An American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a designated wine grape-growing region in the United States distinguishable by geographic features, with boundaries defined by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) of the United States Department of the Treasury. The Appalachian High Country AVA is a large 2,400-square-mile area spanning eight counties and three states. One of the things that sets the Appalachian High Country AVA apart from surrounding areas is its elevation. Grapes are planted at elevations between 2,290 and 4,630 feet. More than half of the vineyards are located at or above 3,000 feet in elevation. In addition, more than half of the vineyards are planted on slopes with angles 30 degrees or more.