Yadkin Valley AVA
| Wine region | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 2003 |
| Years of wine industry | 175 |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | North Carolina |
| Other regions in North Carolina | Appalachian High Country AVA, Haw River Valley AVA, Upper Hiwassee Highlands AVA, Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA |
| Sub-regions | Swan Creek AVA |
| Growing season | 176 days |
| Climate region | Region IV |
| Heat units | 3743 GDD |
| Precipitation (annual average) | 46.22 in (1,173.99 mm) |
| Soil conditions | Clayey or fine-loamy |
| Total area | 1,416,600 acres (2,213 sq mi) |
| Size of planted vineyards | 350 acres (142 ha) |
| Grapes produced | Aleatico, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Malbec, Malvasia, Merlot, Montepulciano, Muscat Canelli, Nebbiolo, Niagara, Petit Verdot, Pinot gris, Pinot noir, Riesling, Sangiovese, Vidal Blanc, Traminette, Cynthiana/Norton, Sauvignon blanc, Seyval blanc, Syrah, Vermentino, Viognier |
| No. of wineries | 45+ |
Yadkin Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) expanding across seven counties of northwestern North Carolina encompassing approximately 1,416,600 acres (2,213 sq mi) in the Yadkin River Valley. The appellation includes all of Wilkes, Surry, and Yadkin counties, and portions of Davie, Davidson, Forsyth, and Stokes counties. It was recognized on February 7, 2003, by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Patricia McRitchie of McRitchie Associates, LLC, on behalf of Shelton Vineyards, Inc., Dobson, North Carolina, to establish the initial viticultural area within the State of North Carolina, to be known as "Yadkin Valley." At the time, there were over 30 growers cultivating approximately 350 acres (142 ha) and three bonded wineries with at least two others under construction.
In 2008, Swan Creek was established as the state's 2nd AVA, encompassing 96,000 acres (150 sq mi) with 60 percent of its northern region within the Yadkin Valley viticultural area and the remaining 40 percent extending beyond its southern boundary. The AVA shared its name with the unincorporated community of Swan Creek in Yadkin County.