Nashoba Valley Earns Federal Recognition as American Viticultural Area (AVA)

Milestone designation places region among the nation’s premier wine-growing areas

NASHOBA VALLEY, MA — The Nashoba Valley has officially been designated an American Viticultural Area (AVA), marking a historic achievement for the region’s growing wine industry. This federal recognition affirms the area’s distinct climate, geography, and soil composition—collectively known as terroir—capable of producing uniquely exceptional grapes.

The Nashoba Valley AVA now joins the ranks of renowned wine regions such as Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley, placing it firmly on the national wine map. It is also one of only three AVAs in Massachusetts, alongside Martha's Vineyard and the Southeastern New England AVA.

For Aaronap Cellars, the designation is especially meaningful. The winery’s Chace Hill Vineyard lies at the heart of the newly established AVA, further validating what the team has long known: this land produces distinctive, high-quality wines.

“We’ve always believed Chace Hill Vineyard is something special,” said Winemaker Noel Powell. “Now, it has the federal recognition to match. This is an exciting moment not just for us, but for the entire Nashoba Valley wine community.”

Aaronap Cellars produces several wines sourced from Chace Hill Vineyard that showcase the character of the region:

• Chace Hill Red – A blend of Marquette and Arandell grapes, offering bold complexity and a reflection of the region’s cold-hardy terroir. A limited quantity of the 2019 vintage remains available.
• Liberty White – Crafted from estate-grown Itasca and Cayuga grapes, this crisp and aromatic white captures the vibrancy of a Nashoba Valley harvest. A new vintage is expected in Summer 2026.
• Marquette Rosé – A bright, fruit-forward rosé that expresses the essence of summer in the Nashoba Valley. A new vintage is anticipated in 2027.
• Arandell – A forthcoming single-varietal release highlighting grapes unique to the vineyard, debuting Summer 2026.

Consumers are encouraged to experience the Nashoba Valley AVA firsthand by visiting local farm markets or scheduling a private tasting at Aaronap Cellars. Tastings are available Fridays through Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Reservations can be made online.

For more information, visit Aaronap Cellars.