[United States wine]]  
* [[Appellation]]  

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Wine regions]]  
[[Category:American wine]]