West Elks AVA
The West Elks AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in Delta County, Colorado in and around the towns of Cedaredge, Hotchkiss and Paonia. It is one of two AVA's in the state. Some of the highest altitude vineyards in the northern hemisphere are planted within the West Elks AVA. Located within the North Fork Valley of the Rocky Mountains in west central Colorado, vineyards in the AVA range from 5,400 to 6,400 feet (1,646 to 1,951 m) above sea level. The surrounding mountains limit access to the area resulting in a far more secluded wine industry. Especially when compared to its nearby neighbor to the northwest, the Grand Valley AVA.[3]
| Wine region | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 2001[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | Colorado |
| Climate region | Continental |
| Total area | 48,000 acres (19,425 ha)[2] |
| Grapes produced | Riesling, Pinot noir, Chambourcin, Pinot gris, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Merlot, Cabernet Franc[3] |
There are around a dozen wineries/vineyards in the West Elks AVA.
References
- Code of Federal Regulations. "§ 9.172 West Elks." Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9 — American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C — Approved American Viticultural Areas. Retrieved Feb. 1, 2008.
- Wine Institute, The (2008). "American Viticultural Areas by State". Retrieved Feb. 1, 2008.
- Appellation America (2007). "West Elks (AVA): Appellation Description". Retrieved Feb. 1, 2008.
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