Pinot Law

The TTB announced late last week that it was expanding the footprint for two West Coast AVAs — San Francisco and Alexander Valley — and establishing a new AVA in Lehigh Pennsylvania. Wines and Vines has a good summary of all three approvals here.

What I find most interesting, however, is that TTB had put a hold on AVA processing last November. Last week’s action represents the first movement in this area since TTB instituted its rulemaking proceeding late last year regarding proposed changes to how it reviews and approves AVAs. It remains unclear how TTB will ultimately rule in its AVA proceeding, although the indications are that the AVA approval process could get more strict.

We will keep you posted, but in the meantime, keep your eye peeled for wine from the newest AVA region in Lehigh, Pennsylvania!