What is an AVA (American Viticultural Area)?

Ever spotted "Napa Valley AVA" on a wine label? Let's dive into the world of AVAs and why they might (or might not) matter to your wine experience.

What's an AVA?

AVA stands for American Viticultural Area - a designated wine grape-growing region in the United States. It's America's way of saying, "These grapes have a hometown!"

Quick AVA Facts

1. The 85% Rule: 85% of grapes must be from the AVA to use its name. Note: if the wine is so specific that it lists a specific vineyard, 95% of the grapes must come from that vineyard.
2. The 75% Rule: If a grape name is listed on the label, 75% of the wine must be from said grape. The other 25% of the wine can be comprised of any other grape(s). Note: This applies to State AVAs (e.g. California, Washington, Oregon). If the AVA is any more specific (e.g. North Coast or County AVA) the listed grape on the label must make up 85% of the wine. Some AVAs choose to go higher than this and enforce the 100% rule at the county AVA level. 
3. Democratic Process: Anyone can petition for a new AVA.
4. Unique Characteristics: Each AVA has distinct growing conditions.
5. No Size Limits: AVAs can be as large as a state or as small as a few acres.

Example: Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California, 2018: The wine must be at least 75% Chardonnay, with at least 75% of the Chardonnay grapes sourced entirely from Napa Valley. Additionally, 100% of the grapes used to produce the wine must be from California, and 95% of the grapes must be from the 2018 harvest (85% if a multi county AVA like North Coast).

Why AVAs Can Be Cool

1. Origin Assurance: Know where your wine's grapes really come from.
2. Flavor Exploration: Different AVAs can produce unique taste profiles.
3. Support Local: Allows you to know if your supporting local (if you know your local AVAs).
4. Wine Knowledge: Adds an interesting layer to your wine experience and can make wine buying fun if you get nerdy about it.

The Flip Side: When AVAs Don't Tell the Whole Story

1. Size Variations: Some AVAs are huge, leading to significant differences within the region so you can't really pin down any commonality that will guarantee you'll like one producer's wine from the other.
2. Beyond Location: Winemaker skill and vineyard practices matter too (and this might be more important than any other aspect).
3. Producer Knowledge: Knowing specific wineries that make wine you enjoy is usually more reliable than just the AVA.
4. Vineyard Specifics: Single-vineyard wines often outshine broader AVA designations when in the hands of a competent winemaker. Yes, where the grapes grow matter. All plants prefer their certain climates and soils.
5. Innovation: Great wines come from unexpected places and techniques and new wine regions (that aren't yet appellated) are popping up here and there.
6. Personal Preference: Your taste buds are the ultimate judge.

Finding Your Way

1. Use AVAs as a starting point, not the final word.
2. Research producers and their reputations -- remember the producers you really like.
3. Once you try a specific vineyard wine, try another wine from the same vineyard but different producer and see if there is any commonality between the two structurally or flavor-wise.
4. Super important: Build a relationship with a local wine shop for personalized recommendations.
5. Trust your own taste and keep mental or physical notes on wines you love.
6. Shop small! Small producer wine is almost always more interesting that super market, commoditized wine. And no, shopping small doesn't mean spending big. Small winemakers produce wine at the same price points as the large companies do. With the exception of $5 bottles -- that's rare and really, a bottle of wine cannot be that cheap while also maintaining quality and turning a profit for anyone. Here's why.

Remember, the joy of wine is in the exploration. AVAs are one tool in your wine-discovery toolkit, but don't be afraid to venture beyond them. Your next favorite bottle might come from where you least expect!