KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (RFD News) — Tennessee agriculture leaders are spotlighting the state’s growing wine industry following the designation of a new American Viticultural Area (AVAs) in East Tennessee.
The state is now home to four federally recognized AVAs, with the newest designation known as the “Nine Lakes of East Tennessee.”
An AVA is a defined grape-growing region recognized for unique characteristics such as geography, climate, soil, and elevation that can influence how grapes grow and help shape the character of wine produced in the area.
State agriculture officials say the latest designation marks a major step forward for Tennessee’s wine and grape industry.
They also hope the new AVA designation helps generate additional tourism, wine sales, and agricultural investment across the region.
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