The Rocky Knob AVA is the strangest appellation in Virginia.

First, although it is the smallest AVA by acreage, it is home to one of the two largest wineries in the state by production volume. Chateau Morrisette produces more than 60,000 cases per year, and their Black Dog blend is the single most popular wine label in the state.

Second, it is too cold to grow vitas vinifera — the common European grapevine. So almost all the grapes planted here are native species, such as Niagra. This means that the AVA’s two wineries get most of their grapes from other regions of the state. You won’t see “Rocky Knob” branded on many bottles. If anyone wants to argue that AVAs mean nothing in Virginia, they can look to Rocky Knob as their first piece of evidence.

If you’re curious to see the official written description of Rocky Knob’s boundaries, click here.