What's an AVA

An AVA is an American viticultural area. That means it has been recognized and defined by Federal regulators to include a specific geographical area as a wine-growing region.AVA’s were first established by law in 1973, the regulations governing them were finalized in 1978 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the regulations became mandatory in 1983.

What does all that mean to wineries and wine-drinkers?

The idea of the AVA was to establish standards to protect consumers and producers alike. The regulations control what a winery needs to do if it wants to label wine as being from an AVA.

The idea of the AVA was to establish standards to protect consumers and producers alike. The regulations control what a winery needs to do if it wants to label wine as being from an AVA. For example, if a wine is described as “Napa Valley” on the label, 85% of the fruit must be grown in that AVA. Further regulations control the use of the names of states (75% within), and counties (75%), multiples (like Napa-Sonoma) and a host of other conditions. To label a wine as “Estate Bottled”, the winery must own or control vineyards in a common AVA from which the grapes come, and must handle the entire process of making and bottling the wine on their own premises.

To label a wine as “Estate Bottled”, the winery must own or control vineyards in a common AVA from which the grapes come, and must handle the entire process of making and bottling the wine on their own premises.

The AVA is not necessarily an indication of quality. The regulations do not allow for the government to test and grade the quality of wine the way they do eggs or meat. It is an indication of where the grapes came from, and generally indicates areas that have historically grown grapes for wine and have a particular defining characteristic. As long as the interested parties in an area can provide the data to persuade the regulators to approve their petition, almost anything can be a designated. The process is long and expensive – you need work from historians, soil experts, meteorologists, lawyers and others to detail the AVA and shepherd your petition through the system. The costs of that add up quickly, but well over 100 AVAs have been designated since the regulations went into effect.

Wine-drinkers benefit by that protection as well. The AVA regulations allow the consumer to buy with confidence, knowing that wine that says Napa Valley, actually came from the Napa AVA. No need to wonder where the grapes were actually grown.

The AVA will also allow you to make certain broad characterizations. If you like a particular wine from an AVA and know of several similar ones you have tasted, you might place more confidence in purchasing a similar but unknown wine from that same AVA. Nothing can guarantee satisfaction here, but you may be able to form some general rules for what you find appealing.

Greater NY Wine & Food Expo

I had the opportunity to visit the Greater NY Wine & Food Expo this weekend. It was held at the Double Tree Hotel in Tarrytown. The price of admission was $85 per ticket. Not worth it!

Disappointing is the only word to describe this event. The Double Tree Hotel is undergoing MAJOR renovations and isn't even open. This event was held in the middle of a construction site. The tents were set up on the side of the hotel.

There was no tasting journal supplied, so it was difficult to take notes on what you were tasting. We found that the wine were were tasting was more low end wine. Honestly, there should be a variety of wine available to taste from all price points. Especially for $85.

We found the selection of wine regions limited. There was one selection from New Zealand, one from Chile, California & NY had a few and the rest were mostly Italian. The people pouring the wine were not well educated in what they were pouring. I asked a question about what grapes were used to make the Rose, and the women couldn't even answer me.

We found the food at this event much better than the wine.

Looking at my blog, I am sorry I left everyone hanging. Long Island was very nice. We visited wineries that I haven't visited before like Shinn and Schneider. We visited with our friends Michael & Yancey Migliore owners/winemaker of Whitecliff Vineyard here in the Hudson Valley. We got an incredible tour at Shinn. If you are out on Long Island that is a definite stop!
The other picture is of us at Watercrest Winery. This winery we were pleasantly surprised. It's located in a strip shopping plaza. When we walked in nobody was there so we poked around. In the back we found fermentation tanks, barrels etc... and Jim Waters, owner. Don't let the setting turn you away, make sure you stop in. If you pick up this months copy of the Long Island Wine Press there is an article on Watercrest Winery with a picture of us tasting.

Just got back from Long Island Wine Country. We had a wonderful time! I will write more next week after I catch up.

Debbie

If your wine travels include Napa, don't forget about Goosecross Cellars Basic Wine Class every Saturday from 10:30 - 11:30. Cost is $10 per person.

Goosecross is noted for providing one of the most enjoyable, friendly and informative experiences in the wine country. Plus, you’ll receive:

• A complimentary tasting in our intimate Barrel Cellar after the class.
• The new and updated edition of our guidebook on sensory evaluation to take home and use as a reference for years to come.

Sicily....On The Table....

We have a great food and wine tour of Sicily. You'll get enjoy Sicily the real way, no crowds, mix of great food & wine and historical sites. Look for the itinerary in our next newsletter. Grab your friends...best price is for a group of 4, 6, or 10 people. Trips are available November 1, 2006 - March 31, 2006 excluding holidays.

I am working on a itinerary for a wine and food tour of Sicily. Look for the details coming in the next newsletter.