The North Fork valley stretches 22 miles (35 km) along the Roanoke River with surrounding hillsides where vineyards reside between 1,200 to 2,200 feet (366–671 m) above sea level.

Today, Virginia Tech operates its experimental vineyard in the Valley of the North Fork, including varietals trials of advanced breeding lines from other states.

Other vineyards are emerging on the North Fork, with wine producing cultivars of vitis vinifera and European hybrids replacing American varieties.

[1] Vineyards range from 1,200 to 2,200 feet (370–670 m) above sea level where cooler temperatures and diurnal shifts contribute to the grapes acidity and complex flavors.

[6] The micro climate for grape production in the viticultural area is excellent due largely to the protection the valley derives from its location between two high ranging, parallel and northwest facing mountain ridges.

The mountains protect the valley and its southeast facing slopes from destructive storms and limit excessive rainfall in the growing season.

Westerly breezes that flow though the valley provide a refreshing influence in the growing season and also help to dry the canopy in the summer, reducing the risk of fungal vine diseases.

Morning fog in the summer helps to moderate the effects of warm sunshine as well, resulting in a balance of phenols and acidity in the finished wines.

[1] North Fork of Roanoke wines gained recognition for their distinctive flavor and complexity from fruit grown in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.