For a wine labeled with an AVA designation, what percentage of grapes must come from that AVA?

When a wine is labeled with an American Viticultural Area (AVA) designation, it indicates that a significant portion of the grapes used to produce the wine must come from the designated region. Specifically, regulations state that at least 85% of the grapes must be sourced from the AVA identified on the label. This requirement ensures that the wine truly reflects the characteristics and terroir of the specified region, providing consumers with a genuine representation of the area’s viticultural identity.

This percentage helps to maintain the integrity of the AVA system, allowing consumers to make informed choices based on the regional profiles of various wines. While some other labeling practices have different percentage requirements—such as 75% for varietal labeling—85% is specifically mandated for AVA designation, reinforcing the importance of authenticity in wine production.