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Swan Creek AVA is only the second in North Carolina

Ronda, NC, April 30, 2008—The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau of the Department of the Treasury approved the establishment of the Swan Creek region of the Yadkin Valley as an American Viticultural Area effective May 27, 2008.

The Swan Creek AVA is the second AVA in North Carolina, preceded by the Yadkin Valley AVA. Wines made from grapes grown within the geographical boundaries of the Swan Creek AVA may now carry that designation on their labels as well as the Yadkin Valley AVA.

U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx, supporter of the Swan Creek AVA and representative of the district, said, “The approval of the Swan Creek wine region is tremendous news for North Carolina wine makers and the larger agricultural community.  I am confident that this new viticulture area will provide an economic boost to both local vineyards and the people of Wilkes, Yadkin and Iredell Counties.  I look forward to helping North Carolina growers like Raffaldini Vineyards and the associated vineyards of Swan Creek to continue to thrive and create sustainable economic growth in their communities.” 

Chief sponsor of the petition for the AVA, Raffaldini Vineyards, notes that the designation “aides our collective efforts to educate consumers about the quality of Swan Creek wines and what makes them unique from the rest of North Carolina and the Yadkin Valley.”

The Swan Creek AVA encompasses 160-180 sq. miles in Wilkes, Yadkin and Iredell counties. Its proximity to the Brushy Mountains gives Swan Creek a distinct, loamy soil consisting of schist, mica and other minerals as well as a microclimate that make Swan Creek wines unique. There are currently five vineyards located within the Swan Creek AVA: Raffaldini Vineyards in Ronda, N.C. and Laurel Gray Vineyards, Buck Shoals Vineyards, Shadow Springs Vineyard and Dobbins Creek Vineyards in Hamptonville, N.C. Several varietals of vinifera grapes are grown within the Swan Creek AVA, including many traditional and unique French and Italian varietals not widely available in the U.S.