Elkton Oregon AVA facts for kids
| Wine region | |
Map of the Elkton Oregon AVA Courtesy of the Oregon WineBoard
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| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 2013 |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | Oregon, Umpqua Valley AVA |
| Other regions in Oregon, Umpqua Valley AVA | Red Hill Douglas County, Oregon AVA |
| Soil conditions | Residual clay and/or silt loam |
| Total area | 74,900 acres (30,311 ha) |
| Size of planted vineyards | 305 acres (123 ha) |
| No. of vineyards | 12 |
| Varietals produced | Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Gewürztraminer, Riesling. |
| No. of wineries | 5 |
The Elkton Oregon AVA is a special area in Oregon where grapes are grown to make wine. AVA stands for American Viticultural Area. It means the United States government has officially recognized this place as unique for growing grapes. The Elkton Oregon AVA was created in 2013. It is located in and around the town of Elkton, Oregon.
This wine region covers about 74,900 acres (30,311 hectares). It was the 17th AVA to be established in Oregon. The Elkton Oregon AVA is completely inside two larger wine regions: the Umpqua Valley AVA and the much bigger Southern Oregon AVA. These areas are generally warmer than other wine regions in northern Oregon.
A Special Place for Grapes
The land and weather in Elkton Oregon make it perfect for growing certain types of grapes. This area is known for its unique conditions.
The Land and Soil
Elkton Oregon is the northernmost part of the Umpqua Valley. It also has the lowest elevation. This means it's not as high up as other places in the valley.
The soil here is mostly made of clay or silt loam. These soils are good for grapes because they hold water well. Some areas also have small to large rocks and pebbles.
Weather for Wine
The climate in Elkton Oregon is cooler than the rest of the Umpqua Valley. However, it has a milder and longer growing season. This means the grapes have more time to ripen slowly.
The area also gets a lot more rain each year, about 50 inches (127 cm). This extra rain helps the grapevines grow strong and healthy.
Grapes Grown Here
Several types of grapes grow well in the Elkton Oregon AVA. The most common ones are Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Gewürztraminer, and Riesling. These grapes are used to make different kinds of wines.
