West Elks AVA

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West Elks AVA (Wine Region)
Appellation type American Viticultural Area
Year established 2001[1]
Country USA
Part of Colorado
Total area 48,000 acres (19,425 ha)[2]
Grapes produced Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Merlot, Riesling[3]
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The West Elks AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in Delta County, Colorado, near the town of Paonia. The highest altitude vineyards in the northern hemisphere are planted in the West Elks AVA. Located within the Rocky Mountains of west central Colorado, vineyards in the AVA range from 5,400 feet (1,646 m) to 6,400 feet (1,951 m) above sea level. The surrounding mountains limit access to the area, and the only roads into the West Elks AVA cross mountain passes of at least 11,000 feet (3,353 m) elevation.[3]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Code of Federal Regulations. "§ 9.172 West Elks." Title 27: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Part 9 — American Viticultural Areas; Subpart C — Approved American Viticultural Areas. Retrieved Feb. 1, 2008.
  2. ^ Wine Institute, The (2008). "American Viticultural Areas by State". Retrieved Feb. 1, 2008.
  3. ^ a b Appellation America (2007). "West Elks (AVA): Appellation Description". Retrieved Feb. 1, 2008.
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