[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 58 (Friday, March 25, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-7066]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: March 25, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms

27 CFR Part 9

[T.D. ATF-356; RE: Notice No. 783]
RIN 1512-AA07

 

The Hames Valley Viticultural Area (93F-009P)

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 southern 
Monterey County, California, to be known as ``Hames Valley.'' The 
petition was submitted by Mr. Barry C. Jackson of the Harmony Wine 
Company on behalf of Valley Farm Management, Soledad, California, and 
Mr. Bob Denney & Associates, Visalia, California. 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: April 25, 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 definitive viticultural areas. The 
regulations allow the name of an approved viticultural area to be used 
as an appellation of origin on wine labels and in wine advertisements. 
On October 2, 1979, ATF published Treasury Decision ATF-60 (44 FR 
56692) which added a new part 9 to 27 CFR, for the listing of approved 
American viticultural areas.
    Section 4.25a(e)(1), 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 features (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 the 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 with the boundaries 
prominently marked.

Petition

    ATF received a petition from Mr. Barry C. Jackson of the Harmony 
Wine Company to establish a viticultural area in southern Monterey 
County, California, to be known as ``Hames Valley.'' Mr. Jackson 
submitted the petition on behalf of Valley Farm Management, Soledad, 
California, and Mr. Bob Denney & Associates, Visalia, California. The 
Hames Valley viticultural area is located approximately three miles 
west of the town of Bradley and some seven miles north of Lake 
Nacimiento. It is located totally within the larger and previously 
established Monterey viticultural area. As stated in the original 
petition and letter from the petitioner dated April 27, 1993, there are 
several existing vineyards within the area that comprise approximately 
630 acres planted to grapes. No wineries are currently located within 
the Hames Valley area. The size of the area is about sixteen square 
miles or approximately 10,240 acres.

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

    In response to Mr. Jackson's petition, ATF published a notice of 
proposed rulemaking, Notice No. 783, in the Federal Register on October 
27, 1993 (58 FR 57764), proposing the establishment of the Hames Valley 
viticultural area. The notice requested comments from all interested 
persons by December 27, 1993.

Comments to Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

    One comment was received in response to the notice of proposed 
rulemaking (Notice No. 783). The comment was from Mr. Robert H. Denney 
and Ms. Shelley B. Denney of Robert Denney & Associates, one of the 
petitioners for the establishment of the Hames Valley viticultural 
area. This commenter states that the existing Monterey viticultural 
area covers a vast geographic and climatic area, from the cool Salinas 
Valley floor area close to Monterey Bay to inland valleys and foothills 
seventy miles to the south.
    According to Mr. and Ms. Denney, these southern valleys exhibit 
vastly different coastal influences and growing conditions. As a 
result, the varieties grown, their yields, quality characteristics and 
flavor components vary widely from Soledad on the north to Hames Valley 
on the south.
    Mr. and Ms. Denney state that, as growers and small business 
people, it is important to their economic well being to be able to 
differentiate the wine grapes they grow in Hames Valley from those 
produced in the cooler regions of the Monterey viticultural area. They 
further state that by being able to differentiate their grapes and, 
ultimately through their own efforts, the wineries that purchase their 
grapes, as well as the consumer, can identify and seek out their 
product for its unique character.

Evidence That Viticultural Area Name Is Widely Known

    The name Hames Valley has been associated with this area since the 
latter part of the nineteenth century. The petitioner cites Donald T. 
Clark, Monterey County Place Names, p. 201 (1991), which states that 
the valley was named for John Hames who had extensive land holdings in 
the area. In addition, the name Hames Valley appears on the U.S.G.S. 
Bradley Quadrangle, 15 minute series, map of Bradley, California, and 
also appears on the U.S.G.S. 7.5 minute series map entitled Hames 
Valley. Additionally, the petitioner notes that there is a creek which 
runs through the valley named Hames Creek.

Evidence of Boundaries

    Hames Valley is located in the eastern foothills of the Santa Lucia 
Range, west of the confluence of the Salinas, San Antonio, and 
Nacimiento Rivers. The watershed of Hames Creek is the defining feature 
of the appellation. Hames Valley is located wholly within the larger, 
previously approved Monterey viticultural area. A portion of the 
boundaries of the Monterey viticultural area form the northern and 
western boundaries of Hames Valley. Swain Valley and the Salinas River 
form part of the eastern boundary. The ridgeline that separates Hames 
Valley from the San Antonio River forms the balance of the eastern and 
southern boundaries.

Geographical Features

    Hames Valley is a small east-west oriented valley, west of the 
generally north-south orientation of the meandering Salinas River. 
Formed by the watershed of Hames Creek, Hames Valley thrusts its way 
seven miles into the eastern flank of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Hames 
Creek empties into the Salinas River approximately two miles downstream 
from the confluence of the San Antonio and Salinas Rivers. Hames Valley 
is separated from the San Antonio River by a ridge averaging 1,500 feet 
in elevation, the highest peak at 1,984 feet. A similar ridgeline forms 
the northern boundary and separates Hames Valley from the Salinas 
River.
    The general topography within the valley consists of gently sloping 
alluvial fans and associated terraces. Drainages are generally well 
defined.

Soils

    The petitioner submitted a composite map of the Hames Valley area 
compiled from the Soil Survey of Monterey County, California, U.S.D.A. 
Soil Conservation Service, U.S. Forestry Service, University of 
California Agricultural Experiment Station (1972). According to this 
map, the principal soils in the area are gravelly sandy loams of the 
Lockwood series. These comprise approximately 75 percent of the soil 
types present. Lesser amounts of Chamise shaly loams and Nacimiento 
silty clay loams are also present. All current viticulture takes place 
in the Lockwood series soils. Soils in the surrounding areas are also 
silty and shaly loams, but are located on 30 to 50 percent slopes and 
are of different compositions. The preponderance of the Lockwood shaly 
clay loam and the geomorphology (flat, well defined valley floor) set 
the Hames Valley apart from the surrounding mountainous areas.

Climate

    With regard to climate, the petitioner submitted a study by A.N. 
Kasimatis, Extension Viticulturist, University of California, Davis 
(August 7, 1970). The study shows that heat summation for the Hames 
Valley-Bradley area is generally in the 3200 to 3500 degree-day range. 
This corresponds to a warm region III, similar to the King City and 
Paso Robles areas. This differs from the generally cooler climate 
(region I/II) for the Gonzales, Soledad, and Greenfield area, farther 
north.
    Regarding other climatic factors, the petitioner stated that 
rainfall in the Hames Valley area averages 10 to 12 inches annually.
    The petitioner further stated that the east-west axis of the Hames 
Valley relative to the north-south orientation of the Salinas Valley 
results in a reduced wind stress factor in the Hames Valley area. 
Windspeed builds up later in the day and at reduced velocities relative 
to the ``wind-tunnel'' effect in the Gonzales-Soledad-Greenfield area. 
This results in shorter overall exposure to wind stress, from both a 
time and wind velocity standpoint.
    In sum, the following factors differentiate the Hames Valley from 
the adjacent Salinas Valley:
    (a) An east-west axis relative to the general north-south 
orientation of the Salinas Valley.
    (b) A generally warmer microclimate: Region III vs. region I/II.
    (c) Higher overall elevation: 500 to 800 feet for Hames Valley, 100 
to 500 feet for the Salinas Valley.
    (d) Later daily windspeed build-up and duration of wind.
    (e) More homogeneous soil profile: Hames Valley with one principal 
soil type; Salinas Valley, over 70 soil types.
    (f) Geographically distinct and separate from the Salinas River 
Valley.

Viticultural Area Boundary

    The boundary of the Hames Valley viticultural area may be found on 
one United States Geological Survey map, entitled Bradley Quadrangle, 
15 minute series, with a scale of 1:62,500. The boundary is described 
in Sec. 9.147.

Executive Order 12866

    It has been determined that this rule is not a significant 
regulatory action, because it will not (1) 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 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, Pub. L. 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 practices and procedures, Consumer protection, 
Viticultural areas, and Wine.

Authority and Issuance

    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.

    Paragraph 2. Subpart C is amended by adding Sec. 9.147 to read as 
follows:

Subpart C--Approved American Viticultural Areas

* * * * *


Sec. 9.147  Hames Valley.

    (a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this 
section is ``Hames Valley.''
    (b) Approved maps. The appropriate map for determining the boundary 
of the Hames Valley viticultural area is one U.S.G.S. 15 minute series 
topographical map, titled Bradley Quadrangle, California, edition of 
1961, with a scale of 1:62,500.
    (c) Boundary. The Hames Valley viticultural area is located in 
southern Monterey County in the State of California. The boundary is as 
follows:
    (1) Beginning at the southeast corner of section 26, T. 23 S., R. 
10 E., which coincides with the point where the 640 foot contour line 
crosses the Swain Valley drainage, the boundary proceeds in a straight 
line across section 26 to the northwest corner of section 26, T. 23 S., 
R. 10 E.;
    (2) Then west northwest in a straight line across sections 22, 21, 
20, and 19, T. 23 S., R. 10 E., to the northwest corner of section 24, 
T. 23 S., R. 9 E.;
    (3) Then southeast in a straight line across sections 24, 25, 30, 
31, and 32, to the southeast corner of section 5, T. 24 S., R. 10 E.;
    (4) Then east southeast in a straight line across section 9 to the 
southeast corner of section 10, T. 24 S., R. 10 E.;
    (5) Then east southeast in a straight line for approximately 2.25 
miles to Hill 704, located in section 18, T. 24 S., R. 11 E.;
    (6) Then north northwest in a straight line for approximately 1.35 
miles to Hill 801, located near the northwest corner of section 7, T. 
24 S., R. 11 E., and then continue in a straight line to the northwest 
corner of section 6, T. 24 S., R. 11 E.;
    (7) Then in a generally northwesterly direction along the Salinas 
River for approximately 1 mile to where the Swain Valley drainage 
enters the Salinas River about .11 mile south of the northern boundary 
line of section 36, T. 23 S., R. 10 E.;
    (8) Then in a westerly direction for approximately .75 mile along 
the Swain Valley drainage to the southeast corner of section 26, T. 23 
S., R. 10 E., the point of beginning.

    Signed: February 9, 1994.
Daniel R. Black,
Acting Director.

    Approved: March 15, 1994.
John P. Simpson,
Deputy Assistant Secretary (Regulatory, Tariff and Trade Enforcement).
[FR Doc. 94-7066 Filed 3-24-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-31-U