West Elks AVA
| Wine region | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 2001[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | Colorado |
| Other regions in Colorado | Grand Valley AVA |
| Climate region | Continental |
| Total area | 48,000 acres (19,425 ha)[2][3] |
| Grapes produced | Riesling, Pinot noir, Chambourcin, Pinot gris, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Merlot, Cabernet Franc[4] |
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 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.[4]
There are around a dozen wineries/vineyards in the West Elks.[3]
References[]
- ^ "§ 9.172 West Elks" (Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9 — American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C — Approved American Viticultural Areas). Code of Federal Regulations. September 7, 2009. Retrieved February 1, 2008.
- ^ "American Viticultural Areas by State". Wine Institute. 2008. Archived from the original on January 27, 2008.
- ^ a b "Colorado's Unique American Viticultural Areas". Colorado Wine. 2019. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
- ^ a b "West Elks (AVA): Appellation Profile". Appellation America. 2007. Archived from the original on March 24, 2016. Retrieved February 1, 2008.
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- American Viticultural Areas
- Colorado wine
- Geography of Delta County, Colorado
- 2001 establishments in Colorado
- Wine region stubs