Year established 1983, amended 1987 Part of Virginia Precipitation (annual average) 43.1 inches | Country United States Climate region Maritime Area 36.42 km² | |
Type American Viticultural Area | ||
The Rocky Knob AVA is an American Viticultural Area in a mountainous area east of the Blue Ridge Parkway in southwest Virginia. The AVA includes portions of Floyd and Patrick counties. The area is located on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the towns of Woolwine and Meadows of Dan and astride the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was established in 1983 and encompasses 9,000 acres (36 km2). The soil is primarily loam and gravel and is well-drained. Rocky Knob AVA was named for the eponymously named mountainous recreational area located within the AVA.
Climate
The elevations in the Rocky Knob AVA range from 1,600 feet (490 m) to 3,574 feet (1,089 m) above sea level. Strong winds at these elevations help protect grapes from fungus and mildew conditions. The average rainfall is 43.10 inches (1,095 mm) per year. The vineyards are located in hardiness zones 6b and 7a.