Martha's Vineyard AVA
| Wine region | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 1985 |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | Massachusetts, Southeastern New England AVA |
| Growing season | 210 days |
| Climate region | Region Ib |
| Heat units | 2,450 GDD units |
| Precipitation (annual average) | 44 in (1,100 mm) |
| Soil conditions | well drained sand and sandy loam |
| Total area | 64,000 acres (100 sq mi) |
| Size of planted vineyards | 50 acres (20 ha) |
| Grapes produced | Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Merlot, Pinot Noir, White Riesling |
Martha's Vineyard is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in Dukes County, Massachusetts, including all of the land on the islands named Martha's Vineyard and Chappaquiddick Island. These two islands are located off the southern Massachusetts coast, surrounded by Vineyard Sound, Nantucket Sound, and the Atlantic Ocean. It was established on January 3, 1985, by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Mr. George Mathiesen, co-owner of Chicama Vineyards, West Tisbury, Massachusetts, on behalf of themselves, proposing a viticultural area known as "Martha's Vineyard."
The 1983 AVA proposal was controversial receiving objections during public comments period from the proprietors of a well established and renown Napa Valley vineyard also named "Martha's Vineyard" claiming the creation of an AVA with the same name would dilute their brand value. The island was named in 1602 and has been known by no other name at least since 1640. Although the "Martha" for whom the island was named remains a mystery, the vineyard referred to the proliferation of native American grape vines which grow on the island. Federal regulators ruled in favor of the AVA, citing historical evidence that viticulture has been practiced on the Massachusetts island named Martha's Vineyard since at least 1602.
The maritime location helps to create a slightly warmer climate than the nearby coastal regions of Massachusetts, and a growing season that is almost three weeks longer. The first Martha's Vineyard wines, Chardonnay and White Riesling, were produced in 1974 and sold in 1975. At the outset, there were 50 acres (20 ha) of bearing commercial vineyards on Martha's Vineyard. All grapes grown commercially were Vinifera varieties, primarily Chardonnay, White Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. The hardiness zone is 7a. In 2008, the island's sole vineyard and winery, Chicama Vineyards, closed its doors and the new owners converted the property to raise horses. As of 2025, there is no resident commercial vineyard or winery on the island.