AVA stands for

• A. A measure of sugar in grape juice
• B. The year the grapes are harvested
• C. American viticultural area. Designated wine producing areas in the US
• D. The process of pouring wine

Answer: (C)

AVA stands for American Viticultural Area, a federally defined wine grape–growing region in the United States. These areas have precisely defined boundaries approved by the federal government, specifically the TTB. Using an AVA on a label signals that a substantial portion of the grapes came from that particular region, helping communicate how local climate, soils, and terrain—terroir—can influence the wine’s character. It also lets producers differentiate wines by origin and gives consumers a sense of place.

The other options aren’t related to origin labeling: a measure of sugar in grape juice points to Brix, the harvest year is the vintage, and the process of pouring wine refers to decanting or simply pouring.