83_FR_14862 83 FR 14795 - Proposed Establishment of the Van Duzer Corridor Viticultural Area and Clarification of the Eola-Amity Hills Viticultural Area Boundary Description

83 FR 14795 - Proposed Establishment of the Van Duzer Corridor Viticultural Area and Clarification of the Eola-Amity Hills Viticultural Area Boundary Description

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 67 (April 6, 2018)

Page Range14795-14801
FR Document2018-07089

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to establish the approximately 59,871-acre ``Van Duzer Corridor'' viticultural area in portions of Polk and Yamhill Counties, Oregon. The proposed viticultural area lies entirely within the existing Willamette Valley viticultural area. TTB also is proposing to clarify the boundary description of the adjacent Eola-Amity Hills viticultural area. TTB designates viticultural areas to allow vintners to better describe the origin of their wines and to allow consumers to better identify wines they may purchase. TTB invites comments on this proposed addition to its regulations.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 67 (Friday, April 6, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 67 (Friday, April 6, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14795-14801]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-07089]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

27 CFR Part 9

[Docket No. TTB-2018-0006; Notice No. 175]
RIN 1513-AC39


Proposed Establishment of the Van Duzer Corridor Viticultural 
Area and Clarification of the Eola-Amity Hills Viticultural Area 
Boundary Description

AGENCY: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Treasury.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to 
establish the approximately 59,871-acre ``Van Duzer Corridor'' 
viticultural area in portions of Polk and Yamhill Counties, Oregon. The 
proposed viticultural area lies entirely within the existing Willamette 
Valley viticultural area. TTB also is proposing to clarify the boundary 
description of the adjacent Eola-Amity Hills viticultural area. TTB 
designates viticultural areas to allow vintners to better describe the 
origin of their wines and to allow consumers to better identify wines 
they may purchase. TTB invites comments on this proposed addition to 
its regulations.

DATES: Comments must be received by June 5, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Please send your comments on this notice to one of the 
following addresses:
     Internet: http://www.regulations.gov (via the online 
comment form for this notice as posted within Docket No. TTB-2018-0006 
at ``Regulations.gov,'' the Federal e-rulemaking portal);
     U.S. Mail: Director, Regulations and Rulings Division, 
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW, Box 12, 
Washington, DC 20005; or
     Hand delivery/courier in lieu of mail: Alcohol and Tobacco 
Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 
20005.
    See the Public Participation section of this notice for specific 
instructions and requirements for submitting comments, and for 
information on how to request a public hearing or view or obtain copies 
of the petition and supporting materials.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen A. Thornton, Regulations and 
Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G 
Street NW, Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; phone 202-453-1039, ext. 175.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background on Viticultural Areas

TTB Authority

    Section 105(e) of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act), 
27 U.S.C. 205(e), authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe 
regulations for the labeling of wine, distilled spirits, and malt 
beverages. The FAA Act provides that these regulations should, among 
other things, prohibit consumer deception and the use of misleading 
statements on labels and ensure that labels provide the consumer with 
adequate information as to the identity and quality of the product. The 
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) administers the FAA Act 
pursuant to section 1111(d) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, 
codified at 6 U.S.C. 531(d). The Secretary has delegated various 
authorities through Treasury Department Order 120-01, dated December 
10, 2013, (superseding Treasury Order 120-01, dated January 24, 2003), 
to the TTB Administrator to perform the functions and duties in the 
administration and enforcement of these provisions.

[[Page 14796]]

    Part 4 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR part 4) authorizes TTB to 
establish definitive viticultural areas and regulate the use of their 
names as appellations of origin on wine labels and in wine 
advertisements. Part 9 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR part 9) sets 
forth standards for the preparation and submission of petitions for the 
establishment or modification of American viticultural areas (AVAs) and 
lists the approved AVAs.

Definition

    Section 4.25(e)(1)(i) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(1)(i)) 
defines a viticultural area for American wine as a delimited grape-
growing region having distinguishing features, as described in part 9 
of the regulations, and a name and a delineated boundary, as 
established in part 9 of the regulations. These designations allow 
vintners and consumers to attribute a given quality, reputation, or 
other characteristic of a wine made from grapes grown in an area to the 
wine's geographic origin. The establishment of AVAs allows vintners to 
describe more accurately the origin of their wines to consumers and 
helps consumers to identify wines they may purchase. Establishment of 
an AVA is neither an approval nor an endorsement by TTB of the wine 
produced in that area.

Requirements

    Section 4.25(e)(2) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(2)) 
outlines the procedure for proposing an AVA and provides that any 
interested party may petition TTB to establish a grape-growing region 
as an AVA. Section 9.12 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 9.12) prescribes 
the standards for petitions for the establishment or modification of 
AVAs. Petitions to establish an AVA must include the following:
     Evidence that the area within the proposed AVA boundary is 
nationally or locally known by the AVA name specified in the petition;
     An explanation of the basis for defining the boundary of 
the proposed AVA;
     A narrative description of the features of the proposed 
AVA affecting viticulture, such as climate, geology, soils, physical 
features, and elevation, that make the proposed AVA distinctive and 
distinguish it from adjacent areas outside the proposed AVA;
     The appropriate United States Geological Survey (USGS) 
map(s) showing the location of the proposed AVA, with the boundary of 
the proposed AVA clearly drawn thereon;
     An explanation of the proposed AVA is sufficiently 
distinct from an existing AVA so as to warrant separate recognition, if 
the proposed AVA is to be established within, or overlapping, an 
existing AVA; and
     A detailed narrative description of the proposed AVA 
boundary based on USGS map markings.

Van Duzer Corridor Petition

    TTB received a petition from Mr. Jeff Havlin, the owner of Havlin 
Vineyard and chair of the Van Duzer Corridor AVA Committee, on behalf 
of himself and other local grape growers and vintners, proposing the 
establishment of the ``Van Duzer Corridor'' AVA.
    The proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA is located in Oregon and covers 
portions of Yamhill and Polk Counties which are north-northwest of the 
city of Salem and northeast of the city of Dallas. The proposed AVA 
lies entirely within the established Willamette Valley AVA (27 CFR 
9.90) and does not overlap any other existing or proposed AVA. The 
proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA covers approximately 59,871 acres and 
contains 6 wineries and 17 commercially-producing vineyards that cover 
a total of approximately 1,000 acres.
    The distinguishing features of the proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA 
are its topography, climate, and soils. Unless otherwise noted, all 
information and data pertaining to the proposed AVA contained in this 
document are from the petition for the proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA 
and its supporting exhibits.

Name Evidence

    The proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA takes its name from a natural 
break in Oregon's Coastal Ranges which border the western side of the 
Willamette Valley.\1\ Although the Coastal Ranges create a barrier to 
air moving inland, this gap creates a wind corridor by providing an 
opening for cool, moist Pacific Ocean air to flow eastward into the 
Willamette Valley. An Oregon real estate site notes that temperatures 
in the Willamette Valley are cooled by breezes moving through ``the Van 
Duzer Corridor, which runs from Lincoln City on the coast to Salem in 
the Valley.'' \2\ The dining and culinary page of a travel site 
dedicated to the Salem area encourages readers to ``[h]ead west along 
Highway 22 to loop through the Van Duzer Corridor. Here vines get the 
benefit of temperate afternoon breezes and cool evenings--perfect 
growing conditions for exceptional Pinot noir.'' \3\ TTB notes that 
State Highway 22 forms the southern and southwestern boundaries of the 
proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA.
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    \1\ The proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA is distinct from the 
H.B. Van Duzer Forest State Scenic Corridor. Both the proposed AVA 
and the H.B. Van Duzer Forest State Scenic Corridor derive their 
name from the late Henry Brooks Van Duzer, a former Chairman of the 
Oregon State Highway Commission. See H.B. Van Duzer Forest State 
Scenic Corridor--History/FAQ, Oregon State Parks, http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkHistory&parkId=160; see also http://www.princeofpinot.com/article/760.
    \2\ http://www.buccolagroup.com/region/willamette-valley/about.
    \3\ http://www.travelsalem.com/Dining/Dining-Overview.
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    The term ``Van Duzer Corridor'' also is commonly used by local wine 
industry members to describe the region of the proposed AVA. For 
example, an article about Johan Vineyards, which is within the proposed 
AVA, describes the vineyard's location as ``in the southwestern corner 
of the Van Duzer Corridor.'' \4\ A local entertainment blog posted a 
story about two wineries within the proposed AVA and stated that the 
wineries ``lie within the Van Duzer Corridor, the gap in the coastal 
hills bordering Salem * * * .'' \5\ An article featuring Pinot noir 
wines of the proposed AVA notes, ``The influence of the Van Duzer 
Corridor extends inland to the McMinnville and Eola-Amity Hills 
appellations as well as the vineyards in the Dallas area of the 
Willamette Valley.'' \6\ TTB notes that the proposed Van Duzer Corridor 
AVA is located just north of Dallas, Oregon. Additionally, the 
established McMinnville AVA (27 CFR 9.181) is due north of the proposed 
AVA, and the established Eola-Amity Hills AVA (27 CFR 9.202) is 
adjacent to the proposed AVA's eastern boundary. The website for the 
St. Innocent Winery, which is located in the established Eola-Amity 
Hills AVA east of the proposed AVA, states that the Willamette Valley 
``is affected by winds blowing from the Pacific Ocean through the Van 
Duzer Corridor eastward. * * * The Eola-Amity Hills AVA is 15 miles due 
east from the mouth of the Van Duzer Corridor.'' \7\ A map on the St. 
Innocent Winery's website shows the wine regions of Oregon, and an 
arrow pointing to the region of the proposed AVA is marked as ``Van 
Duzer Corridor.'' Finally, a wine blog that features the wines of the 
Pacific Northwest and western Canada includes an article on the Van 
Duzer Vineyard, which is located in the proposed AVA, and notes that 
the vineyard ``is planted

[[Page 14797]]

smack dab at the mouth of the Van Duzer Corridor * * *.'' \8\
     
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    \4\ http://www.princeofpinot.com/article/653.
    \5\ http://www.willamettelive.com/2012/news/from-left-coast-to-bethel-heights.
    \6\ http://www.princeofpinot.com/article/760.
    \7\ http://www.stinnocentwine.com/NewFiles/vineyard.html.
    \8\ http://www.northwestwineanthem.com/2013/02/mind-gap-van-duzer-vineyards.html.
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Boundary Evidence

    The proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA is a roughly triangular region 
of low, rolling hills east of the Oregon Coastal Ranges. Each of the 
proposed AVA's boundaries is drawn to delineate the low elevations of 
the proposed AVA from the surrounding higher elevations. The proposed 
northern boundary follows a straight line drawn between marked points 
on USGS quadrangle maps and separates the proposed AVA from the 
established McMinnville AVA, which is due north of the proposed AVA but 
does not share a boundary. The eastern boundary of the proposed AVA is 
concurrent with the western boundary of the established Eola-Amity 
Hills AVA and follows a series of roads and the 200-foot elevation 
contour. The proposed southern boundary runs east-west along a State 
highway north of the city of Dallas and the community of Rickreall. The 
proposed western boundary follows a north-south road to separate the 
proposed AVA from the higher elevations of the Coastal Ranges.

Distinguishing Features

    The distinguishing features of the proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA 
are its soils, topography, and climate.
Soils
    The soils of the proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA are primarily 
uplifted marine sedimentary loams and silts with alluvial overlay, as 
well as some uplifted basalt. The soils are typically shallow, well-
drained, and have a bedrock of siltstone. The primary soil series 
within the proposed AVA include Helmick, Steiwer, Hazelair, Chehulpum, 
Helvetia, and Santiam.
    According to the petition, the high silt and clay levels cause the 
soils to be ``buffered,'' meaning that the soils can absorb increased 
amounts of added acidic or alkaline substances without affecting the 
overall pH level of the soil. An increase or decrease in soil pH can 
affect the way plant roots absorb minerals and nutrients, so the 
ability of the soils to maintain a stable pH level is beneficial to 
vineyards within the proposed AVA. The petition also states that the 
sediments in the soil quickly absorb and ``lock up'' rainfall, so the 
vines are less able to uptake water. As a result, if heavy rains occur 
near harvest time, the grapes are less likely to swell and split due to 
an excessive uptake of water. The vines are also less prone to 
excessive growth or leaf production than vines planted in soils that 
allow for more uptake of water. According to the petition, a thinner 
leaf canopy allows more sunlight to reach the ripening fruit, inhibits 
the growth of mildew and mold by promoting air circulation.
    The soils immediately outside the northern and western boundaries 
of the proposed AVA contain uplifted marine sediments, similar to the 
soils of the proposed AVA. However, the soils are primarily from 
different soil series, including Yamhill, Nekia, and Peavine. Moving 
farther north and west, the soils begin to contain higher 
concentrations of basalt and other volcanic materials. East of the 
proposed AVA, within the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, the soils also contain 
larger amounts of volcanic materials than are found within the proposed 
AVA, including soils of the Nekia, Jory, and Ritner series. South of 
the proposed AVA, the soils contain large concentrations of Ice Age 
loess, which is not commonly found in the proposed AVA.
Topography
    Within the wind corridor known as the ``Van Duzer Corridor,'' the 
topography is characterized by low elevations and gently rolling hills. 
The low elevations allow cool breezes to flow relatively unimpeded from 
the Pacific Ocean, through the Coastal Ranges, and into the proposed 
AVA. For most of its length, the wind corridor known as the ``Van Duzer 
Corridor'' is narrow, squeezed by high elevations to the north and 
south, and there is little room for suitable vineyard sites within this 
portion of the corridor.
    The eastern end of the wind corridor, where the proposed Van Duzer 
Corridor AVA is located, has the same low elevations and rolling hills 
as the western portion. However, because the wind corridor widens at 
its eastern end, there is more room for vineyards. Elevations within 
the proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA range from approximately 180 feet 
to a high point of 589 feet, as shown on the USGS quadrangle maps 
included with the petition. Because the elevations within the proposed 
AVA are too low to impede the eastward-flowing marine air, wind speeds 
are higher within the proposed AVA and temperatures are typically 
cooler than within the surrounding regions that have higher elevations. 
Wind speed and temperature and their effects on viticulture will be 
discussed in more detail later in this document.
    To the north of the proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA, within the 
established McMinnville AVA, elevations reach up to 1,000 feet. East of 
the proposed AVA, the higher elevations of the established Eola-Amity 
Hills AVA form the eastern edge of the wind corridor, reducing the wind 
speeds and preventing the Pacific air from travelling farther east. 
Elevations within the Eola-Amity Hills AVA can reach approximately 
1,160 feet. South of the proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA, elevations 
reach over 700 feet, as shown on the USGS Dallas, Oregon quadrangle 
map. In the Coastal Ranges west of the proposed AVA, elevations can 
rise close to 3,000 feet.
Climate
    The petition to establish the proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA 
included information about the region's climate, in particular the wind 
speed and cumulative growing degree days (GDDs).\9\ According to the 
petition, wind speed and GDD data were not available for the regions to 
the west and south-southwest of the proposed AVA due to a lack of 
publicly accessible weather stations.
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    \9\ In the Winkler climate classification system, annual heat 
accumulation during the growing season, measured in annual growing 
degree days (GDDs), defines climatic regions. One GDD accumulates 
for each degree Fahrenheit that a day's mean temperature is above 50 
degrees, the minimum temperature required for grapevine growth. See 
Albert J. Winkler, General Viticulture (Berkeley: University of 
California Press, 1974), pages 61-64.
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    Wind speed: Because the proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA is located 
within a wind corridor, the petition states that wind speeds within the 
proposed AVA are typically higher than in the surrounding regions, 
where higher elevations block the wind and slow its movement inland. 
According to the petition, consistently high wind speeds contribute to 
thicker grape skins, which increase the levels of phenolic compounds in 
the fruit. Phenolic compounds contribute to the taste, aroma, and 
mouthfeel of wines. The petition also states that wines made from 
thicker-skinned grapes often have a darker, richer color than wines 
made from grapes with thin skins.
    The following table summarizes the average growing season \10\ wind 
speeds for a vineyard in the center of the proposed AVA, as well as 
from McMinnville Municipal Airport (north of the proposed AVA) and the 
Salem Municipal Airport (south-southeast of the proposed AVA).
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    \10\ Growing season is defined as the period between April 1 and 
November 1.

[[Page 14798]]



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                                                        Average growing season wind speed (miles per hour)
                    Location                     ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       2012            2013            2014            2015
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Proposed AVA (Andante Vineyards)................            11.2             9.9             9.8          \11\ 9
McMinnville airport.............................            5.05             4.2            5.85             6.9
Salem airport...................................             6.3             4.6            6.45             8.1
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    Cumulative growing degree days: According to the petition, 
temperatures within the proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA are moderated 
by the strong Pacific marine breezes. As evidence, the petition 
includes data on cumulative GDDs for the proposed AVA and surrounding 
regions, which are shown in the following table.
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    \11\ Due to technical difficulties with the weather station, 
2015 data from Adante Vineyards was only available through September 
14.

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                                                                  Cumulative growing degree days
                    Location                     ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       2012            2013            2014            2015
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Proposed AVA (Andante Vineyards)................           2,080           2,243           2,624      \12\ 2,074
McMinnville airport.............................           2,298           2,369           2,819           2,753
Salem airport...................................           2,360           2,605           2,987           3,006
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    The table shows that the proposed AVA has lower GDD accumulations 
than the surrounding regions, indicating that its temperatures are 
generally cooler. As a result, fruit ripens more slowly, creating a 
longer hang time than for the same grape varietal grown in a region 
with higher GDD accumulations. The petition states that a longer hang 
time reduces acid respiration in the fruit, resulting in wines with 
balanced acidity levels.
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    \12\ Due to technical difficulties with the weather station, 
2015 data from Adante Vineyards was only available through September 
14.
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Summary of Distinguishing Features
    In summary, the topography, soils, wind speed, and cumulative 
growing degree days of the proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA distinguish 
it from the surrounding regions. In all directions from the proposed 
AVA, elevations are higher. Where climate data is available, from north 
and east of the proposed AVA, wind speeds are lower and GDD 
accumulations are higher than within the proposed AVA. With respect to 
soils, volcanic materials are more common in soils to the north, east, 
and west of the proposed AVA. South of the proposed AVA, soils contain 
higher concentrations of Ice Age loess.

Comparison of the Proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA to the Existing 
Willamette Valley AVA

    T.D. ATF-162, which published in the Federal Register on December 
1, 1983 (48 FR 54220), established the Willamette Valley AVA in 
northwest Oregon. The Willamette Valley AVA is described in T.D. ATF-
162 as a broad alluvial plain surrounded by mountains. Elevations 
within the AVA generally do not exceed 1,000 feet, which is generally 
considered to be the maximum elevation for reliable grape cultivation 
in the region. Soils are described as primarily silty loams and clay 
loams.
    The proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA is located in the northwestern 
portion of the Willamette Valley AVA and shares some broad 
characteristics with the established AVA. For example, elevations 
within the proposed AVA are below 1,000 feet, and the soils are 
primarily silty loams and clay loams.
    However, the proposed AVA's location at the eastern end of the only 
wind gap in the portion of the Coastal Ranges that borders the 
Willamette Valley AVA creates a unique microclimate. The persistently 
high wind speeds and lower growing degree day accumulations within the 
proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA distinguish the proposed AVA from the 
surrounding regions within the Willamette Valley AVA. Because of the 
high wind speeds and lower growing degree day accumulations, grapes 
grown within the proposed AVA typically have different physical 
characteristics and maturation rates than the same varietals grown in 
other parts of the Willamette Valley AVA.

Clarification of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA Boundary Description

    In this document, TTB also is proposing to make a correction and 
several clarifications to the boundary description of the existing 
Eola-Amity Hills AVA (27 CFR 9.202), which is adjacent to the proposed 
Van Duzer Corridor AVA. The Eola-Amity Hills AVA was established by 
T.D. TTB-51, which published in the Federal Register on July 17, 2006 
(71 FR 40404). Because one of the affected Eola-Amity Hills AVA 
boundaries is also concurrent with the boundary of the proposed AVA, 
TTB is proposing these clarifications in this document.
    First, TTB is proposing to correct the description of the beginning 
point for the Eola-Amity Hills AVA boundary in Sec.  9.202(c)(1). This 
paragraph currently states that the AVA boundary's beginning point is 
at ``the intersection of State Highways 22 and 223,'' which is located 
west of the town of Rickreall, Oregon. However, the AVA boundary's 
intended beginning point, as marked on the Rickreall, Oregon quadrangle 
map that was included with the original AVA petition, is at the 
intersection of State Highway 22 and Rickreall Road. This intersection 
is located farther east along State Highway 22 than the currently-
described beginning point. TTB believes the erroneous description of 
the Eola-Amity Hills boundary beginning point resulted from a 
misreading of the markings for State Highway 223 on the Rickreall, 
Oregon map.
    TTB believes that Oregon wine industry members always have 
understood the Eola-Amity Hills AVA boundary to begin at the 
intersection of State Highway 22 and Rickreall Road. TTB notes that 
commercially-produced maps of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA show its 
boundary located at the intersection of State Highway 22 and Rickreall 
Road. For example, see the Eola-Amity Hills AVA maps posted at http://eolaamityhills.com/explore-our-region/regional-map/ and http://
www.everyvine.com/wine-regions/

[[Page 14799]]

region/Eola_-_Amity_Hills/. TTB is therefore proposing to amend 
paragraph (c)(1) to correct the description of the AVA boundary's 
beginning point.
    Second, TTB is proposing to amend the Eola-Amity Hills boundary 
instructions in Sec.  9.202(c)(12), (13), (15), and (16) for clarity. 
TTB believes the term ``township of Bethel'' in current paragraph 
(c)(12) may be confusing since Bethel appears on the Amity, Oregon map 
as the name of a crossroads, not as the name of a political or 
geographic township. Therefore, TTB proposes to remove the word 
``township'' from paragraph (c)(12) and to add a more precise 
description of the point where the AVA's boundary, following Oak Grove 
Road, intersects the 200-foot contour line.
    In paragraph (c)(13), TTB proposes to clarify the direction in 
which the Eola-Amity Hills AVA boundary proceeds along the 200-foot 
contour line from Oak Grove Road, to clarify the point at which that 
contour line intersects Zena Road, and to clarify that the boundary 
follows Zena Road for a short distance to its intersection with Oak 
Grove Road south of Bethel. In paragraph (c)(15), TTB is clarifying 
that the AVA boundary follows Frizzell Road to the road's first 
intersection with the 200-foot contour line. In paragraph (c)(16), TTB 
is clarifying that, in returning to the AVA's boundary's beginning 
point, the boundary crosses from the Amity, Oregon map onto the 
Rickreall, Oregon map.
    The proposed correction and clarifications are not intended to 
alter the acreage of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. TTB believes that the 
correction and clarifications described above do not affect the 
location of the AVA's boundary as originally intended by the AVA's 
petitioners and as it is currently understood by members of the Oregon 
wine industry. TTB also believes that the correction and clarifications 
will not affect the ability of any bottler to use the Eola-Amity Hills 
AVA name on a wine label. However, if any interested party believes the 
proposed correction or any of the proposed clarifications would affect 
the location of the AVA's boundary, or would affect their ability to 
use the Eola-Amity Hills AVA name on a wine label, please submit a 
comment to TTB as described in the Public Participation section of this 
notice.

TTB Determination

    TTB concludes that the petition to establish the approximately 
59,871-acre Van Duzer Corridor AVA merits consideration and public 
comment, as invited in this notice of proposed rulemaking.

Boundary Description

    See the narrative description of the boundary of the petitioned-for 
AVA in the proposed regulatory text published at the end of this 
proposed rule.

Maps

    The petitioner provided the required maps, and they are listed 
below in the proposed regulatory text.

Impact on Current Wine Labels

    Part 4 of the TTB regulations prohibits any label reference on a 
wine that indicates or implies an origin other than the wine's true 
place of origin. For a wine to be labeled with an AVA name, at least 85 
percent of the wine must be derived from grapes grown within the area 
represented by that name, and the wine must meet the other conditions 
listed in Sec.  4.25(e)(3) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(3)). 
If the wine is not eligible for labeling with an AVA name and that name 
appears in the brand name, then the label is not in compliance and the 
bottler must change the brand name and obtain approval of a new label. 
Similarly, if the AVA name appears in another reference on the label in 
a misleading manner, the bottler would have to obtain approval of a new 
label. Different rules apply if a wine has a brand name containing an 
AVA name that was used as a brand name on a label approved before July 
7, 1986. See Sec.  4.39(i)(2) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 
4.39(i)(2)) for details.
    If TTB establishes this proposed AVA, its name, ``Van Duzer 
Corridor,'' will be recognized as a name of viticultural significance 
under Sec.  4.39(i)(3) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.39(i)(3)). The 
text of the proposed regulation clarifies this point. Consequently, 
wine bottlers using the name ``Van Duzer Corridor'' in a brand name, 
including a trademark, or in another label reference as to the origin 
of the wine, would have to ensure that the product is eligible to use 
the AVA name as an appellation of origin if this proposed rule is 
adopted as a final rule. TTB is not proposing ``Van Duzer,'' standing 
alone, as a term of viticultural significance if the proposed AVA is 
established, in order to avoid a potential conflict with a current 
label holder. Accordingly, the proposed part 9 regulatory text set 
forth in this document specifies only the full name ``Van Duzer 
Corridor'' as a term of viticultural significance for purposes of part 
4 of the TTB regulations.
    The approval of the proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA would not 
affect any existing AVA, and any bottlers using ``Van Duzer Corridor'' 
as an appellation of origin or in a brand name for wines made from 
grapes grown within the Van Duzer Corridor AVA would not be affected by 
the establishment of this new AVA. The establishment of the proposed 
Van Duzer Corridor AVA would allow vintners to use ``Van Duzer 
Corridor'' and ``Willamette Valley'' as appellations of origin for 
wines made from grapes grown within the proposed Van Duzer Corridor 
AVA, if the wines meet the eligibility requirements for the 
appellation.

Public Participation

Comments Invited

    TTB invites comments from interested members of the public on 
whether it should establish the proposed AVA. TTB is also interested in 
receiving comments on the sufficiency and accuracy of the name, 
boundary, soils, climate, and other required information submitted in 
support of the petition. In addition, given the proposed Van Duzer 
Corridor AVA's location within the existing Willamette Valley AVA, TTB 
is interested in comments on whether the evidence submitted in the 
petition regarding the distinguishing features of the proposed AVA 
sufficiently differentiates it from the existing Willamette Valley AVA. 
TTB is also interested in comments on whether the geographic features 
of the proposed AVA are so distinguishable from the surrounding 
Willamette Valley AVA that the proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA should 
no longer be part of that AVA. Please provide any available specific 
information in support of your comments. Finally, TTB is interested in 
comments on whether the proposed correction and clarifications to the 
Eola-Amity Hills AVA boundary are accurate and necessary to avoid 
reader confusion.
    Because of the potential impact of the establishment of the 
proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA on wine labels that include the term 
``Van Duzer Corridor'' as discussed above under Impact on Current Wine 
Labels, TTB is particularly interested in comments regarding whether 
there will be a conflict between the proposed AVA name and currently 
used brand names. If a commenter believes that a conflict will arise, 
the comment should describe the nature of that conflict, including any 
anticipated negative economic impact that approval of the proposed AVA 
will have on an existing viticultural enterprise. TTB is also 
interested in receiving suggestions for ways to avoid

[[Page 14800]]

conflicts, for example, by adopting a modified or different name for 
the AVA.

Submitting Comments

    You may submit comments on this notice by using one of the 
following three methods:
     Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: You may send comments via the 
online comment form posted with this notice within Docket No. TTB-2018-
0006 on ``Regulations.gov,'' the Federal e-rulemaking portal, at http://www.regulations.gov. A direct link to that docket is available under 
Notice No. 175 on the TTB website at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_rulemaking.shtml">https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_rulemaking.shtml. Supplemental files may be attached to comments 
submitted via Regulations.gov. For complete instructions on how to use 
Regulations.gov, visit the site and click on the ``Help'' tab.
     U.S. Mail: You may send comments via postal mail to the 
Director, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and 
Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW, Box 12, Washington, DC 20005.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: You may hand-carry your comments or 
have them hand-carried to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 
1310 G Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20005.
    Please submit your comments by the closing date shown above in this 
notice. Your comments must reference Notice No. 175 and include your 
name and mailing address. Your comments also must be made in English, 
be legible, and be written in language acceptable for public 
disclosure. TTB does not acknowledge receipt of comments, and TTB 
considers all comments as originals.
    In your comment, please clearly state if you are commenting for 
yourself or on behalf of an association, business, or other entity. If 
you are commenting on behalf of an entity, your comment must include 
the entity's name, as well as your name and position title. If you 
comment via Regulations.gov, please enter the entity's name in the 
``Organization'' blank of the online comment form. If you comment via 
postal mail or hand delivery/courier, please submit your entity's 
comment on letterhead.
    You may also write to the Administrator before the comment closing 
date to ask for a public hearing. The Administrator reserves the right 
to determine whether to hold a public hearing.

Confidentiality

    All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public 
record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your 
comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for 
public disclosure.

Public Disclosure

    TTB will post, and you may view, copies of this notice, selected 
supporting materials, and any online or mailed comments received about 
this proposal within Docket No. TTB-2018-0006 on the Federal e-
rulemaking portal, Regulations.gov, at http://www.regulations.gov. A 
direct link to that docket is available on the TTB website at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_rulemaking.shtml under Notice No. 175. You may 
also reach the relevant docket through the Regulations.gov search page 
at http://www.regulations.gov. For information on how to use 
Regulations.gov, click on the site's ``Help'' tab.
    All posted comments will display the commenter's name, organization 
(if any), city, and State, and, in the case of mailed comments, all 
address information, including email addresses. TTB may omit voluminous 
attachments or material that the Bureau considers unsuitable for 
posting.
    You may also view copies of this notice, all related petitions, 
maps and other supporting materials, and any electronic or mailed 
comments that TTB receives about this proposal by appointment at the 
TTB Information Resource Center, 1310 G Street NW, Washington, DC 
20005. You may also obtain copies at 20 cents per 8.5 x 11 inch page. 
Please note that TTB is unable to provide copies of USGS maps or other 
similarly-sized documents that may be included as part of the AVA 
petition. Contact TTB's information specialist at the above address or 
by telephone at 202-453-2270 to schedule an appointment or to request 
copies of comments or other materials.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    TTB certifies that this proposed regulation, if adopted, would not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. The proposed regulation imposes no new reporting, 
recordkeeping, or other administrative requirement. Any benefit derived 
from the use of a viticultural area name would be the result of a 
proprietor's efforts and consumer acceptance of wines from that area. 
Therefore, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required.

Executive Order 12866

    It has been determined that this proposed rule is not a significant 
regulatory action as defined by Executive Order 12866 of September 30, 
1993. Therefore, no regulatory assessment is required.

Drafting Information

    Karen A. Thornton of the Regulations and Rulings Division drafted 
this notice of proposed rulemaking.

List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 9

    Wine.

Proposed Regulatory Amendment

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, TTB proposes to amend 
title 27, chapter I, part 9, Code of Federal Regulations, as follows:

PART 9--AMERICAN VITICULTURAL AREAS

0
1. The authority citation for part 9 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  27 U.S.C. 205.

Subpart C--Approved American Viticultural Areas

0
2. Amend Sec.  9.202 by revising paragraphs (c)(1), (12), (13), (15), 
and (16) to read as follows:


Sec.  9.202  Eola-Amity Hills.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) The beginning point is on the Rickreall, Oregon, map at the 
intersection of State Highway 22 and Rickreall Road, near the Oak Knoll 
Golf Course, in section 50, T7S, R4W;
* * * * *
    (12) Follow Old Bethel Road, which becomes Oak Grove Road, south 
until the road intersects the 200-foot contour line approximately 400 
feet north of Oak Grove Road's northern intersection with Zena Road, 
just northwest of Bethel; then
    (13) Follow the 200-foot contour line easterly and then southerly 
until its first intersection with Zena Road, and then follow Zena Road 
west approximately 0.25 mile to its southern intersection with Oak 
Grove Road, south of Bethel; then
* * * * *
    (15) Follow Frizzell Road west for approximately 0.25 mile to its 
first intersection with the 200-foot contour line, then
    (16) Follow the 200-foot contour line generally south, crossing 
onto the Rickreall, Oregon, map, until the contour line intersects the 
beginning point.


[[Page 14801]]


0
3. Subpart C is amended by adding Sec.  9.___to read as follows:


Sec.  9.___   Van Duzer Corridor.

    (a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this 
section is ``Van Duzer Corridor''. For purposes of part 4 of this 
chapter, ``Van Duzer Corridor'' is a term of viticultural significance.
    (b) Approved maps. The five United States Geological Survey (USGS) 
1:24,000 scale topographic maps used to determine the boundary of the 
Van Duzer Corridor viticultural area are titled:
    (1) Sheridan, Oreg., 1956; revised 1992;
    (2) Ballston, Oreg., 1956; revised 1992;
    (3) Dallas, Oreg., 1974; photorevised 1986;
    (4) Amity, Oreg., 1957; revised 1993; and
    (5) Rickreall, Oreg., 1969; photorevised 1976;
    (c) Boundary. The Van Duzer Corridor viticultural area is located 
in Polk and Yamhill Counties, in Oregon. The boundary of the Van Duzer 
Corridor viticultural area is as described below:
    (1) The beginning point is on the Sheridan map at the intersection 
of State Highway 22 and Red Prairie Road. From the beginning point, 
proceed southeasterly along State Highway 22 for a total of 12.4 miles, 
crossing over the Ballston and Dallas maps and onto the Rickreall map, 
to the intersection of the highway with the 200-foot elevation contour 
west of the Oak Knoll Golf Course; then
    (2) Proceed north on the 200-foot elevation contour, crossing onto 
the Amity map, to the third intersection of the elevation contour with 
Frizzell Road; then
    (3) Proceed east on Frizzell Road for 0.3 mile to the intersection 
of the road with Oak Grove Road; then
    (4) Proceed north along Oak Grove Road for 1.7 miles to the 
intersection of the road with Zena Road; then
    (5) Proceed east on Zena Road for approximately 0.25 mile to the 
second intersection of the road with the 200-foot elevation contour; 
then
    (6) Proceed northwest along the 200-foot elevation contour to the 
intersection of the elevation contour with Oak Grove Road; then
    (7) Proceed north along Oak Grove Road (which becomes Old Bethel 
Road) approximately 7.75 miles to the intersection of the road with 
Patty Lane; then
    (8) Proceed west in a straight line for a total of 10.8 miles, 
crossing over the Ballston map and onto the Sheridan map, to the 
intersection of the line with State Highway 18; then
    (9) Proceed southwest along State Highway 18 for 0.3 miles to the 
intersection of the highway with Red Prairie Road; then
    (10) Proceed south along Red Prairie Road for approximately 5.3 
miles, returning to the beginning point.

    Signed: November 30, 2017.
John J. Manfreda,
Administrator.
    Approved: March 30, 2018.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary (Tax, Trade, and Tariff Policy).
[FR Doc. 2018-07089 Filed 4-5-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4810-31-P



                                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 67 / Friday, April 6, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                             14795

                                                   You may also view copies of this                      through (c)(21) as paragraphs (c)(3)                   vintners to better describe the origin of
                                                 notice of proposed rulemaking, all                      through (c)(22), and adding new                        their wines and to allow consumers to
                                                 related petitions, maps and other                       paragraph (c)(2) to read as follows:                   better identify wines they may
                                                 supporting materials, and any electronic                                                                       purchase. TTB invites comments on this
                                                 or mailed comments that TTB receives                    § 9.59   Arroyo Seco.                                  proposed addition to its regulations.
                                                 about this proposal by appointment at                   *      *     *    *     *                              DATES: Comments must be received by
                                                 the TTB Information Resource Center,                       (c) Boundaries. The Arroyo Seco
                                                                                                                                                                June 5, 2018.
                                                 1310 G Street NW, Washington, DC                        viticultural area is located in Monterey
                                                                                                                                                                ADDRESSES: Please send your comments
                                                 20005. You may also obtain copies at 20                 County, California. The beginning point
                                                                                                         is found on the ‘‘Sycamore Flat’’                      on this notice to one of the following
                                                 cents per 8.5-×11-inch page. Please note                                                                       addresses:
                                                 that TTB is unable to provide copies of                 U.S.G.S. map at the intersection of
                                                                                                         Jamesburg Road (known locally as                         • Internet: http://www.regulations.gov
                                                 USGS maps or other similarly-sized                                                                             (via the online comment form for this
                                                 documents that may be included as part                  Carmel Valley Road) and Arroyo Seco
                                                                                                         Road, near the intersection of sections                notice as posted within Docket No.
                                                 of the AVA petition. Contact TTB’s                                                                             TTB–2018–0006 at ‘‘Regulations.gov,’’
                                                 information specialist at the above                     21, 22, 28, and 27, T.19 S., R. 5 E. From
                                                                                                         the beginning point, proceed                           the Federal e-rulemaking portal);
                                                 address or by telephone at 202–453–                                                                              • U.S. Mail: Director, Regulations and
                                                 2265 to schedule an appointment or to                   southwesterly along Arroyo Seco Road
                                                                                                         to its intersection with Piney Creek.                  Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco
                                                 request copies of comments or other                                                                            Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street
                                                 materials.                                                 (1) Then southeasterly along Piney
                                                                                                         Creek to its confluence with the Arroyo                NW, Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; or
                                                 Regulatory Flexibility Act                              Seco in section 27, T. 19 S., R. 5 E.                    • Hand delivery/courier in lieu of
                                                                                                            (2) Then northerly along the Arroyo                 mail: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
                                                    TTB certifies that this proposed
                                                                                                         Seco to its intersection with the                      Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW, Suite
                                                 regulation, if adopted, would not have
                                                                                                         southern boundary of section 22, T. 19                 400, Washington, DC 20005.
                                                 a significant economic impact on a
                                                                                                         S., R 5 E.                                               See the Public Participation section of
                                                 substantial number of small entities.
                                                                                                                                                                this notice for specific instructions and
                                                 The proposed regulation imposes no                      *      *     *    *     *
                                                                                                                                                                requirements for submitting comments,
                                                 new reporting, recordkeeping, or other                    Signed: November 30, 2017.                           and for information on how to request
                                                 administrative requirement. Any benefit                 John J. Manfreda,                                      a public hearing or view or obtain
                                                 derived from the use of an AVA name
                                                                                                         Administrator.                                         copies of the petition and supporting
                                                 would be the result of a proprietor’s
                                                                                                           Approved: March 30, 2018.                            materials.
                                                 efforts and consumer acceptance of
                                                 wines from that area. Therefore, no                     Timothy E. Skud,                                       FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                 regulatory flexibility analysis is                      Deputy Assistant Secretary (Tax, Trade, and            Karen A. Thornton, Regulations and
                                                 required.                                               Tariff Policy).                                        Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco
                                                                                                         [FR Doc. 2018–07093 Filed 4–5–18; 8:45 am]             Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street
                                                 Executive Order 12866                                   BILLING CODE 4810–31–P                                 NW, Box 12, Washington, DC 20005;
                                                   It has been determined that this                                                                             phone 202–453–1039, ext. 175.
                                                 proposed rule is not a significant                                                                             SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                 regulatory action as defined by                         DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
                                                 Executive Order 12866 of September 30,                                                                         Background on Viticultural Areas
                                                 1993. Therefore, no regulatory                          Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade
                                                                                                                                                                TTB Authority
                                                 assessment is required.                                 Bureau
                                                                                                                                                                  Section 105(e) of the Federal Alcohol
                                                 Drafting Information                                    27 CFR Part 9                                          Administration Act (FAA Act), 27
                                                   Karen A. Thornton of the Regulations                                                                         U.S.C. 205(e), authorizes the Secretary
                                                                                                         [Docket No. TTB–2018–0006; Notice No.
                                                 and Rulings Division drafted this notice                175]
                                                                                                                                                                of the Treasury to prescribe regulations
                                                 of proposed rulemaking.                                                                                        for the labeling of wine, distilled spirits,
                                                                                                         RIN 1513–AC39                                          and malt beverages. The FAA Act
                                                 List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 9                                                                              provides that these regulations should,
                                                   Wine.                                                 Proposed Establishment of the Van                      among other things, prohibit consumer
                                                                                                         Duzer Corridor Viticultural Area and                   deception and the use of misleading
                                                 Proposed Regulatory Amendment                           Clarification of the Eola-Amity Hills                  statements on labels and ensure that
                                                   For the reasons discussed in the                      Viticultural Area Boundary Description                 labels provide the consumer with
                                                 preamble, TTB proposes to amend title                   AGENCY: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and                    adequate information as to the identity
                                                 27, chapter I, part 9, Code of Federal                  Trade Bureau, Treasury.                                and quality of the product. The Alcohol
                                                 Regulations, as follows:                                                                                       and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
                                                                                                         ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
                                                                                                                                                                (TTB) administers the FAA Act
                                                 PART 9—AMERICAN VITICULTURAL                            SUMMARY:   The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax                 pursuant to section 1111(d) of the
                                                 AREAS                                                   and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to                     Homeland Security Act of 2002,
                                                 ■ 1. The authority citation for part 9                  establish the approximately 59,871-acre                codified at 6 U.S.C. 531(d). The
                                                 continues to read as follows:                           ‘‘Van Duzer Corridor’’ viticultural area               Secretary has delegated various
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                         in portions of Polk and Yamhill                        authorities through Treasury
                                                     Authority: 27 U.S.C. 205.                           Counties, Oregon. The proposed                         Department Order 120–01, dated
                                                                                                         viticultural area lies entirely within the             December 10, 2013, (superseding
                                                 Subpart C—Approved American
                                                                                                         existing Willamette Valley viticultural                Treasury Order 120–01, dated January
                                                 Viticultural Areas
                                                                                                         area. TTB also is proposing to clarify the             24, 2003), to the TTB Administrator to
                                                 ■ 2. Section 9.59 is amended by revising                boundary description of the adjacent                   perform the functions and duties in the
                                                 paragraphs (c) introductory text and                    Eola–Amity Hills viticultural area. TTB                administration and enforcement of these
                                                 (c)(1), redesignating paragraphs (c)(2)                 designates viticultural areas to allow                 provisions.


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                                                 14796                      Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 67 / Friday, April 6, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                    Part 4 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR                existing AVA so as to warrant separate                 culinary page of a travel site dedicated
                                                 part 4) authorizes TTB to establish                     recognition, if the proposed AVA is to                 to the Salem area encourages readers to
                                                 definitive viticultural areas and regulate              be established within, or overlapping,                 ‘‘[h]ead west along Highway 22 to loop
                                                 the use of their names as appellations of               an existing AVA; and                                   through the Van Duzer Corridor. Here
                                                 origin on wine labels and in wine                         • A detailed narrative description of                vines get the benefit of temperate
                                                 advertisements. Part 9 of the TTB                       the proposed AVA boundary based on                     afternoon breezes and cool evenings—
                                                 regulations (27 CFR part 9) sets forth                  USGS map markings.                                     perfect growing conditions for
                                                 standards for the preparation and                       Van Duzer Corridor Petition                            exceptional Pinot noir.’’ 3 TTB notes
                                                 submission of petitions for the                                                                                that State Highway 22 forms the
                                                 establishment or modification of                           TTB received a petition from Mr. Jeff               southern and southwestern boundaries
                                                 American viticultural areas (AVAs) and                  Havlin, the owner of Havlin Vineyard                   of the proposed Van Duzer Corridor
                                                 lists the approved AVAs.                                and chair of the Van Duzer Corridor                    AVA.
                                                                                                         AVA Committee, on behalf of himself                       The term ‘‘Van Duzer Corridor’’ also
                                                 Definition                                              and other local grape growers and                      is commonly used by local wine
                                                   Section 4.25(e)(1)(i) of the TTB                      vintners, proposing the establishment of               industry members to describe the region
                                                 regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(1)(i)) defines              the ‘‘Van Duzer Corridor’’ AVA.                        of the proposed AVA. For example, an
                                                 a viticultural area for American wine as                   The proposed Van Duzer Corridor                     article about Johan Vineyards, which is
                                                 a delimited grape-growing region having                 AVA is located in Oregon and covers                    within the proposed AVA, describes the
                                                 distinguishing features, as described in                portions of Yamhill and Polk Counties                  vineyard’s location as ‘‘in the
                                                 part 9 of the regulations, and a name                   which are north-northwest of the city of               southwestern corner of the Van Duzer
                                                 and a delineated boundary, as                           Salem and northeast of the city of                     Corridor.’’ 4 A local entertainment blog
                                                 established in part 9 of the regulations.               Dallas. The proposed AVA lies entirely                 posted a story about two wineries
                                                 These designations allow vintners and                   within the established Willamette                      within the proposed AVA and stated
                                                 consumers to attribute a given quality,                 Valley AVA (27 CFR 9.90) and does not                  that the wineries ‘‘lie within the Van
                                                 reputation, or other characteristic of a                overlap any other existing or proposed                 Duzer Corridor, the gap in the coastal
                                                 wine made from grapes grown in an area                  AVA. The proposed Van Duzer Corridor                   hills bordering Salem * * * .’’ 5 An
                                                 to the wine’s geographic origin. The                    AVA covers approximately 59,871 acres                  article featuring Pinot noir wines of the
                                                 establishment of AVAs allows vintners                   and contains 6 wineries and 17                         proposed AVA notes, ‘‘The influence of
                                                 to describe more accurately the origin of               commercially-producing vineyards that                  the Van Duzer Corridor extends inland
                                                 their wines to consumers and helps                      cover a total of approximately 1,000                   to the McMinnville and Eola–Amity
                                                 consumers to identify wines they may                    acres.                                                 Hills appellations as well as the
                                                                                                            The distinguishing features of the                  vineyards in the Dallas area of the
                                                 purchase. Establishment of an AVA is
                                                                                                         proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA are                    Willamette Valley.’’ 6 TTB notes that the
                                                 neither an approval nor an endorsement
                                                                                                         its topography, climate, and soils.                    proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA is
                                                 by TTB of the wine produced in that
                                                                                                         Unless otherwise noted, all information                located just north of Dallas, Oregon.
                                                 area.
                                                                                                         and data pertaining to the proposed                    Additionally, the established
                                                 Requirements                                            AVA contained in this document are                     McMinnville AVA (27 CFR 9.181) is due
                                                   Section 4.25(e)(2) of the TTB                         from the petition for the proposed Van                 north of the proposed AVA, and the
                                                 regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(2)) outlines                Duzer Corridor AVA and its supporting                  established Eola–Amity Hills AVA (27
                                                 the procedure for proposing an AVA                      exhibits.                                              CFR 9.202) is adjacent to the proposed
                                                 and provides that any interested party                  Name Evidence                                          AVA’s eastern boundary. The website
                                                 may petition TTB to establish a grape-                                                                         for the St. Innocent Winery, which is
                                                                                                            The proposed Van Duzer Corridor
                                                 growing region as an AVA. Section 9.12                                                                         located in the established Eola–Amity
                                                                                                         AVA takes its name from a natural break
                                                 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 9.12)                                                                           Hills AVA east of the proposed AVA,
                                                                                                         in Oregon’s Coastal Ranges which
                                                 prescribes the standards for petitions for                                                                     states that the Willamette Valley ‘‘is
                                                                                                         border the western side of the
                                                 the establishment or modification of                                                                           affected by winds blowing from the
                                                                                                         Willamette Valley.1 Although the
                                                 AVAs. Petitions to establish an AVA                                                                            Pacific Ocean through the Van Duzer
                                                                                                         Coastal Ranges create a barrier to air
                                                 must include the following:                                                                                    Corridor eastward. * * * The Eola–
                                                                                                         moving inland, this gap creates a wind
                                                   • Evidence that the area within the                   corridor by providing an opening for
                                                                                                                                                                Amity Hills AVA is 15 miles due east
                                                 proposed AVA boundary is nationally                                                                            from the mouth of the Van Duzer
                                                                                                         cool, moist Pacific Ocean air to flow
                                                 or locally known by the AVA name                                                                               Corridor.’’ 7 A map on the St. Innocent
                                                                                                         eastward into the Willamette Valley. An
                                                 specified in the petition;                                                                                     Winery’s website shows the wine
                                                                                                         Oregon real estate site notes that
                                                   • An explanation of the basis for                                                                            regions of Oregon, and an arrow
                                                                                                         temperatures in the Willamette Valley
                                                 defining the boundary of the proposed                                                                          pointing to the region of the proposed
                                                                                                         are cooled by breezes moving through
                                                 AVA;                                                                                                           AVA is marked as ‘‘Van Duzer
                                                                                                         ‘‘the Van Duzer Corridor, which runs
                                                   • A narrative description of the                                                                             Corridor.’’ Finally, a wine blog that
                                                                                                         from Lincoln City on the coast to Salem
                                                 features of the proposed AVA affecting                                                                         features the wines of the Pacific
                                                                                                         in the Valley.’’ 2 The dining and
                                                 viticulture, such as climate, geology,                                                                         Northwest and western Canada includes
                                                 soils, physical features, and elevation,                   1 The proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA is            an article on the Van Duzer Vineyard,
                                                 that make the proposed AVA distinctive                  distinct from the H.B. Van Duzer Forest State          which is located in the proposed AVA,
                                                 and distinguish it from adjacent areas                  Scenic Corridor. Both the proposed AVA and the         and notes that the vineyard ‘‘is planted
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 outside the proposed AVA;                               H.B. Van Duzer Forest State Scenic Corridor derive
                                                                                                         their name from the late Henry Brooks Van Duzer,
                                                   • The appropriate United States                       a former Chairman of the Oregon State Highway
                                                                                                                                                                   3 http://www.travelsalem.com/Dining/Dining-

                                                 Geological Survey (USGS) map(s)                                                                                Overview.
                                                                                                         Commission. See H.B. Van Duzer Forest State               4 http://www.princeofpinot.com/article/653.
                                                 showing the location of the proposed                    Scenic Corridor—History/FAQ, Oregon State Parks,
                                                                                                                                                                   5 http://www.willamettelive.com/2012/news/from-
                                                 AVA, with the boundary of the                           http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=
                                                                                                         parkPage.dsp_parkHistory&parkId=160; see also          left-coast-to-bethel-heights.
                                                 proposed AVA clearly drawn thereon;                     http://www.princeofpinot.com/article/760.                 6 http://www.princeofpinot.com/article/760.
                                                   • An explanation of the proposed                         2 http://www.buccolagroup.com/region/                  7 http://www.stinnocentwine.com/NewFiles/

                                                 AVA is sufficiently distinct from an                    willamette-valley/about.                               vineyard.html.



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                                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 67 / Friday, April 6, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                                   14797

                                                 smack dab at the mouth of the Van                       uptake of water. The vines are also less                  To the north of the proposed Van
                                                 Duzer Corridor * * *.’’ 8                               prone to excessive growth or leaf                      Duzer Corridor AVA, within the
                                                                                                         production than vines planted in soils                 established McMinnville AVA,
                                                                                                         that allow for more uptake of water.                   elevations reach up to 1,000 feet. East of
                                                 Boundary Evidence
                                                                                                         According to the petition, a thinner leaf              the proposed AVA, the higher
                                                    The proposed Van Duzer Corridor                      canopy allows more sunlight to reach                   elevations of the established Eola-Amity
                                                 AVA is a roughly triangular region of                   the ripening fruit, inhibits the growth of             Hills AVA form the eastern edge of the
                                                 low, rolling hills east of the Oregon                   mildew and mold by promoting air                       wind corridor, reducing the wind
                                                 Coastal Ranges. Each of the proposed                    circulation.                                           speeds and preventing the Pacific air
                                                 AVA’s boundaries is drawn to delineate                    The soils immediately outside the                    from travelling farther east. Elevations
                                                 the low elevations of the proposed AVA                  northern and western boundaries of the                 within the Eola-Amity Hills AVA can
                                                 from the surrounding higher elevations.                 proposed AVA contain uplifted marine                   reach approximately 1,160 feet. South of
                                                 The proposed northern boundary                          sediments, similar to the soils of the                 the proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA,
                                                 follows a straight line drawn between                   proposed AVA. However, the soils are                   elevations reach over 700 feet, as shown
                                                 marked points on USGS quadrangle                        primarily from different soil series,                  on the USGS Dallas, Oregon quadrangle
                                                 maps and separates the proposed AVA                     including Yamhill, Nekia, and Peavine.                 map. In the Coastal Ranges west of the
                                                 from the established McMinnville AVA,                   Moving farther north and west, the soils               proposed AVA, elevations can rise close
                                                 which is due north of the proposed                      begin to contain higher concentrations                 to 3,000 feet.
                                                 AVA but does not share a boundary.                      of basalt and other volcanic materials.
                                                 The eastern boundary of the proposed                                                                           Climate
                                                                                                         East of the proposed AVA, within the
                                                 AVA is concurrent with the western                      Eola–Amity Hills AVA, the soils also                      The petition to establish the proposed
                                                 boundary of the established Eola–Amity                  contain larger amounts of volcanic                     Van Duzer Corridor AVA included
                                                 Hills AVA and follows a series of roads                 materials than are found within the                    information about the region’s climate,
                                                 and the 200-foot elevation contour. The                 proposed AVA, including soils of the                   in particular the wind speed and
                                                 proposed southern boundary runs east-                   Nekia, Jory, and Ritner series. South of               cumulative growing degree days
                                                 west along a State highway north of the                 the proposed AVA, the soils contain                    (GDDs).9 According to the petition,
                                                 city of Dallas and the community of                     large concentrations of Ice Age loess,                 wind speed and GDD data were not
                                                 Rickreall. The proposed western                         which is not commonly found in the                     available for the regions to the west and
                                                 boundary follows a north-south road to                  proposed AVA.                                          south-southwest of the proposed AVA
                                                 separate the proposed AVA from the                                                                             due to a lack of publicly accessible
                                                 higher elevations of the Coastal Ranges.                Topography                                             weather stations.
                                                 Distinguishing Features                                    Within the wind corridor known as                      Wind speed: Because the proposed
                                                                                                         the ‘‘Van Duzer Corridor,’’ the                        Van Duzer Corridor AVA is located
                                                    The distinguishing features of the                   topography is characterized by low                     within a wind corridor, the petition
                                                 proposed Van Duzer Corridor AVA are                     elevations and gently rolling hills. The               states that wind speeds within the
                                                 its soils, topography, and climate.                     low elevations allow cool breezes to                   proposed AVA are typically higher than
                                                 Soils                                                   flow relatively unimpeded from the                     in the surrounding regions, where
                                                    The soils of the proposed Van Duzer                  Pacific Ocean, through the Coastal                     higher elevations block the wind and
                                                 Corridor AVA are primarily uplifted                     Ranges, and into the proposed AVA. For                 slow its movement inland. According to
                                                 marine sedimentary loams and silts                      most of its length, the wind corridor                  the petition, consistently high wind
                                                 with alluvial overlay, as well as some                  known as the ‘‘Van Duzer Corridor’’ is                 speeds contribute to thicker grape skins,
                                                 uplifted basalt. The soils are typically                narrow, squeezed by high elevations to                 which increase the levels of phenolic
                                                 shallow, well-drained, and have a                       the north and south, and there is little               compounds in the fruit. Phenolic
                                                 bedrock of siltstone. The primary soil                  room for suitable vineyard sites within                compounds contribute to the taste,
                                                 series within the proposed AVA include                  this portion of the corridor.                          aroma, and mouthfeel of wines. The
                                                 Helmick, Steiwer, Hazelair, Chehulpum,                     The eastern end of the wind corridor,               petition also states that wines made
                                                 Helvetia, and Santiam.                                  where the proposed Van Duzer Corridor                  from thicker-skinned grapes often have
                                                    According to the petition, the high silt             AVA is located, has the same low                       a darker, richer color than wines made
                                                 and clay levels cause the soils to be                   elevations and rolling hills as the                    from grapes with thin skins.
                                                 ‘‘buffered,’’ meaning that the soils can                western portion. However, because the                     The following table summarizes the
                                                 absorb increased amounts of added                       wind corridor widens at its eastern end,               average growing season 10 wind speeds
                                                 acidic or alkaline substances without                   there is more room for vineyards.                      for a vineyard in the center of the
                                                 affecting the overall pH level of the soil.             Elevations within the proposed Van                     proposed AVA, as well as from
                                                 An increase or decrease in soil pH can                  Duzer Corridor AVA range from                          McMinnville Municipal Airport (north
                                                 affect the way plant roots absorb                       approximately 180 feet to a high point                 of the proposed AVA) and the Salem
                                                 minerals and nutrients, so the ability of               of 589 feet, as shown on the USGS                      Municipal Airport (south-southeast of
                                                 the soils to maintain a stable pH level                 quadrangle maps included with the                      the proposed AVA).
                                                 is beneficial to vineyards within the                   petition. Because the elevations within
                                                 proposed AVA. The petition also states                  the proposed AVA are too low to                          9 In the Winkler climate classification system,

                                                 that the sediments in the soil quickly                  impede the eastward-flowing marine air,                annual heat accumulation during the growing
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                                                                                                         wind speeds are higher within the                      season, measured in annual growing degree days
                                                 absorb and ‘‘lock up’’ rainfall, so the                                                                        (GDDs), defines climatic regions. One GDD
                                                 vines are less able to uptake water. As                 proposed AVA and temperatures are                      accumulates for each degree Fahrenheit that a day’s
                                                 a result, if heavy rains occur near                     typically cooler than within the                       mean temperature is above 50 degrees, the
                                                 harvest time, the grapes are less likely                surrounding regions that have higher                   minimum temperature required for grapevine
                                                                                                         elevations. Wind speed and temperature                 growth. See Albert J. Winkler, General Viticulture
                                                 to swell and split due to an excessive                                                                         (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1974),
                                                                                                         and their effects on viticulture will be               pages 61–64.
                                                   8 http://www.northwestwineanthem.com/2013/            discussed in more detail later in this                   10 Growing season is defined as the period

                                                 02/mind-gap-van-duzer-vineyards.html.                   document.                                              between April 1 and November 1.



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                                                 14798                               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 67 / Friday, April 6, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                                                                                                                                                    Average growing season wind speed
                                                                                                                                                                                             (miles per hour)
                                                                                                   Location
                                                                                                                                                                          2012               2013            2014           2015

                                                 Proposed AVA (Andante Vineyards) ...............................................................                                11.2               9.9              9.8           11 9

                                                 McMinnville airport ...........................................................................................                 5.05               4.2             5.85           6.9
                                                 Salem airport ...................................................................................................                6.3               4.6             6.45           8.1



                                                   Cumulative growing degree days:                                        AVA are moderated by the strong                                  GDDs for the proposed AVA and
                                                 According to the petition, temperatures                                  Pacific marine breezes. As evidence, the                         surrounding regions, which are shown
                                                 within the proposed Van Duzer Corridor                                   petition includes data on cumulative                             in the following table.

                                                                                                                                                                                        Cumulative growing degree days
                                                                                                   Location
                                                                                                                                                                          2012               2013            2014           2015

                                                 Proposed AVA (Andante Vineyards) ...............................................................                            2,080               2,243           2,624        12 2,074

                                                 McMinnville airport ...........................................................................................             2,298               2,369           2,819          2,753
                                                 Salem airport ...................................................................................................           2,360               2,605           2,987          3,006



                                                   The table shows that the proposed                                      considered to be the maximum                                     on July 17, 2006 (71 FR 40404). Because
                                                 AVA has lower GDD accumulations                                          elevation for reliable grape cultivation                         one of the affected Eola-Amity Hills
                                                 than the surrounding regions, indicating                                 in the region. Soils are described as                            AVA boundaries is also concurrent with
                                                 that its temperatures are generally                                      primarily silty loams and clay loams.                            the boundary of the proposed AVA, TTB
                                                 cooler. As a result, fruit ripens more                                     The proposed Van Duzer Corridor                                is proposing these clarifications in this
                                                 slowly, creating a longer hang time than                                 AVA is located in the northwestern                               document.
                                                 for the same grape varietal grown in a                                   portion of the Willamette Valley AVA                                First, TTB is proposing to correct the
                                                 region with higher GDD accumulations.                                    and shares some broad characteristics                            description of the beginning point for
                                                 The petition states that a longer hang                                   with the established AVA. For example,                           the Eola-Amity Hills AVA boundary in
                                                 time reduces acid respiration in the                                     elevations within the proposed AVA are                           § 9.202(c)(1). This paragraph currently
                                                 fruit, resulting in wines with balanced                                  below 1,000 feet, and the soils are                              states that the AVA boundary’s
                                                 acidity levels.                                                          primarily silty loams and clay loams.                            beginning point is at ‘‘the intersection of
                                                                                                                            However, the proposed AVA’s                                    State Highways 22 and 223,’’ which is
                                                 Summary of Distinguishing Features
                                                                                                                          location at the eastern end of the only                          located west of the town of Rickreall,
                                                    In summary, the topography, soils,                                    wind gap in the portion of the Coastal                           Oregon. However, the AVA boundary’s
                                                 wind speed, and cumulative growing                                       Ranges that borders the Willamette                               intended beginning point, as marked on
                                                 degree days of the proposed Van Duzer                                    Valley AVA creates a unique                                      the Rickreall, Oregon quadrangle map
                                                 Corridor AVA distinguish it from the                                     microclimate. The persistently high                              that was included with the original
                                                 surrounding regions. In all directions                                   wind speeds and lower growing degree                             AVA petition, is at the intersection of
                                                 from the proposed AVA, elevations are                                    day accumulations within the proposed                            State Highway 22 and Rickreall Road.
                                                 higher. Where climate data is available,                                 Van Duzer Corridor AVA distinguish                               This intersection is located farther east
                                                 from north and east of the proposed                                      the proposed AVA from the surrounding                            along State Highway 22 than the
                                                 AVA, wind speeds are lower and GDD                                       regions within the Willamette Valley                             currently-described beginning point.
                                                 accumulations are higher than within                                     AVA. Because of the high wind speeds                             TTB believes the erroneous description
                                                 the proposed AVA. With respect to                                        and lower growing degree day                                     of the Eola-Amity Hills boundary
                                                 soils, volcanic materials are more                                       accumulations, grapes grown within the                           beginning point resulted from a
                                                 common in soils to the north, east, and                                  proposed AVA typically have different                            misreading of the markings for State
                                                 west of the proposed AVA. South of the                                   physical characteristics and maturation                          Highway 223 on the Rickreall, Oregon
                                                 proposed AVA, soils contain higher                                       rates than the same varietals grown in                           map.
                                                 concentrations of Ice Age loess.                                         other parts of the Willamette Valley                                TTB believes that Oregon wine
                                                                                                                          AVA.                                                             industry members always have
                                                 Comparison of the Proposed Van Duzer
                                                                                                                                                                                           understood the Eola-Amity Hills AVA
                                                 Corridor AVA to the Existing Willamette                                  Clarification of the Eola-Amity Hills                            boundary to begin at the intersection of
                                                 Valley AVA                                                               AVA Boundary Description                                         State Highway 22 and Rickreall Road.
                                                    T.D. ATF–162, which published in                                        In this document, TTB also is                                  TTB notes that commercially-produced
                                                 the Federal Register on December 1,                                      proposing to make a correction and                               maps of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA show
                                                 1983 (48 FR 54220), established the                                      several clarifications to the boundary                           its boundary located at the intersection
                                                 Willamette Valley AVA in northwest                                       description of the existing Eola-Amity                           of State Highway 22 and Rickreall Road.
                                                 Oregon. The Willamette Valley AVA is                                     Hills AVA (27 CFR 9.202), which is                               For example, see the Eola-Amity Hills
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                                                 described in T.D. ATF–162 as a broad                                     adjacent to the proposed Van Duzer                               AVA maps posted at http://
                                                 alluvial plain surrounded by mountains.                                  Corridor AVA. The Eola-Amity Hills                               eolaamityhills.com/explore-our-region/
                                                 Elevations within the AVA generally do                                   AVA was established by T.D. TTB–51,                              regional-map/ and http://
                                                 not exceed 1,000 feet, which is generally                                which published in the Federal Register                          www.everyvine.com/wine-regions/
                                                   11 Due to technical difficulties with the weather                        12 Due to technical difficulties with the weather

                                                 station, 2015 data from Adante Vineyards was only                        station, 2015 data from Adante Vineyards was only
                                                 available through September 14.                                          available through September 14.



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                                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 67 / Friday, April 6, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                           14799

                                                 region/Eola_-_Amity_Hills/. TTB is                      invited in this notice of proposed                     using ‘‘Van Duzer Corridor’’ as an
                                                 therefore proposing to amend paragraph                  rulemaking.                                            appellation of origin or in a brand name
                                                 (c)(1) to correct the description of the                                                                       for wines made from grapes grown
                                                                                                         Boundary Description
                                                 AVA boundary’s beginning point.                                                                                within the Van Duzer Corridor AVA
                                                    Second, TTB is proposing to amend                       See the narrative description of the                would not be affected by the
                                                 the Eola-Amity Hills boundary                           boundary of the petitioned-for AVA in                  establishment of this new AVA. The
                                                 instructions in § 9.202(c)(12), (13), (15),             the proposed regulatory text published                 establishment of the proposed Van
                                                 and (16) for clarity. TTB believes the                  at the end of this proposed rule.                      Duzer Corridor AVA would allow
                                                 term ‘‘township of Bethel’’ in current                  Maps                                                   vintners to use ‘‘Van Duzer Corridor’’
                                                 paragraph (c)(12) may be confusing                                                                             and ‘‘Willamette Valley’’ as appellations
                                                                                                           The petitioner provided the required                 of origin for wines made from grapes
                                                 since Bethel appears on the Amity,
                                                                                                         maps, and they are listed below in the                 grown within the proposed Van Duzer
                                                 Oregon map as the name of a crossroads,
                                                                                                         proposed regulatory text.                              Corridor AVA, if the wines meet the
                                                 not as the name of a political or
                                                 geographic township. Therefore, TTB                     Impact on Current Wine Labels                          eligibility requirements for the
                                                 proposes to remove the word                                Part 4 of the TTB regulations prohibits             appellation.
                                                 ‘‘township’’ from paragraph (c)(12) and                 any label reference on a wine that                     Public Participation
                                                 to add a more precise description of the                indicates or implies an origin other than
                                                 point where the AVA’s boundary,                         the wine’s true place of origin. For a                 Comments Invited
                                                 following Oak Grove Road, intersects                    wine to be labeled with an AVA name,
                                                 the 200-foot contour line.                                                                                        TTB invites comments from interested
                                                                                                         at least 85 percent of the wine must be
                                                    In paragraph (c)(13), TTB proposes to                                                                       members of the public on whether it
                                                                                                         derived from grapes grown within the
                                                 clarify the direction in which the Eola-                                                                       should establish the proposed AVA.
                                                                                                         area represented by that name, and the
                                                 Amity Hills AVA boundary proceeds                                                                              TTB is also interested in receiving
                                                                                                         wine must meet the other conditions
                                                 along the 200-foot contour line from                                                                           comments on the sufficiency and
                                                                                                         listed in § 4.25(e)(3) of the TTB
                                                 Oak Grove Road, to clarify the point at                                                                        accuracy of the name, boundary, soils,
                                                                                                         regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(3)). If the
                                                 which that contour line intersects Zena                                                                        climate, and other required information
                                                                                                         wine is not eligible for labeling with an
                                                 Road, and to clarify that the boundary                                                                         submitted in support of the petition. In
                                                                                                         AVA name and that name appears in the
                                                 follows Zena Road for a short distance                                                                         addition, given the proposed Van Duzer
                                                                                                         brand name, then the label is not in
                                                 to its intersection with Oak Grove Road                                                                        Corridor AVA’s location within the
                                                                                                         compliance and the bottler must change
                                                 south of Bethel. In paragraph (c)(15),                                                                         existing Willamette Valley AVA, TTB is
                                                                                                         the brand name and obtain approval of
                                                 TTB is clarifying that the AVA                                                                                 interested in comments on whether the
                                                                                                         a new label. Similarly, if the AVA name
                                                 boundary follows Frizzell Road to the                                                                          evidence submitted in the petition
                                                                                                         appears in another reference on the
                                                 road’s first intersection with the 200-                                                                        regarding the distinguishing features of
                                                                                                         label in a misleading manner, the bottler
                                                 foot contour line. In paragraph (c)(16),                                                                       the proposed AVA sufficiently
                                                                                                         would have to obtain approval of a new
                                                 TTB is clarifying that, in returning to                                                                        differentiates it from the existing
                                                                                                         label. Different rules apply if a wine has
                                                 the AVA’s boundary’s beginning point,                                                                          Willamette Valley AVA. TTB is also
                                                                                                         a brand name containing an AVA name
                                                 the boundary crosses from the Amity,                                                                           interested in comments on whether the
                                                                                                         that was used as a brand name on a
                                                 Oregon map onto the Rickreall, Oregon                                                                          geographic features of the proposed
                                                                                                         label approved before July 7, 1986. See
                                                 map.                                                                                                           AVA are so distinguishable from the
                                                                                                         § 4.39(i)(2) of the TTB regulations (27
                                                    The proposed correction and                                                                                 surrounding Willamette Valley AVA
                                                                                                         CFR 4.39(i)(2)) for details.
                                                 clarifications are not intended to alter                   If TTB establishes this proposed AVA,               that the proposed Van Duzer Corridor
                                                 the acreage of the Eola-Amity Hills                     its name, ‘‘Van Duzer Corridor,’’ will be              AVA should no longer be part of that
                                                 AVA. TTB believes that the correction                   recognized as a name of viticultural                   AVA. Please provide any available
                                                 and clarifications described above do                   significance under § 4.39(i)(3) of the                 specific information in support of your
                                                 not affect the location of the AVA’s                    TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.39(i)(3)). The               comments. Finally, TTB is interested in
                                                 boundary as originally intended by the                  text of the proposed regulation clarifies              comments on whether the proposed
                                                 AVA’s petitioners and as it is currently                this point. Consequently, wine bottlers                correction and clarifications to the Eola-
                                                 understood by members of the Oregon                     using the name ‘‘Van Duzer Corridor’’ in               Amity Hills AVA boundary are accurate
                                                 wine industry. TTB also believes that                   a brand name, including a trademark, or                and necessary to avoid reader
                                                 the correction and clarifications will not              in another label reference as to the                   confusion.
                                                 affect the ability of any bottler to use the            origin of the wine, would have to ensure                  Because of the potential impact of the
                                                 Eola-Amity Hills AVA name on a wine                     that the product is eligible to use the                establishment of the proposed Van
                                                 label. However, if any interested party                 AVA name as an appellation of origin if                Duzer Corridor AVA on wine labels that
                                                 believes the proposed correction or any                 this proposed rule is adopted as a final               include the term ‘‘Van Duzer Corridor’’
                                                 of the proposed clarifications would                    rule. TTB is not proposing ‘‘Van Duzer,’’              as discussed above under Impact on
                                                 affect the location of the AVA’s                        standing alone, as a term of viticultural              Current Wine Labels, TTB is
                                                 boundary, or would affect their ability                 significance if the proposed AVA is                    particularly interested in comments
                                                 to use the Eola-Amity Hills AVA name                    established, in order to avoid a potential             regarding whether there will be a
                                                 on a wine label, please submit a                        conflict with a current label holder.                  conflict between the proposed AVA
                                                 comment to TTB as described in the                      Accordingly, the proposed part 9                       name and currently used brand names.
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                                                 Public Participation section of this                    regulatory text set forth in this                      If a commenter believes that a conflict
                                                 notice.                                                 document specifies only the full name                  will arise, the comment should describe
                                                                                                         ‘‘Van Duzer Corridor’’ as a term of                    the nature of that conflict, including any
                                                 TTB Determination
                                                                                                         viticultural significance for purposes of              anticipated negative economic impact
                                                   TTB concludes that the petition to                    part 4 of the TTB regulations.                         that approval of the proposed AVA will
                                                 establish the approximately 59,871-acre                    The approval of the proposed Van                    have on an existing viticultural
                                                 Van Duzer Corridor AVA merits                           Duzer Corridor AVA would not affect                    enterprise. TTB is also interested in
                                                 consideration and public comment, as                    any existing AVA, and any bottlers                     receiving suggestions for ways to avoid


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                                                 14800                      Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 67 / Friday, April 6, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                 conflicts, for example, by adopting a                   Confidentiality                                        Executive Order 12866
                                                 modified or different name for the AVA.                                                                          It has been determined that this
                                                                                                            All submitted comments and
                                                 Submitting Comments                                     attachments are part of the public record              proposed rule is not a significant
                                                                                                         and subject to disclosure. Do not                      regulatory action as defined by
                                                    You may submit comments on this                      enclose any material in your comments                  Executive Order 12866 of September 30,
                                                 notice by using one of the following                    that you consider to be confidential or                1993. Therefore, no regulatory
                                                 three methods:                                          inappropriate for public disclosure.                   assessment is required.
                                                    • Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: You                                                                          Drafting Information
                                                                                                         Public Disclosure
                                                 may send comments via the online
                                                 comment form posted with this notice                                                                             Karen A. Thornton of the Regulations
                                                                                                            TTB will post, and you may view,
                                                 within Docket No. TTB–2018–0006 on                                                                             and Rulings Division drafted this notice
                                                                                                         copies of this notice, selected
                                                 ‘‘Regulations.gov,’’ the Federal e-                                                                            of proposed rulemaking.
                                                                                                         supporting materials, and any online or
                                                 rulemaking portal, at http://                           mailed comments received about this                    List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 9
                                                 www.regulations.gov. A direct link to                   proposal within Docket No. TTB–2018–                       Wine.
                                                 that docket is available under Notice                   0006 on the Federal e-rulemaking
                                                 No. 175 on the TTB website at https://                  portal, Regulations.gov, at http://                    Proposed Regulatory Amendment
                                                 www.ttb.gov/wine/wine-                                  www.regulations.gov. A direct link to                    For the reasons discussed in the
                                                 rulemaking.shtml. Supplemental files                    that docket is available on the TTB                    preamble, TTB proposes to amend title
                                                 may be attached to comments submitted                   website at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/                   27, chapter I, part 9, Code of Federal
                                                 via Regulations.gov. For complete                       wine_rulemaking.shtml under Notice                     Regulations, as follows:
                                                 instructions on how to use                              No. 175. You may also reach the
                                                 Regulations.gov, visit the site and click               relevant docket through the                            PART 9—AMERICAN VITICULTURAL
                                                 on the ‘‘Help’’ tab.                                    Regulations.gov search page at http://                 AREAS
                                                    • U.S. Mail: You may send comments                   www.regulations.gov. For information
                                                 via postal mail to the Director,                        on how to use Regulations.gov, click on                ■ 1. The authority citation for part 9
                                                 Regulations and Rulings Division,                       the site’s ‘‘Help’’ tab.                               continues to read as follows:
                                                 Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade                          All posted comments will display the                    Authority: 27 U.S.C. 205.
                                                 Bureau, 1310 G Street NW, Box 12,                       commenter’s name, organization (if
                                                 Washington, DC 20005.                                   any), city, and State, and, in the case of             Subpart C—Approved American
                                                                                                         mailed comments, all address                           Viticultural Areas
                                                    • Hand Delivery/Courier: You may
                                                 hand-carry your comments or have them                   information, including email addresses.                ■ 2. Amend § 9.202 by revising
                                                 hand-carried to the Alcohol and                         TTB may omit voluminous attachments                    paragraphs (c)(1), (12), (13), (15), and
                                                 Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G                    or material that the Bureau considers                  (16) to read as follows:
                                                 Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC                    unsuitable for posting.
                                                                                                            You may also view copies of this                    § 9.202     Eola-Amity Hills.
                                                 20005.
                                                                                                         notice, all related petitions, maps and                *      *    *     *    *
                                                    Please submit your comments by the                                                                             (c) * * *
                                                                                                         other supporting materials, and any
                                                 closing date shown above in this notice.                                                                          (1) The beginning point is on the
                                                                                                         electronic or mailed comments that TTB
                                                 Your comments must reference Notice                                                                            Rickreall, Oregon, map at the
                                                                                                         receives about this proposal by
                                                 No. 175 and include your name and                                                                              intersection of State Highway 22 and
                                                                                                         appointment at the TTB Information
                                                 mailing address. Your comments also                                                                            Rickreall Road, near the Oak Knoll Golf
                                                                                                         Resource Center, 1310 G Street NW,
                                                 must be made in English, be legible, and                                                                       Course, in section 50, T7S, R4W;
                                                                                                         Washington, DC 20005. You may also
                                                 be written in language acceptable for
                                                                                                         obtain copies at 20 cents per 8.5 x 11                 *      *    *     *    *
                                                 public disclosure. TTB does not
                                                                                                         inch page. Please note that TTB is                        (12) Follow Old Bethel Road, which
                                                 acknowledge receipt of comments, and
                                                                                                         unable to provide copies of USGS maps                  becomes Oak Grove Road, south until
                                                 TTB considers all comments as
                                                                                                         or other similarly-sized documents that                the road intersects the 200-foot contour
                                                 originals.
                                                                                                         may be included as part of the AVA                     line approximately 400 feet north of Oak
                                                    In your comment, please clearly state                petition. Contact TTB’s information                    Grove Road’s northern intersection with
                                                 if you are commenting for yourself or on                specialist at the above address or by                  Zena Road, just northwest of Bethel;
                                                 behalf of an association, business, or                  telephone at 202–453–2270 to schedule                  then
                                                 other entity. If you are commenting on                  an appointment or to request copies of                    (13) Follow the 200-foot contour line
                                                 behalf of an entity, your comment must                  comments or other materials.                           easterly and then southerly until its first
                                                 include the entity’s name, as well as                                                                          intersection with Zena Road, and then
                                                 your name and position title. If you                    Regulatory Flexibility Act
                                                                                                                                                                follow Zena Road west approximately
                                                 comment via Regulations.gov, please                        TTB certifies that this proposed                    0.25 mile to its southern intersection
                                                 enter the entity’s name in the                          regulation, if adopted, would not have                 with Oak Grove Road, south of Bethel;
                                                 ‘‘Organization’’ blank of the online                    a significant economic impact on a                     then
                                                 comment form. If you comment via                        substantial number of small entities.                  *      *    *     *    *
                                                 postal mail or hand delivery/courier,                   The proposed regulation imposes no                        (15) Follow Frizzell Road west for
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                                                 please submit your entity’s comment on                  new reporting, recordkeeping, or other                 approximately 0.25 mile to its first
                                                 letterhead.                                             administrative requirement. Any benefit                intersection with the 200-foot contour
                                                    You may also write to the                            derived from the use of a viticultural                 line, then
                                                 Administrator before the comment                        area name would be the result of a                        (16) Follow the 200-foot contour line
                                                 closing date to ask for a public hearing.               proprietor’s efforts and consumer                      generally south, crossing onto the
                                                 The Administrator reserves the right to                 acceptance of wines from that area.                    Rickreall, Oregon, map, until the
                                                 determine whether to hold a public                      Therefore, no regulatory flexibility                   contour line intersects the beginning
                                                 hearing.                                                analysis is required.                                  point.


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                                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 67 / Friday, April 6, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                           14801

                                                 ■ 3. Subpart C is amended by adding                       (9) Proceed southwest along State                    Spence, Sector Puget Sound Waterways
                                                 § 9.___to read as follows:                              Highway 18 for 0.3 miles to the                        Management Branch, U.S. Coast Guard;
                                                                                                         intersection of the highway with Red                   telephone 206–217–6051, email
                                                 § 9.___   Van Duzer Corridor.
                                                                                                         Prairie Road; then                                     SectorPugetSoundWWM@uscg.mil.
                                                    (a) Name. The name of the viticultural                 (10) Proceed south along Red Prairie                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                 area described in this section is ‘‘Van                 Road for approximately 5.3 miles,
                                                 Duzer Corridor’’. For purposes of part 4                returning to the beginning point.                      I. Table of Abbreviations
                                                 of this chapter, ‘‘Van Duzer Corridor’’ is                                                                     CFR Code of Federal Regulations
                                                 a term of viticultural significance.                      Signed: November 30, 2017.
                                                                                                                                                                DHS Department of Homeland Security
                                                    (b) Approved maps. The five United                   John J. Manfreda,
                                                                                                                                                                FR Federal Register
                                                 States Geological Survey (USGS)                         Administrator.                                         NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                 1:24,000 scale topographic maps used to                   Approved: March 30, 2018.                            § Section
                                                 determine the boundary of the Van                       Timothy E. Skud,                                       U.S.C. United States Code
                                                 Duzer Corridor viticultural area are                    Deputy Assistant Secretary (Tax, Trade, and            II. Background, Purpose, and Legal
                                                 titled:                                                 Tariff Policy).
                                                    (1) Sheridan, Oreg., 1956; revised                                                                          Basis
                                                                                                         [FR Doc. 2018–07089 Filed 4–5–18; 8:45 am]
                                                 1992;                                                                                                             On July 10, 2012 (77 FR 40521), the
                                                                                                         BILLING CODE 4810–31–P
                                                    (2) Ballston, Oreg., 1956; revised                                                                          Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Sector
                                                 1992;                                                                                                          Puget Sound, published a final rule that
                                                    (3) Dallas, Oreg., 1974; photorevised                                                                       became effective Aug. 1, 2012; the
                                                 1986;                                                   DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND                                 Seattle’s Seafair Fleet Week Moving
                                                    (4) Amity, Oreg., 1957; revised 1993;                SECURITY                                               Vessels security zone. That final rule
                                                 and                                                                                                            establishes a security zone around
                                                    (5) Rickreall, Oreg., 1969;                          Coast Guard
                                                                                                                                                                designated participating vessels that are
                                                 photorevised 1976;                                                                                             not protected by the Naval Vessel
                                                    (c) Boundary. The Van Duzer Corridor                 33 CFR Part 165
                                                                                                                                                                Protection Zone in Seattle’s Seafair Fleet
                                                 viticultural area is located in Polk and                                                                       Week Parade of Ships. Designated
                                                                                                         [Docket Number USCG–2018–0105]
                                                 Yamhill Counties, in Oregon. The                                                                               participating vessels are named by the
                                                 boundary of the Van Duzer Corridor                      RIN 1625–AA87                                          Coast Guard each year prior to the event
                                                 viticultural area is as described below:                                                                       in a Federal Register notice, as well as
                                                    (1) The beginning point is on the                    Security Zone, Seattle’s Seafair Fleet
                                                                                                                                                                the Local Notice to Mariners. These
                                                 Sheridan map at the intersection of                     Week Moving Vessels, Puget Sound,
                                                                                                                                                                security zones are necessary to help
                                                 State Highway 22 and Red Prairie Road.                  WA
                                                 From the beginning point, proceed                                                                              ensure the security of the vessels from
                                                 southeasterly along State Highway 22                    AGENCY:   Coast Guard, DHS.                            sabotage or other subversive acts.
                                                                                                         ACTION:   Notice of proposed rulemaking.                  The purpose of this rulemaking is to
                                                 for a total of 12.4 miles, crossing over
                                                                                                                                                                amend the information required in the
                                                 the Ballston and Dallas maps and onto
                                                                                                         SUMMARY:   The Coast Guard proposes to                 Notice of Enforcement published in the
                                                 the Rickreall map, to the intersection of
                                                 the highway with the 200-foot elevation                 amend its Seattle Seafair Fleet Week                   Federal Register and Local Notice to
                                                 contour west of the Oak Knoll Golf                      Moving Vessels Security Zone                           Mariner and add the requirement to
                                                 Course; then                                            regulation. This amendment would                       publish the names of participating
                                                    (2) Proceed north on the 200-foot                    change the information in annual                       vessel in a Broadcast Notice to Mariners
                                                 elevation contour, crossing onto the                    notices of enforcement that are                        before the scheduled event. The Coast
                                                 Amity map, to the third intersection of                 published both in the Federal Register                 Guard proposes this rulemaking under
                                                 the elevation contour with Frizzell                     and Local Notice to Mariners. This                     authority in 33 U.S.C. 1231.
                                                 Road; then                                              action is necessary because last minute                III. Discussion of Proposed Rule
                                                    (3) Proceed east on Frizzell Road for                changes in the vessels participating in
                                                 0.3 mile to the intersection of the road                the Parade of Ships during Fleet Week                     The Captain of the Port Puget Sound
                                                 with Oak Grove Road; then                               prevent the Coast Guard from                           proposes to amend the provisions in 33
                                                    (4) Proceed north along Oak Grove                    identifying the designated participating               CFR 165.1333 regarding information
                                                 Road for 1.7 miles to the intersection of               vessels in the Federal Register within                 published in the notice of enforcement
                                                 the road with Zena Road; then                           the allotted timeframe. We invite your                 for the annual security zone for Seattle’s
                                                    (5) Proceed east on Zena Road for                    comments on this proposed rulemaking.                  Seafair Fleet Weeks Parade of Ships.
                                                 approximately 0.25 mile to the second                   DATES: Comments and related material
                                                                                                                                                                Currently, the Coast Guard publishes
                                                 intersection of the road with the 200-                  must be received by the Coast Guard on                 the names of the vessels participating in
                                                 foot elevation contour; then                            or before May 21, 2018.                                the Parade of Ships, in a notice of
                                                    (6) Proceed northwest along the 200-                                                                        enforcement at least 3 days prior to the
                                                                                                         ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
                                                 foot elevation contour to the                                                                                  beginning of Seattle’s Seafair. These are
                                                                                                         identified by docket number USCG–                      military vessels. In past years, some
                                                 intersection of the elevation contour                   2018–0105 using the Federal
                                                 with Oak Grove Road; then                                                                                      vessels participating in the Parade of
                                                                                                         eRulemaking Portal at http://                          Ships changed their plans due to
                                                    (7) Proceed north along Oak Grove
                                                                                                         www.regulations.gov. See the ‘‘Public                  operational needs, and as a result, the
                                                 Road (which becomes Old Bethel Road)
                                                                                                         Participation and Request for
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 approximately 7.75 miles to the                                                                                changes precluded the Coast Guard from
                                                                                                         Comments’’ portion of the                              providing sufficient notice in the
                                                 intersection of the road with Patty Lane;
                                                                                                         SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for
                                                 then                                                                                                           Federal Register. This proposed
                                                    (8) Proceed west in a straight line for              further instructions on submitting                     amendment is necessary because the
                                                 a total of 10.8 miles, crossing over the                comments.                                              changing schedules of vessels
                                                 Ballston map and onto the Sheridan                      FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:      If               sometimes makes it impossible to know
                                                 map, to the intersection of the line with               you have questions on this proposed                    which vessels will ultimately
                                                 State Highway 18; then                                  rule, call or email Petty Officer Zachary              participate in the Parade of Ships and


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Document Created: 2018-11-01 09:15:37
Document Modified: 2018-11-01 09:15:37
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking.
DatesComments must be received by June 5, 2018.
ContactKaren A. Thornton, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW, Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; phone 202-453-1039, ext. 175.
FR Citation83 FR 14795 
RIN Number1513-AC39

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