[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 116 (Tuesday, June 17, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34474-34479]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-14055]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

27 CFR Part 9

[Docket No. TTB-2014-0005; Notice No. 143]
RIN 1513-AC07


Proposed Expansion of the Fair Play Viticultural Area

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

ACTION: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to 
expand the approximately 33-square mile ``Fair Play'' viticultural area 
in El Dorado County, California, by approximately 1,200 acres 
(approximately 2 square miles). The established Fair Play viticultural 
area and the proposed expansion area are located entirely within the 
larger El Dorado and Sierra Foothills viticultural areas. 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 August 18, 2014.

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-2014-0005 
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 200-E, 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 (Revised), dated 
December 10, 2013, to the TTB Administrator to perform the functions 
and duties in the administration and enforcement of this law.
    Part 4 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR part 4) authorizes the 
establishment of definitive viticultural areas and 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 American viticultural areas.

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 its 
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 the establishment of an AVA and 
provides that any interested party may petition TTB to establish a 
grape-growing region as an AVA. Petitioners may use the same procedures 
to request changes involving existing AVAs. Section 9.12 of the TTB 
regulations (27 CFR 9.12) prescribes standards for petitions for 
modifying established AVAs. Petitions to expand an established AVA must 
include the following:
     Evidence that the region within the proposed expansion 
area boundary is nationally or locally known by the name of the 
established AVA;
     An explanation of the basis for defining the boundary of 
the proposed expansion area;

[[Page 34475]]

     A narrative description of the features of the proposed 
expansion area affecting viticulture, such as climate, geology, soils, 
physical features, and elevation, that make the proposed expansion area 
similar to the established AVA and distinguish it from adjacent areas 
outside the established AVA boundary;
     The appropriate United States Geological Survey (USGS) 
map(s) showing the location of the proposed expansion area, with the 
boundary of the proposed expansion area clearly drawn thereon; and
     A detailed narrative description of the proposed expansion 
area boundary based on USGS map markings.

Petition To Expand the Fair Play AVA

    TTB received a petition from Randy and Tina Rossi, owners of Saluti 
Cellars winery and vineyard, proposing to expand the established ``Fair 
Play'' AVA in northern California. The Fair Play AVA (27 CFR 9.168) was 
established by T.D. ATF-440, which was published in the Federal 
Register on February 26, 2001 (66 FR 11539). The Fair Play AVA covers 
approximately 33 square miles in southern El Dorado County, California, 
around the small, unincorporated community of Fair Play, and the AVA 
contains approximately 250 acres of commercially-producing vineyards.
    The proposed expansion area is adjacent to the northeast corner of 
the existing Fair Play AVA boundary and covers approximately 1,200 
acres (approximately 2 square miles). One commercial vineyard is 
located within the proposed expansion area. The petition included a 
letter from the president of the Fair Play Winery Association in 
support of the proposed expansion. According to the petition, the 
soils, climate, and topography of the proposed expansion area are 
similar to those of the established AVA. Unless otherwise noted, all 
information and data pertaining to the proposed expansion area 
contained in this document come from the petition and its supporting 
exhibits.
    The Fair Play AVA and the proposed expansion area are located 
within the El Dorado AVA (27 CFR 9.61), which, in turn, is located 
within the larger, multicounty Sierra Foothills AVA (27 CFR 9.120). The 
Fair Play AVA and the proposed expansion area do not overlap any other 
established or proposed AVAs.

Name Evidence

    The petition provides evidence that the proposed expansion area is 
associated with the established Fair Play AVA. Saluti Cellars, the 
vineyard and winery owned by the petitioners, is located within the 
proposed expansion area and has a Somerset, California mailing address. 
As noted in T.D. ATF-440, Somerset is one of three towns within the 
established Fair Play AVA, along with Fair Play and Mount Aukum. Also, 
Saluti Cellars uses the Zip code 95684. As noted in T.D. ATF-440, all 
three of these communities use the Zip Code 95684. Finally, the 
proposed expansion area is included in the region served by the Three 
Forks Grange, which serves the communities within and adjacent to the 
Fair Play AVA, including the towns of Fair Play, Somerset, and Mount 
Aukum. TTB notes that the Three Forks Grange is a local unit of the 
California State Grange, an agricultural fraternity and civic 
organization that supports rural communities.

Boundary Evidence

    The current northeastern boundary of the Fair Play AVA is shaped 
roughly like a capital letter ``L.'' The current northeastern boundary 
begins on the USGS Camino quadrangle map at the intersection of the 
2,000-foot elevation contour and the shared boundary line of sections 9 
and 10. From that point, the current northeastern boundary proceeds due 
south along sections lines to the Middle Fork of the Cosumnes River on 
the Aukum quadrangle map; this segment forms the upright portion of the 
``L'' shape. The current northeastern boundary then follows the river 
easterly (upstream) to the range line between R12E and R13E on the Omo 
Ranch map; this segment of the boundary forms the bottom of the ``L'' 
shape. The northeastern boundary then follows the R12E/R13E range line 
due south approximately 1.8 miles to the intersection of the range line 
and Omo Ranch Road.
    The proposed expansion area is located northeast of the established 
Fair Play AVA boundary, between the 2,000-foot elevation line and the 
Middle Fork of the Cosumnes River. The proposed boundary would replace 
the portion of the current northeastern Fair Play AVA boundary located 
between the intersection of the 2,000-foot elevation line with the 
shared boundary of sections 9 and 10 (T9N/R12E) and the intersection of 
the Middle Fork of the Cosumnes River with the R12E/R13E range line. 
Instead of following the shared section boundary lines south from the 
2,000-foot elevation contour to the Middle Fork of the Cosumnes River 
and then continuing east along the river to the R12E/R13E range line, 
the proposed boundary would continue east along the 2,000-foot 
elevation contour to Jackass Canyon Creek, then continue southeasterly 
along the creek, crossing the southwestern corner of the USGS Sly Park 
quadrangle map, to Grizzly Flat Road, and would then follow the road 
east to the R12E/R13E range line. From the intersection of the road 
with the range line, the proposed boundary would then follow the range 
line due south to Omo Ranch Road, as the current boundary does.
    To the northeast of the proposed expansion area, outside both the 
proposed expansion area and the established Fair Play AVA, are the El 
Dorado National Forest and the region known as Grizzly Flats, which 
both have higher elevations and steeper slopes than the proposed 
expansion area and the established AVA. Additionally, the El Dorado 
National Forest was not included in either the established AVA or the 
proposed expansion area because its status as a National Forest makes 
the region unavailable for commercial viticulture. To the immediate 
north of both the proposed expansion area and the established Fair Play 
AVA is a canyon formed by the North Fork of the Cosumnes River. 
According to T.D. ATF-440, the steep sides of the canyon are unsuitable 
for viticulture, and the bottom land along the river is several hundred 
feet lower than the lowest elevations within either the proposed 
expansion area or the established AVA.

Distinguishing Features

    According to the petition, the proposed expansion area contains the 
same soils, topography, and climate that distinguish the established 
Fair Play AVA from the surrounding region. Because the established Fair 
Play AVA is to the immediate west and south of the proposed expansion 
area, the distinguishing features of the proposed expansion area will 
be contrasted only with the regions to the north and east.
Soils
    The soils of the proposed expansion area are primarily of the 
Holland, Musick, and Shaver series. According to a United States 
Department of Agriculture (USDA) custom soil resource report included 
with the petition, these three series cover 70% of the proposed 
expansion area. The soils are derived from granite and consist of sandy 
loams and coarse sandy loams with average rooting depths between 40 and 
60 inches, allowing roots to penetrate far into the soil to absorb 
nutrients and water. Soils of these three series are also moderately-
drained to well-drained, which discourages mildew and rot.

[[Page 34476]]

    T.D. ATF-440 describes the soils of the established Fair Play AVA 
as being of the Holland, Musick, and Shaver series, as well. T.D. ATF-
440 states that the soils to the north and east of the Fair Play AVA 
are primarily of the Chawanakee and Chaix series, which are shallow, 
poorly drained, non-granitic soils of volcanic origin. T.D. ATF-440 
also states that the Fair Play AVA boundaries were specifically drawn 
to exclude shallow, poorly drained, non-granitic soils, including 
volcanic soils. However, more recent evidence in the form of the USDA 
custom soil resource report provided in the petition shows that the 
Holland, Musick, and Shaver soils of the Fair Play AVA extend farther 
to the northeast than previously thought, including into the proposed 
expansion area. The soil report also confirms that soils of the 
Chawanakee and Chaix series are present north and east of both the 
proposed expansion area and the Fair Play AVA, and that less than 1 
percent of the soils of the proposed expansion area are of these two 
series.
Topography
    The proposed expansion area consists of steep hillsides and ridge 
tops with elevations between 2,000 and 3,000 feet, according to the 
USGS maps included in the petition. The petition states that the steep 
elevations minimize the risk of frost in the vineyards of the proposed 
expansion area because cold air drains off the slopes and does not 
settle in the vineyards.
    The topography of the established Fair Play AVA is similar to that 
of the proposed expansion area. T.D. ATF-440 describes the established 
AVA as being composed of rolling hillsides and ridge tops, with 
elevations between 2,000 and 3,000 feet. By contrast, the region to the 
east of both the established AVA and the proposed expansion area is 
higher and steeper, with elevations of over 3,000 feet and slopes that 
are too steep for commercial viticulture. The region to the north of 
both the established AVA and the proposed expansion area also has steep 
slopes that are less suitable for commercial viticulture.
Climate
    According to the USDA Soil Survey for El Dorado County (the ``Soil 
Survey''), cited in both the current expansion petition and T.D. ATF-
440, the climate within the Fair Play region of the Sierra Foothills 
changes with elevation. Rainfall, for example, generally increases 
along with the elevation. The length of the growing season in the 
region, however, decreases as elevation increases. T.D. ATF-440 notes 
that the Soil Survey estimates that the elevations within the Fair Play 
AVA generally receive between 35 and 40 inches of rain annually and 
have a growing season of between 230 and 250 days. The current petition 
states that because the proposed expansion area has elevations similar 
to those of the established AVA, one could reasonably assume the 
proposed expansion area also receives between 35 and 40 inches of rain 
per year and has a growing season of between 230 and 250 days, based on 
the estimates included for those elevations in the Soil Survey. The 
rainfall amounts are enough to provide adequate water for vines, but 
not so much as to promote mildew or rot. The length of the growing 
season affects the ripening patterns of grapes and influences the 
varieties grown.
    By contrast, the region to the east of both the proposed expansion 
area and the Fair Play AVA has higher elevations. The petition states 
that based on the USDA Soil Survey description of rainfall and growing 
season estimates for the county, the region to the east of the proposed 
expansion area and the Fair Play AVA would be expected to have higher 
rainfall amounts and a shorter growing season than both the Fair Play 
AVA and the proposed expansion area.
    TTB notes that it generally prefers for AVA petitions to contain 
actual climate data gathered from weather stations located within the 
proposed AVA or proposed expansion area and the surrounding regions, 
rather than estimates of climate data. However, the USDA Soil Survey 
for El Dorado County is an official U.S. Government publication and, 
therefore, is considered to be a reliable source for general climate 
information. Additionally, the climate estimates in the Soil Survey are 
based on elevation, and the elevations of both the established AVA and 
the proposed expansion area can be readily verified using the USGS maps 
provided in the petition. Finally, the original petition to establish 
the Fair Play AVA used the USDA Soil Survey for El Dorado County as the 
basis for its discussion of the climate of the region. Therefore, in 
this instance, TTB is accepting the climate estimates contained in the 
expansion petition as evidence that the climate of the proposed 
expansion area is similar to that of the established AVA, instead of 
requiring actual climate data gathered from a weather station within 
the proposed expansion area.

Comparison of the Proposed Fair Play AVA Expansion Area to the Existing 
El Dorado and Sierra Foothills AVAs

El Dorado AVA
    The El Dorado AVA was established by T.D. ATF-152, which was 
published in the Federal Register on October 13, 1983 (48 FR 46520). 
The El Dorado AVA is located on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada 
Mountains and has a generally mountainous topography with elevations 
between approximately 1,200 and 3,500 feet. Rainfall amounts are 
between 33 and 45 inches annually. The soils vary in depth and are 
generally formed from volcanic material.
    The proposed Fair Play AVA expansion area has a climate and 
topography similar to the El Dorado AVA, with rolling hills and 
mountains and annual rainfall amounts and elevations that fall within 
the ranges of the larger AVA. However, the proposed expansion area 
bears a greater similarity to the established Fair Play AVA than to the 
larger El Dorado AVA. Because of their smaller sizes, both the proposed 
expansion area and the Fair Play AVA have a smaller range of elevations 
than the larger AVA. The smaller range of elevations also results in a 
smaller range of annual rainfall amounts within the proposed expansion 
area and the Fair Play AVA than within the larger AVA.
    The soils of the proposed expansion area also bear a greater 
similarity to the soils of the Fair Play AVA than to those of the El 
Dorado AVA. As stated, the soils of the Fair Play AVA are of the 
Holland, Shaver, and Musick series and are described as deep, well-
drained soils comprised mainly of granite. T.D. ATF-440 notes that the 
boundaries of the Fair Play AVA were specifically drawn to exclude 
shallow, poorly drained, non-granitic soils. However, the recent USDA 
soil survey report provided in the petition shows that the Holland, 
Shaver, and Musick series soils extend farther to the northeast than 
previously believed and are found also within the proposed expansion 
area. By contrast, the soils of the El Dorado AVA are described in T.D. 
ATF-152 as being comprised of river gravel and non-granitic volcanic 
debris and as having depths that vary from shallow to deep. The soil 
survey report confirms that volcanic soils, primarily of the Chawanakee 
and Chaix series, are found in greater concentrations in the region of 
the El Dorado AVA immediately adjacent to the boundaries of both the 
established Fair Play AVA and the proposed expansion area.
Sierra Foothills AVA
    The Sierra Foothills AVA was established by T.D. ATF-261, which

[[Page 34477]]

was published in the Federal Register on November 18, 1987 (52 FR 
44105). The Sierra Foothills AVA is approximately 160 miles long and 
covers portions of 7 California counties in the foothills of the Sierra 
Nevada Mountains. The topography of the region ranges from gently 
rolling hills to progressively steeper slopes and canyons. T.D. ATF-261 
describes the Sierra Foothills AVA as having lower temperatures and 
greater rainfall amounts than the lower elevations of the Central 
Valley to the west, and as having higher temperatures and lower 
rainfall amounts than the higher, more mountainous uplands of the 
Sierra Nevada Mountains to the east. Although specific soil and climate 
data were not included in T.D. ATF-261, the notice of proposed 
rulemaking for the Sierra Foothills AVA (Notice No. 632, 52 FR 19531, 
May 26, 1987) states that vineyards within the AVA are planted at 
elevations between 500 and 3,000 feet. Notice No. 632 also states that 
the growing season ranges from 100 to 300 days, depending on the 
elevation.
    Both the proposed expansion area and the Fair Play AVA share some 
similar characteristics of the larger Sierra Foothills AVA. The 
proposed expansion area and the Fair Play AVA both contain rolling 
hills that become progressively steeper. However, the range of 
elevations within the proposed expansion area is not as great as the 
range within the Sierra Foothills AVA and is more similar to the range 
of elevations within the Fair Play AVA.
    The climate within the proposed expansion area also shares some 
characteristics with the larger Sierra Foothills AVA. As previously 
discussed, rainfall amounts increase with elevation and temperatures 
decrease with elevation within the Sierra Nevada Mountains and 
foothills. Therefore, because the proposed expansion area is located 
within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, one could expect the 
proposed expansion area to have more rain than the Central Valley and 
less rainfall than the higher uplands of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. 
However, because the proposed expansion area covers a smaller area with 
a smaller range of elevations, one would expect its range of annual 
rainfall amounts to be more similar to the Fair Play AVA, which shares 
a similar range of elevations with the proposed expansion area.
    Finally, the proposed expansion area has a growing season of 
between 230 and 250 days, which is within the range of the Sierra 
Foothills AVA. However, the length of the growing season within the 
Sierra Foothills AVA can vary by as much as 200 days, depending on 
elevation. By contrast, the average length of the growing season within 
both the Fair Play AVA and the proposed expansion area varies only by 
about 20 days, due to the smaller range of elevations within both the 
Fair Play AVA and the proposed expansion area.

Technical Corrections to Boundary Description

    TTB has noted an error in the current boundary instructions for the 
Fair Play AVA, specifically, in paragraph (c) of Sec.  9.168. 
Consequently, in paragraphs (c)(12) and (13), TTB is clarifying that, 
from the South Fork of the Cosumnes River, the Fair Play AVA's western 
boundary proceeds north along the western boundary of section 14, T8N/
R11E, as currently described, but then continues north along the 
western boundary lines of sections 11 and 2 in T8N/R11E, and then along 
the western boundary lines of sections 35 and 26 in T9N/R11E in order 
to return to the boundary's beginning point at the section line's 
intersection with the Middle Fork of the Cosumnes River. This 
clarification would not change the location of the Fair Play AVA's 
existing western boundary.
    TTB also has noted the need to correct two typographical errors in 
the AVA's current boundary description. In paragraph (c)(4) of Sec.  
9.168, the reference to the 2,200-foot contour line incorrectly uses a 
double quote mark as an abbreviation for ``feet,'' and the paragraph 
incorrectly ends with a period. To correct these typographical errors 
and to match the style used elsewhere in Sec.  9.168(c), TTB is 
changing the elevation reference to read ``the 2200-foot contour line'' 
and ending the paragraph with a semi-colon. These corrections are 
merely stylistic and would not change the location of the Fair Play 
AVA's existing boundary, as described in paragraph (c)(4).

TTB Determination

    TTB concludes that the petition to expand the boundaries of the 
established Fair Play AVA merits consideration and public comment, as 
invited in this notice of proposed rulemaking.

Boundary Description

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

Maps

    To document the existing and proposed boundaries of the Fair Play 
AVA, the petitioner provided copies of the three currently-required 
USGS maps (the Aukum, Camino, and Omo Ranch quadrangle maps) and a copy 
of the additional Sly Park quadrangle map. The four maps are listed 
below in the proposed regulatory text.

Impact on Current Wine Labels

    For a wine to be labeled with a viticultural area name or with a 
brand name that includes 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 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 or other viticulturally significant 
term that was used as a brand name on a label approved before July 7, 
1986. See 27 CFR 4.39(i)(2) for details.
    The approval of the proposed expansion of the Fair Play AVA would 
not affect any other existing viticultural area, and any bottlers using 
``El Dorado'' or ``Sierra Foothills'' as an appellation of origin or in 
a brand name for wines made from grapes grown within the El Dorado or 
Sierra Foothills viticultural areas would not be affected if the 
proposed expansion is approved. The expansion of the Fair Play AVA 
would allow vintners to use ``Fair Play,'' ``El Dorado,'' and ``Sierra 
Foothills'' as appellations of origin for wines made primarily from 
grapes grown within the proposed expansion area 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 expand the Fair Play AVA as proposed. TTB is 
specifically interested in receiving comments on the similarity of the 
proposed expansion area to the established Fair Play AVA. In addition, 
TTB is interested in comments on whether the name evidence provided in 
the petition demonstrates that the proposed expansion area is known by 
the ``Fair Play'' name. Finally, given the location of the proposed 
expansion area and the Fair Play AVA within the existing El Dorado and 
Sierra Foothills viticultural areas, TTB is interested in

[[Page 34478]]

comments on whether the evidence submitted in the petition regarding 
the distinguishing features of the proposed expansion area sufficiently 
differentiates it from the existing El Dorado and Sierra Foothills 
viticultural areas. Please provide specific information in support of 
your comments.

Submitting Comments

    You may submit comments on this notice of proposed rulemaking 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-2014-
0005 on ``Regulations.gov,'' the Federal e-rulemaking portal, at http://www.regulations.gov. A direct link to that docket is available under 
Notice No. 143 on the TTB Web site at http://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_rulemaking.shtml">http://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 200-E, Washington, DC 20005.
    Please submit your comments by the closing date shown above in this 
notice. Your comments must reference Notice No. 143 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-2014-0005 on the Federal e-
rulemaking portal, Regulations.gov, at http://www.regulations.gov. A 
direct link to that docket is available on the TTB Web site at http://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_rulemaking.shtml. under Notice No. 143. 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 of proposed rulemaking, 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 an AVA 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. Section 9.168 is amended by revising paragraphs (b), (c)(4) through 
(7), (c)(12), and (c)(13) to read as follows:


Sec.  9.168  Fair Play.

* * * * *
    (b) Approved maps. The four United States Geological Survey (USGS) 
1:24,000 scale topographic maps used to determine the boundary of the 
Fair Play viticultural area are titled:
    (1) Aukum, Calif., 1952 (photorevised 1973);
    (2) Camino, CA, 1952 (photorevised 1973);
    (3) Sly Park, CA, 1952 (photorevised 1973); and
    (4) Omo Ranch, Calif., 1952 (photorevised 1973).
    (c) * * *
    (4) The boundary continues east along Grizzly Flat Road to its 
intersection with the 2200-foot contour line (``Camino Quadrangle'');
    (5) The boundary continues northeasterly and then easterly along 
the 2200-foot contour line until the contour line intersects with 
Jackass Canyon Creek near the eastern boundary of Section 10, T. 9 N., 
R. 12. E., on the ``Camino Quadrangle'' map;
    (6) The boundary then proceeds southeast along Jackass Canyon 
Creek,

[[Page 34479]]

crossing over the southwestern corner of the ``Sly Park'' Quadrangle 
map and onto the ``Omo Ranch'' Quadrangle map, to the headwaters of the 
creek, then proceeds in a straight line southeast to Grizzly Flat Road 
in Section 24, T. 9 N., R. 12 E.;
    (7) The boundary continues east along Grizzly Flat Road until the 
road intersects with the range line between R. 12 E. and R. 13 E. 
(``Omo Ranch Quadrangle'');
* * * * *
    (12) The boundary continues west along the South Fork of the 
Cosumnes River to its intersection with the western boundary of Section 
14, T. 8 N., R 11 E. (``Aukum Quadrangle'');
    (13) The boundary then proceeds north along the western boundary 
lines of Sections 14, 11, and 2, T. 8 N., R 11 E., and then the western 
boundary lines of Sections 35 and 26, T. 9 N., R 11 E., to return to 
the beginning point (``Aukum Quadrangle'').

    Dated: June 5, 2014.
John J. Manfreda,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2014-14055 Filed 6-16-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-31-P