Developing and Proposed Wine Regions: The Next Wave of AVAs
This week, we’re highlighting some lesser-known, but rapidly growing, wine regions in the United States. While California, Oregon, and Washington often steal the spotlight, new AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) and emerging proposals are reshaping the wine map. From Arizona’s high desert to the rolling hills of Massachusetts, these areas are gaining traction thanks to climate adaptation, changing tourism patterns, and an increasing thirst for regional character in wine.
Let’s dive into the exciting AVAs already shaping the future and those waiting in the wings!
What Is an AVA?
The American Viticultural Area (AVA) system was established in 1979 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), responding to growing consumer interest in the origin of their wines. Before then, wines were labeled only by state or county such as "California Red" or "Napa County White." The AVA system created a more precise way to define the unique geography, climate, and soils of specific winegrowing areas.
The very first AVA? Augusta, Missouri, designated in 1980 based on its early winemaking history and documentation predating Prohibition. Today, there are over 270 AVAs across the U.S., with more than half located in California. But many smaller or developing regions are now pushing into the spotlight.
Verde Valley, Arizona (Proposed)
Location: 90 minutes north of Phoenix, near Sedona
Wineries & Vineyards: 11 wineries, 24 vineyards
Notable Grapes: Tempranillo, Grenache, Syrah
Arizona might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of wine, but the Verde Valley is changing that. Spanish explorers recognized the region’s potential in the 1500s, and vineyards thrived here until Prohibition. Today, the proposed AVA is home to a thriving wine trail and the Southwest Wine Center at Yavapai College, the only enology and viticulture program in the state.
Why Verde Valley?
Tourism in Arizona has soared, and the Verde Valley offers a picturesque stop between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon. With warm days, cool nights, and growing interest in Spanish and Rhône varietals, this region is poised for a breakout.
Snake River Valley, Idaho & Oregon (Approved 2007)
Location: Southwestern Idaho and parts of eastern Oregon
Wineries: 60+ across the broader region
Notable Grapes: Syrah, Viognier, Riesling
The Snake River Valley AVA is a high-desert wine region with volcanic soils and dramatic diurnal shifts, ideal for balancing sugar and acidity. Though it received AVA status in 2007, the region’s winemaking roots stretch back to the 1800s. Today, it’s Idaho’s most prominent wine region and a rising star in the Pacific Northwest.
Why Snake River Valley?
Cool-climate Rhône and Germanic varietals thrive here, and the region’s affordability and lower land costs are attracting new winemakers looking to experiment and expand.
Texas Hill Country (Approved 1991)
Location: Between Austin and San Antonio
Wineries: Over 60
Notable Grapes: Tempranillo, Viognier, Mourvèdre
Everything’s bigger in Texas....including its AVAs. The Texas Hill Country AVA spans over 9 million acres, making it the third-largest in the U.S. A mix of limestone soils, hot days, and cool nights make it especially friendly to Mediterranean grapes. The region’s proximity to Austin and San Antonio adds to its tourism appeal.
Why Texas Hill Country?
Texas is the fifth-largest wine-producing state in the U.S. and is seeing serious investment from both U.S. and international wine players. With land more affordable than Napa or Paso, wineries like Llano Estacado and Serrano Wine (from Paso Robles) are expanding into the area.
Also worth watching:
- Llano Uplift AVA (Proposed) – 1.3 million acres inside Hill Country
- Hickory Sands AVA (Proposed) – Located in the northwest section of Llano Uplift
Nashoba Valley, Massachusetts (Proposed)
Location: About an hour northwest of Boston
Wineries: 2
Notable Grapes: Albariño, Marquette, Lemberger, Cabernet Franc
Massachusetts is better known for cranberries and cider, but the proposed Nashoba Valley AVA is pushing back on that image. With a warm-enough climate for hardy grapes and growing agritourism in the area, local producers are experimenting with a wide range of varietals, from cool-climate whites to early-ripening reds.
Why Nashoba Valley?
As perceptions shift away from sweet fruit wines, Massachusetts winemakers are embracing Vitis vinifera and hybrid varieties to create wines with structure, minerality, and a strong sense of place.
Lake Erie AVA (Approved 1983)
Location: Covers parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York
Wineries: 21
Notable Grapes: Concord, Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc
Lake Erie is the largest AVA east of the Rockies, with a winemaking history dating back to the 1800s. While Concord grapes still dominate for juice and jelly (hello, Welch’s), quality wine grape production is expanding. Producers are focusing on more refined varietals like Riesling and Cabernet Franc, driven by improved vineyard practices and changing consumer preferences.
Why Lake Erie?
Wineries here are diversifying and adapting to climate shifts. Combined with increasing tourism infrastructure, the region is positioning itself as more than just a juice grape powerhouse.
Proposed AVAs Within Existing Ones
In regions like California and Washington, several smaller, highly specific AVAs have been proposed to better reflect unique microclimates and soil conditions. These include:
- Mount St. Helena / Lake County, CA – Ideal for Petite Sirah
- Collayomi Valley, CA – Focus on Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Franc
- Freestone-Occidental, CA – Coastal Sonoma region adjacent to Russian River
- Beverly, WA – Located in Columbia Valley, ideal for Bordeaux reds
These micro-AVAs represent the increasing precision and terroir-driven approach winemakers are taking as the U.S. wine industry matures.
Final Thoughts
As climate change reshapes traditional wine maps and consumer curiosity grows, lesser-known and developing AVAs are stepping into the spotlight. From Arizona’s high desert to the rolling green hills of New England, these regions tell a story of resilience, rediscovery, and innovation.
Whether you’re planning a wine country getaway or looking to try something new in your glass, keep an eye on these emerging regions. They just might be your next favorite sip. Want to explore wines from these emerging AVAs? Stop by the shop, we’re happy to guide you toward something unexpected and delicious!