The West Elks AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in Delta County, Colorado, near the town of Paonia. The highest altitude vineyards in the northern hemisphere are planted in the West Elks AVA. Located within the Rocky Mountains of west central Colorado, vineyards in the AVA range from 5,400 to 6,400 feet (1,646 to 1,951 m) above sea level. The surrounding mountains limit access to the area.