Lancaster Valley AVA
| Wine region | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 1982 |
| Years of wine industry | 199 |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | Pennsylvania |
| Other regions in Pennsylvania | Central Delaware Valley AVA, Cumberland Valley AVA, Lake Erie AVA, Lehigh Valley AVA |
| Climate region | Region III |
| Heat units | 3100 GDD |
| Precipitation (annual average) | 41 in (1,000 mm) Snow: 5 in (13 cm) |
| Soil conditions | Derived from limestone, including Conestoga, Beekmantown, Conococheague and Elbrook Limestones, and Ledger and Vintage dolomites |
| Total area | 225,000 acres (352 sq mi) |
| Size of planted vineyards | 400 acres (160 ha) |
| No. of vineyards | 9 |
| Grapes produced | Cabernet Franc, Catawba, Cayuga, Chambourcin, Chancellor, Chardonnay, De Chaunac, Merlot, Niagara, Riesling, Seyval blanc, Vidal Blanc, Vignoles |
| No. of wineries | 10 |
Lancaster Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in Lancaster and Chester counties of southeastern Pennsylvania, centered around the city of Lancaster. The area was established on May 11, 1982, by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Mr. R. Martin Keen, proprietor of Conestoga Vineyards in Lancaster, on behalf of local vintners proposing a viticultural area named "Lancaster Valley."
The name Lancaster Valley is utilized by the Pennsylvania and United States Geological Surveys to describe the region in this viticultural area. The valley is located almost entirely within Lancaster County, founded in 1718, and Lancaster is the name of the largest city, founded in 1729, within the county and viticultural area.
Lancaster Valley is approximately 31 mi (50 km) long by 12 mi (19 km) wide, and contains about 225,000 acres (352 sq mi) cultivating about 400 acres (160 ha) under vine. Climate was not a factor in differentiating the Lancaster Valley viticultural area from surrounding areas. The valley is one of the most fertile agricultural areas in Pennsylvania, and features rich topsoil over limestone bedrock. It has a hot-summer humid continental climate (Dfa) and is located in hardiness zone 7a.