Rocky Knob AVA
| Wine region | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 1983 |
| Years of wine industry | 50 |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | Virginia |
| Other regions in Virginia | Appalachian High Country AVA, Middleburg Virginia AVA, Monticello AVA, North Fork of Roanoke AVA, Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace AVA, Shenandoah Valley AVA, Virginia's Eastern Shore AVA, Virginia Peninsula AVA |
| Growing season | 160 days |
| Precipitation (annual average) | 43.10 in (1,095 mm) |
| Soil conditions | silt loam with gravel |
| Total area | 9,000 acres (14 sq mi) |
| Size of planted vineyards | 15 acres (6 ha) |
| No. of vineyards | 3 |
| Grapes produced | Aglianico, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Sangiovese, Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Viognier |
| No. of wineries | 4 |
Rocky Knob is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in a mountainous area in southwest Virginia within portions of Floyd and Patrick counties. It is located on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains west and northwest of the towns of Woolwine and Meadows of Dan astride the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was established on January 11, 1983, as the state's 2nd AVA by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by W.F. Morrisette of Woolwine Winery on behalf of itself and local vintners proposing a viticultural area known as "Rocky Knob."
The viticultural area encompasses 9,000 acres (14 sq mi) and, at the outset, had 15 acres (6 ha) of cultviation under vine. The elevations in Rocky Knob AVA range from 1,600 to 3,574 feet (488–1,089 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 soil is primarily well-drained silt loam and gravel. The vineyards are located in hardiness zones 6b and 7a.
The name Rocky Knob is taken from the mountainous recreational area within the viticultural area boundary. Rocky Knob Recreation Area appears on State maps on both sides of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is the main highway through the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. The community of Tuggle Gap is located at the north boundary and Rock Castle Gap at the southern boundary of the proposed viticultural area. The petition states that the name Rocky Knob has been in existence since prior to 1770 and is a topographical description of the area.