Country United States Area 505.9 km² Part of Lake Erie AVA, Ohio wine | Climate region Continental Year established 1983 | |
Type American Viticultural Area Total area 125,000 acres (50,586 ha) Grapes produced Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Merlot, Niagara, Pinot gris, Pinot noir, Riesling, Vidal blanc | ||
The Grand River Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in portions of the Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties of northeastern Ohio. The wine appellation includes all the land that is contained within the larger, multi-state Lake Erie AVA that is also within 2 miles (3.2 km) of the Grand River or 14 miles (22.5 km) of the shoreline of Lake Erie.
Contents
Like the Mosel, Bordeaux and the Sonoma/Russian River Valley, the gently rolling landscape of the Grand River Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) benefits from a climate moderated by the thermal effects of a large body of water, in this case, Lake Erie to the north.
Geography and climate
The Valley's contours promote the effective circulation of warmer air, reducing the threat of frost in the spring and extending the growing season so the grapes are able to ripen to perfection. These gentle slopes also help carry away the rainwater from the vine roots so that the vines don't absorb an overabundance of water that could dilute the concentration of flavor, sugar and other quality attributes. The micro-climate is characterized by warm, sunny days and cool nights.
Grapes and wines
The Grand River Valley AVA produces wines from Chardonnay, Pinot gris, Riesling, Pinot noir and Cabernet Franc grapes.