[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 5, 1994)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 537-540]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-147]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: January 5, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms

27 CFR Part 9

[T.D. ATF-352; RE: Notice No. 781]
RIN 1512-AA07

 

Lake Wisconsin Viticultural Area (92F-017P)

AGENCY: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury.

ACTION: Final rule, Treasury decision.

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SUMMARY: This final rule establishes a viticultural area in Columbia 
and Dane Counties, Wisconsin, to be known as Lake Wisconsin. The 
petition was submitted by Mr. Charles W. Dean, Viticultural Area 
Consultant, on behalf of Wollersheim Winery located near Prairie-du-
Sac, Wisconsin. The establishment of viticultural areas and the 
subsequent use of viticultural area names as appellations of origin in 
wine labeling and advertising will help consumers better identify the 
wines they may purchase, and will help winemakers distinguish their 
products from wines made in other areas.

EFFECTIVE DATE: February 4, 1994.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert White, Wine and Beer Branch, 
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, 650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., 
Washington, DC 20226, (202-927-8230).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On August 23, 1978, ATF published Treasury Decision ATF-53 (43 FR 
37672, 54624) revising regulations in 27 CFR part 4. These regulations 
allow the establishment of definite American viticultural areas. The 
regulations also allow the name of an approved viticultural area to be 
used as an appellation of origin in the labeling and advertising of 
wine.
    On October 2, 1979, ATF published Treasury Decision ATF-60 (44 FR 
56692) which added a new part 9 to 27 CFR, providing for the listing of 
American viticultural areas. Section 4.25a(e)(l), title 27, CFR, 
defines an American viticultural area as a delimited grape-growing 
region distinguishable by geographical features, the boundaries of 
which have been delineated in subpart C of part 9. Section 4.25a(e)(2) 
outlines the procedure for proposing an American viticultural area. Any 
interested person may petition ATF to establish a grape-growing region 
as a viticultural area. The petition should include:
    (a) Evidence that the name of the proposed viticultural area is 
locally and/or nationally known as referring to the area specified in 
the petition;
    (b) Historical or current evidence that the boundaries of the 
viticultural area are as specified in the petition;
    (c) Evidence relating to the geographical characteristics (climate, 
soil, elevation, physical features, etc.) which distinguish the 
viticultural features of the proposed area from surrounding areas;
    (d) A description of the specific boundaries of the viticultural 
area, based on features which can be found on United States Geological 
Survey (U.S.G.S.) maps of the largest applicable scale; and
    (e) A copy of the appropriate U.S.G.S. map(s) with the proposed 
boundaries prominently marked.

Petition

    ATF received a petition from Mr. Charles W. Dean, Viticultural Area 
Consultant, on behalf of Robert P. Wollersheim and JoAnn I. 
Wollersheim, proprietors and landowners of Wollersheim Winery near 
Prairie-du-Sac, Wisconsin, to establish a viticultural area in south-
central Wisconsin to be known as ``Lake Wisconsin.'' The viticultural 
area is bounded by the shoreline of Lake Wisconsin and the Wisconsin 
River on the north and west. Wollersheim Winery is the sole winery 
located in the 28,000 acre viticultural area and there are currently 
twenty-three acres planted to wine grapes.

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

    In response to Mr. Wollersheim's petition, ATF published a notice 
of proposed rulemaking, Notice No. 781, in the Federal Register on 
September 24, 1993 (58 FR 49949), proposing the establishment of the 
Lake Wisconsin viticultural area. The notice requested comments from 
all interested persons by October 25, 1993.

Comments to Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

    Seven comments were received concerning the proposal to establish 
the Lake Wisconsin viticultural area. All seven commenters stated that 
they fully support the proposed area as delineated in Notice No. 781. 
One of the commenters was under the mistaken impression that this area 
had been proposed to be called the Roxbury Viticultural District. 
However, despite the misunderstanding about the name, this commenter 
stated in his letter that he heartily supports the establishment of a 
new viticultural area in this part of Wisconsin which includes the 
Wollersheim Winery.

Viticultural Area Name

    The place-name ``Lake Wisconsin'' was first used ca. 1917 to 
describe a widened section of the Wisconsin River that was submerged 
when the Baraboo hydroelectric dam was constructed one mile upriver 
from the town of Prairie-du-Sac. A travel brochure and map produced by 
the Lake Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce in 1989, entitled Lake Wisconsin 
Chamber Recreation Area Vacationland, shows various recreational and 
tourist facilities in the Lake Wisconsin viticultural area. The 
viticultural area has a long history of wine grape growing and wine 
making activity. Agoston Haraszthy, an immigrant from Hungary well 
known as an early pioneer in the American wine industry, first planted 
wine grapes on Wollersheim Winery property in 1847. Cold winter 
temperatures frustrated this early attempt to establish grapevines and 
two years later Haraszthy moved to California. However, wine grape 
growing and wine making continued in this area until 1900. Because of 
its role in the early history of Wisconsin, Wollersheim Winery and the 
adjacent homestead were listed on the National Register of Historic 
Places in 1976.

Evidence of Boundaries

    The boundaries of the Lake Wisconsin viticultural area are clearly 
shown on two U.S.G.S. quadrangle maps, Sauk City, Wisc. and Lodi, Wisc. 
The Sauk City, Wisc. quadrangle map shows the viticultural area to be 
bounded by the shoreline of Lake Wisconsin and the Wisconsin River on 
the north and west. The southern boundary is defined by Mack Road and 
State Highway Y, and the eastern boundary, shown on the Lodi, Wisc. 
quadrangle map, follows State Highway Y, State Highway 60, State 
Highway 113, and Spring Creek. The petitioner states that some of the 
natural boundary features, which closely approximate some of the roads 
and highways used as boundaries for this viticultural area, can be 
found on county maps, plat maps and county atlases dating back to 1861.

Geographical Features

    The Wisconsin River (of which Lake Wisconsin is a part) is a major 
natural feature of the State and of the region. It is the largest river 
in the State after the Mississippi River, of which it is a major 
tributary. Roads and highways define the southern boundary of the Lake 
Wisconsin viticultural area. The landscape of the viticultural area is 
comprised of discontinuous end moraines interspersed with ground 
moraines and occasional outwash plains. The landscape outside the 
southern boundary is of higher elevation and is comprised of rolling, 
hummocky upland with some outwash material. The eastern boundary, which 
closely approximates Spring Creek, identifies an area of low relief, 
continuous and intermittent stream drainage, and marsh. To the east of 
Spring Creek and outside the viticultural area is a glaciated upland 
plain where the landscape is generally of higher elevations and 
comprised of end moraines with little or no outwash material.

Topography and Elevation

    The vineyards in the viticultural area are located at an elevation 
of 800-900 feet along south and southwest facing slopes of 10-40 
percent gradient. This combination of elevation, aspect, and relief 
contributes to the well-drained quality of the vineyard soils, the free 
circulation of air in summer and winter, and the locally longer growing 
season. Outside the viticultural area to the north and west, higher 
elevations of 900-1,200 feet increase the risk of wind damage to 
grapevines, or the soils become too shallow for successful grape 
cultivation where bedrock is nearer the surface or exposed. Outside the 
viticultural area to the east, elevations between 720 feet (Wisconsin 
River level) and 800 feet are generally less well drained or are 
saturated during periods of rainfall or snowmelt.

Climate

    The Lake Wisconsin viticultural area benefits from the microclimate 
effects of the lower Wisconsin River valley. The river moderates winter 
temperatures in the viticultural area several degrees higher than areas 
north and west of the river or further south. Air circulation within 
the river valley helps prevent cold air accumulation and frost pockets 
from forming in the vineyards. In summer, the river valley and 
limestone bluffs along the river's edge serve to channel air currents 
and increase localized air circulation, protecting the vineyards from 
mildew and rot in hot, humid weather.
    The viticultural area has a mean precipitation of twenty-nine 
inches, one inch less than the average rainfall in the area north and 
east, three inches less than the average rainfall in the area to the 
west, and two inches less than the State average. The petitioner 
describes the viticultural area as an ``island'' of locally below-
average rainfall and drier soils conducive to the grapevines 
concentrating their vigor in ripening fruit. The viticultural area has 
a growing season of 140-160 days, ten to twenty days longer than across 
the river to the west and to the north. The additional frost-free 
period allows the grapes to reach maturity before the onset of winter 
cold.

Soil

    The Wisconsin River forms an approximate dividing line between the 
glaciated and unglaciated regions of south-central Wisconsin. Soils 
primarily of glacial till and outwash material are found east of the 
river valley and characterize the soils in the viticultural area. The 
unglaciated ``driftless'' soils west of the valley result from 
significant differences in soil parent materials, microrelief, and 
drainage. The soils that support viticulture within the viticultural 
area are Typic Hapludalfs of mixed mineral material and silty or loamy 
texture. All are underlain by gravelly or sandy loam glacial till or by 
dolomitic bedrock. The soils are typically well drained and about 36-60 
inches deep on slopes and rolling areas of 2-45 percent gradient. The 
soils outside the viticultural area to the north and west are 
predominately unglaciated, and so are not underlain by glacial till and 
contain less outwash material. The soils outside the area to the south 
and east, although glacially derived, are found on topography of 
rolling upland with fewer limestone outcrops and no outwash plains. The 
soils there have formed on slightly higher elevations over 
discontinuous end and ground moraines.

Viticultural Area Boundary

    The boundary of the Lake Wisconsin viticultural area may be found 
on two United States Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.) maps with a scale of 
1:24,000. The boundary is described in Sec. 9.146.

Executive Order 12866

    It has been determined that this rule is not a significant 
regulatory action, because
    (1) It will not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 
million or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a 
sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the 
environment, public health or safety, or State, local or tribal 
governments or communities;
    (2) Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an 
action taken or planned by another agency;
    (3) Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, 
user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients 
thereof; or
    (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal 
mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in 
Executive Order 12866.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    It is hereby certified that this regulation will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
The establishment of a viticultural area is neither an endorsement nor 
approval by ATF of the quality of wine produced in the area, but rather 
an identification of an area that is distinct from surrounding areas. 
This process merely allows wineries to more accurately describe the 
origin of their wines to the consumers, and helps consumers identify 
the wines they purchase. Designation of a viticultural area itself has 
no significant economic impact because any commercial advantage can 
come only from consumer acceptance of wines made from grapes grown 
within the area. In addition, no new recordkeeping or reporting 
requirements are imposed. Accordingly, a regulatory flexibility 
analysis is not required.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, Public Law 
96-511, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR 
Part 1320, do not apply to this final rule because no requirement to 
collect information is imposed.

Drafting Information

    The principal author of this document is Robert White, Wine and 
Beer Branch, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 9

    Administrative practice and procedure, Consumer protection, 
Viticultural areas, and Wine.

Authority and Issuance

    Accordingly, Title 27, Code of Federal Regulations, part 9, 
American Viticultural Areas, is amended as follows:

PART 9--AMERICAN VITICULTURAL AREAS

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

    Authority: 27 U.S.C. 205.

    Par. 2. Subpart C is amended by adding Sec. 9.146 to read as 
follows:

Subpart C--Approved American Viticultural Areas


Sec. 9.146  Lake Wisconsin.

    (a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this 
section is ``Lake Wisconsin.''
    (b) Approved maps. The appropriate maps for determining the 
boundary of the ``Lake Wisconsin'' viticultural area are two U.S.G.S. 
7.5 minute series topographical maps of the 1:24,000 scale. They are 
titled:
    (1) ``Sauk City, Wis.,'' 1975; and
    (2) ``Lodi, Wis.,'' 1975.
    (c) Boundary. The Lake Wisconsin viticultural area is located in 
Columbia and Dane Counties, Wisconsin. The boundary is as follows:
    (1) The point of beginning is on the ``Lodi, Wisc.'' U.S.G.S. map 
in the northeast quarter-section of section 17, Lodi Township, Columbia 
County, where Spring Creek enters Lake Wisconsin;
    (2) From the point of beginning, follow the southern shoreline of 
Lake Wisconsin northwest to where Lake Wisconsin narrows and becomes 
the Wisconsin River on the map, in the vicinity of the town of 
Merrimac, Sauk County;
    (3) Then continue along the southern shoreline of the Wisconsin 
River, west and south past Goose Egg Hill, Columbia County, on the 
``Sauk City, Wisc.'' quadrangle map, and then west to a southwest bend 
in the shoreline opposite Wiegands Bay, Sauk County, where the 
Wisconsin River becomes Lake Wisconsin again on the map;
    (4) Then southwest and south along the eastern shoreline of Lake 
Wisconsin, to the powerplant that defines where Lake Wisconsin ends and 
the Wisconsin River begins again;
    (5) Then continuing south along the Wisconsin River shoreline to 
where it intersects with U.S. Highway 12 opposite Sauk City, Sauk 
County;
    (6) Then in a southeasterly direction on U.S. Highway 12 to the 
intersection at State Highway 188, just over one-half a mile;
    (7) Then in a northeasterly direction about 1,000 feet on State 
Highway 188, to the intersection of Mack Road;
    (8) Then east on Mack Road to the intersection of State Highway Y, 
about 3 miles;
    (9) Then follow State Highway Y in a generally northeasterly 
direction onto the ``Lodi, Wisc.'' quadrangle map and continue in a 
northeasterly direction to the intersection with State Highway 60;
    (10) Then in a northeasterly direction on State Highway 60 to the 
intersection with State Highway 113 in the town of Lodi;
    (11) Then in a northwesterly direction on State Highway 113 to 
where it crosses Spring Creek the second time just before Chrislaw 
Road;
    (12) Then follow Spring Creek in a northwesterly direction to where 
it enters Lake Wisconsin, the point of beginning.

    Dated: November 24, 1993.
Daniel R. Black,
Acting Director.
    Approved: December 17, 1993.
John P. Simpson,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, (Regulatory, Tariff and Trade Enforcement).
[FR Doc. 94-147 Filed 1-4-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-31-U