North Fork of Roanoke AVA

North Fork of Roanoke
Wine region
TypeAmerican Viticultural Area
Year established1983
Years of wine industry265
CountryUnited States
Part ofVirginia
Other regions in VirginiaMiddleburg AVA, Monticello AVA, Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace AVA, Rocky Knob AVA, Shenandoah Valley AVA, Virginia's Eastern Shore AVA, Virginia Peninsula AVA
Climate regionRegion II
Heat units2800 GDD
Precipitation (annual average)39.5 inches (1,003.3 mm)
Soil conditionsFrederick and Poplimento soils with limestone characteristics
Total area1,200 acres (1.9 sq mi)
Size of planted vineyards49 acres (20 ha)
No. of vineyards5
Grapes producedAlicante Bouschet, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Norton, Riesling, Sangiovese, Syrah, Traminette, Vidal Blanc, Viognier
No. of wineries2

North Fork of Roanoke is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located on the eastern slopes of the Allegheny Mountains in the Roanoke and Montgomery counties of Virginia just west of the city of Roanoke. The appellation area was established by the Treasury's, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) on May 16, 1983. The North Fork valley stretches 22 miles (35 km) along the Roanoke River with surrounding hillsides where vineyards reside between 1,200 to 2,200 feet (366–671 m) above sea level. The approximately 1,200 acres (1.9 sq mi) area is named for its position on the North Fork river, before it converges with the South Fork to form the Roanoke River. Many of North Fork's 49 acres (20 ha) of vineyards are located on the Allegheny slopes which are part of the larger Blue Ridge mountain range that stretches south into North Carolina. The North Fork AVA weather is characterized by cool, foggy summer mornings and prevailing westerly winds. Karl and Myra Hereford of MJC Vineyard in Blacksburg, Virginia, petitioned the ATF in October 1981 to establish the viticulture area named "North Fork of Roanoke.”