TTB: Proposes AVA In Fresno County & Allowing 2-State Production & Finishing

The following summarizes press announcements of two recent TTB Proposals and a final AVA ruling.

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 TTB Proposal to allow Two-State Production And labeling

Wines labeled with an American Viticultural Area (AVA) name as an appellation of origin could be fully finished in any State adjacent to the State in which the AVA is located. Current TTB regulations require a wine labeled with an AVA name as an appellation of origin to be fully finished within the State in which the labeled AVA is located.

The proposal would provide greater flexibility in wine production and labeling while still ensuring that consumers are provided with adequate information as to the identity of the wines they purchase. TTB permits the use of viticultural area names as appellations of origin on wine labels so that vintners may better describe the origin of their wines and consumers may better identify the wines they may purchase.
TTB is issuing this proposed regulation in response to requests from wine industry members with operations in northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington.

Full Announcement PDF: TTB Proposes Change to the Use of Viticultural Area Names Regulations

Fresno County: Squaw Valley-Miramonte Viticultural Area

To establish the approximately 44,690-acre “Squaw Valley–Miramonte” American viticultural area in Fresno County, California. Proposal in response to a petition filed on behalf of the Squaw Valley Grape Growers Group.

Full Announcement PDF: Proposed Establishment of Squaw Valley-Miramonte Viticultural Area

Oregon: “The Rocks District of Milton–Freewater” Viticultural Area

Final rule in Federal Register establishing the 3,770-acre “The Rocks District of Milton–Freewater” American viticultural area (27 CFR 9.249). Located in Umatilla County, Oregon, The Rocks District of Milton–Freewater viticultural area is entirely within the Walla Walla Valley viticultural area , which, in turn, is within the Columbia Valley viticultural area .

Full Announcement PDF: TTB Establishes “The Rocks District of Milton–Freewater” Viticultural Area