Dahlonega Plateau AVA
| Wine region | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 2018 |
| Years of wine industry | 33 |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | Georgia |
| Other regions in Georgia | Upper Hiwassee Highlands AVA |
| Growing season | 190-200 days |
| Climate region | Region III-IV |
| Heat units | 1503-3100 GDD |
| Precipitation (annual average) | 62.34 in (1,583.44 mm) |
| Soil conditions | Derived from muscovite, schists, metasandstones, calcareous, muscovite quartzite, aluminous schist, gneisses |
| Total area | 133 sq mi (85,120 acres) |
| Size of planted vineyards | 110 acres (45 ha) |
| No. of vineyards | 9 |
| Grapes produced | Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Norton(Cynthiana), Merlot, Muscadine, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sangiovese, Touriga Nacional, Vidal Blanc |
| No. of wineries | 7 |
Dahlonega Plateau (pronounced ‘duh-lah-neeguh’) is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in the state of Georgia's northern region across portions of Lumpkin and White Counties. The state's 2nd appellation was recognized on July 30, 2018 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by Amy Booker, president of the Dahlonega–Lumpkin Chamber & Visitors Bureau, on behalf of the Vineyard and Winery Operators of the Dahlonega Region of Northern Georgia group, proposing the establishment of the AVA to be designated "Dahlonega Plateau."
Dahlonega Plateau derives its name from a long, narrow, northeast-southwest trending plateau in the northern foothills of the Georgia Piedmont known as the Dahlonega Plateau. The plateau covers most of Lumpkin, Dawson, White, Pickens and Cherokee Counties. However, the AVA is limited to the northeastern portion of the plateau, in Lumpkin and White Counties, due to a lack of viticulture in the southwestern region of the plateau, as well topographical and climatic differences. Dahlonega Plateau viticultural area encompasses approximately 133 sq mi (85,120 acres) and is not a sub-region within another AVA. The petition noted that presently there are 7 wineries and 8 commercial vineyards with approximately 110 acres (45 ha) of cultivation and expansion plans of additional 12 acres (5 ha) in the next few years.