Southeastern New England AVA

Created: 1984

Size: 1,875,200 acres total (38,850 ha)

Climate: Moderate maritime with a slight continental influence inland

Soils: Silt and loam

First planted: early 1800s

This AVA spans 13 counties in three states: Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. It includes all of the coastal islands (including the famous Martha's Vineyard, which has its own independent AVA) and a wide coastal plain within 15 miles of the coast.

The surrounding bodies of water, namely Long Island Sound, Cape Cod Bay, and Massachusetts Bay, are the major mitigating factors here keeping the region moderate. The Atlantic Gulf Stream brings warm waters from Florida, resulting in a much longer growing season than regions farther inland. Humidity is high, so most vineyards are planted on slopes to take advantage of coastal breezes and frost risk reduction.

Irrigation is typically not necessary, as the silty, loamy soils here retain water well. Cooler-climate V. vinifera varieties can do very well in most of the areas within this AVA. Chardonnay, Riesling, Vidal, and Pinot Noir are the region’s most important grapes.