[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 157 (Monday, August 17, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53191-53194]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-16701]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
27 CFR Part 9
[Docket No. TTB-2024-0007; T.D. TTB-206; Ref: Notice No. 235]
RIN 1513-AD08
Establishment of the Columbia Hills Viticultural Area
AGENCY: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Treasury.
ACTION: Final rule; Treasury decision.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) establishes
the 29,387-acre ``Columbia Hills'' American viticultural area (AVA) in
Klickitat County, Washington. The newly established AVA is located
entirely within the existing Columbia Valley 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.
DATES: This final rule is effective September 16, 2026.
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: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(4), a
summary of this rule may be found at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/TTB-2024-0007.
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 (Secretary)
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 certain administrative and enforcement authorities to the TTB
Administrator through Treasury Order 120-01.
[[Page 53192]]
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 to TTB 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, once approved, a name and a delineated boundary
codified 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 allows any interested
party to petition TTB to establish a grape-growing region as an AVA.
Section 9.12 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 9.12) prescribes standards
for petitions to establish or modify 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;
If the proposed AVA is to be established within, or
overlapping, an existing AVA, an explanation that both identifies the
attributes of the proposed AVA that are consistent with the existing
AVA and explains how the proposed AVA is sufficiently distinct from the
existing AVA and therefore appropriate for separate recognition;
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; and
A detailed narrative description of the proposed AVA
boundary based on USGS map markings.
Columbia Hills Petition
TTB received a petition to establish the ``Columbia Hills'' AVA
submitted on behalf of the owner of Cascade Cliffs Vineyard and Winery,
which is located within the proposed AVA. The proposed Columbia Hills
AVA is located in Klickitat County, Washington, and is entirely within
the established Columbia Valley AVA (27 CFR 9.74). Within the proposed
AVA, there are approximately 338 acres of vineyards owned by 19
different property owners, as well as 4 wineries. The distinguishing
features of the proposed Columbia Hills are its topography, soils, and
climate.
The proposed AVA is situated on the southern slopes of the Columbia
Hills, a 35-mile-long ridgeline that parallels the north side of the
Columbia River between Rowena Gap and the mouth of Rock Creek in
Klickitat County, Washington. Erosion of the generally flat-lying
layers of bedrock by ice-age flooding created a series of south-facing
stepped terraces within the proposed AVA. Large, gently-sloped gravel
bars deposited by ice-age floods also exist within the proposed AVA.
The petition states that these gently-sloped terraces and gravel bars
provide excellent locations for vineyards within the otherwise steeply
sloped valley of the Columbia River.
The soils of the proposed Columbia Hills AVA are divided into two
main soil map units--the Cheviot--Horseflat--Rockly--Kiona unit, which
is described as ``well-drained soils that formed in colluvium and
residuum derived from basalt mixed with loess;'' and the Ewall-
Dallesport-Rock Outcrop unit, which consists of wind-deposited sand
that was draped over the bedrock and gravel bars that were left behind
when the ice-age floods ceased. The soils of the proposed AVA are well
drained to excessively well drained and are typically much coarser than
the loess-based soils that are common elsewhere in the Columbia River
basin. The petition states that the coarse soils warm more quickly than
finer soils and encourage vines to root deeply.
According to the petition, 80 percent of the land in the proposed
Columbia Hills AVA is within a mile of the Columbia River, which acts
as a thermal reservoir to moderate the climate near its shores. Due to
its proximity to the river, the proposed AVA generally has warmer
growing season temperatures than the surrounding regions, particularly
during the early morning hours. Average growing season temperatures
within the proposed AVA range from 63.9 to 67.7 degrees Fahrenheit (F),
with average growing season maximum temperatures between 74.5 and 80.2
degrees F and average growing season minimum temperatures between 53
and 55.3 degrees F.
The average number of frost-free days within the proposed AVA
ranges between 194 and 254 days. The average number of growing degree
days (GDDs) \1\ ranges from 3,091 to 3,588. Average annual rainfall
amounts within the proposed AVA are generally between 10 and 20 inches.
The petition states that the warm climate of the proposed AVA aids and
accelerates the ripening of grapes and allows for the cultivation of
warmer climate grape varietals such as Grenache and Mourvedre.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ See Albert J. Winkler et al., General Viticulture (Berkeley:
University of California Press, 2nd ed.), pages 61-64 (1974). In the
Winkler climate classification system, annual heat accumulation
during the growing season, measured in annual GDDs, defines climatic
regions. One GDD accumulates for each degree Fahrenheit (F) that a
day's mean temperature is above 50 degrees F, the minimum
temperature required for grapevine growth.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
To the north of the proposed AVA, the topography is much steeper,
higher, and less impacted by ice-age flooding than the proposed AVA.
Soils are generally deep and derived from loess. Growing season average
temperatures are lower, ranging from 57 to 59.5 degrees F, as are
average growing season maximum and minimum temperatures, which range
from 72 to 77 degrees F and 42 to 43 degrees F, respectively. Average
annual GDD accumulations to the north of the proposed AVA are also
lower, ranging from 1,834 to 2,309 GDDs. The average frost-free period
to the north ranges from 142 to 164 days.
To the east of the proposed Columbia Hills AVA is the established
The Burn of Columbia Valley AVA (27 CFR 9.276), which is relatively
flat and has higher elevations that were less impacted by ice-age
floods. The soils are primarily from the Van Nostern--Morrow--Bakeoven
soil unit and contain large amounts of loess. Annual precipitation
rates average less than 10 inches.
South of the proposed AVA, elevations are generally lower and the
slopes have a northerly aspect. Soils are generally deep and derived
from loess.
[[Page 53193]]
Temperatures are lower than within the proposed AVA, with average
growing season temperatures ranging from 58 to 59.7 degrees F. Average
annual maximum and minimum growing season temperatures range from 70 to
75 degrees F and 44 to 46 degrees F, respectively. The average frost-
free period ranges from 163 to 174 days, and annual GDD accumulations
range from 2,006 to 2,255 GDDs.
West of the proposed Columbia Hills AVA is the established Columbia
Gorge AVA (27 CFR 9.178), which has higher elevations and a more
diverse topography. Soils within the established Columbia Gorge AVA are
also more diverse than within the proposed AVA due to large variations
in bedrock, elevation, and slope angles. Temperatures are lower to the
west of the proposed AVA, with average growing season temperatures
ranging from 58.7 to 62 degrees F. Average GDD accumulations range from
2,107 to 2,647 GDDs.
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Comments Received
TTB published Notice No. 235 in the Federal Register on December 5,
2024 (89 FR 96623), proposing to establish the Columbia Hills AVA. In
the notice, TTB summarized the evidence from the petition regarding the
name, boundary, and distinguishing features of the proposed AVA. The
notice also included the information from the petition comparing the
distinguishing features of the proposed AVA to the surrounding areas.
For a detailed description of the evidence and for a detailed
comparison of the proposed AVA to the surrounding areas, see Notice No.
235.
In Notice No. 235, TTB solicited comments on the accuracy of the
name, boundary, and other required information submitted in support of
the petition. In addition, given the proposed Columbia Hills AVA's
location within the Columbia Valley AVA, TTB solicited comments on
whether the evidence submitted in the petition sufficiently
differentiates it from the established AVA. TTB also requested comments
on whether the features of the proposed AVA are so distinguishable from
the established AVA that the proposed AVA should no longer be part of
the established AVA. The comment period closed February 3, 2025.
TTB received five comments in response to Notice No. 235, four of
which specifically support the proposed AVA. One comment from a
representative of V75 Vineyard (comment 4) describes the area as having
a unique terroir distinct from other grape growing areas in the
northwest. Another representative of V75 Vineyard (comment 2) describes
the winds, growing degree days, and geology as unique features that
support distinguishing this area within the larger Columbia Valley AVA.
This commenter also notes the appropriateness of the AVA name for this
region. The supporting comments from V75 Vineyard representatives
(comments 2, 4, and 5) also express the view that establishing the
proposed AVA will provide economic benefits to the region, helping
support and market the region's vineyards and wines. A separate comment
(comment 3) describes the proposed AVA as ``one of the most interesting
grape-growing/viticultural areas identified in years.''
The remaining comment (comment 1) expressed neither support nor
opposition to the proposed AVA and just asked whether the proposed
``Columbia Hills'' name might be confused with the established Columbia
Valley AVA. TTB notes that, as described more fully in the Notice No.
235, the petition provided evidence that the area of the proposed AVA
is known by the name ``Columbia Hills'', which is reflected in the
Columbia Hills Natural Area Preserve and Columbia Hills Historical
State Park. TTB did not receive any comments in response to Notice No.
235 questioning the sufficiency of the name evidence. As noted below in
the section ``Impact on Current Wine Labels,'' because the Columbia
Hills AVA is situated within and maintains features consistent with the
Columbia Valley AVA, vintners will be able to use ``Columbia Hills,''
``Columbia Valley,'' or both as appellations of origin for wines made
primarily from grapes grown within the Columbia Hills AVA if the wines
meet the eligibility requirements for these appellations. As with the
establishment of any AVA, the extent to which wine consumers recognize
the name of the AVA and associate the name with certain features of the
wine depends upon the efforts of vineyard owners and winemakers in the
region, which are factors beyond the establishment of the AVA.
TTB Determination
After careful review of the petition and the comments received in
response to Notice No. 235, TTB finds that the evidence provided by the
petitioner supports establishing the Columbia Hills AVA. Accordingly,
under the authority of the FAA Act, section 1111(d) of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002, and parts 4 and 9 of the TTB regulations, TTB
establishes the ``Columbia Hills'' AVA in Klickitat County, Washington,
effective 30 days from the publication date of this document.
TTB has also determined that the Columbia Hills AVA will remain
part of the established Columbia Valley AVA. As discussed in Notice No.
235, the Columbia Hills AVA shares some broad characteristics with the
established AVA. For example, the proposed AVA and the Columbia Valley
AVA both have growing seasons longer than 150 days, limited annual
rainfall amounts, and GDD accumulations generally over 2,000. Unlike
the surrounding Columbia Valley AVA, however, the proposed Columbia
Hills AVA is not a large, treeless basin. Instead, the proposed AVA is
a region of hillslopes and flood-carved terraces within a deeply
incised river valley.
Boundary Description
See the narrative description of the boundary of the Columbia Hills
AVA in the regulatory text published at the end of this final rule.
Maps
The petitioners provided the required maps, and they are listed
below in the regulatory text. The Columbia Hills AVA boundary may also
be viewed on the AVA Map Explorer on the TTB website, at https://www.ttb.gov/regulated-commodities/beverage-alcohol/wine/ava-map-explorer.
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 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 that was used as a brand name on a
label approved before July 7, 1986. See 27 CFR 4.39(i)(2) for details.
With the establishment of the Columbia Hills AVA, its name,
[[Page 53194]]
``Columbia Hills,'' 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 regulation clarifies this point.
Consequently, wine bottlers using the name ``Columbia Hills'' in a
brand name, including a trademark, or in another label reference as to
the origin of the wine, will have to ensure that the product is
eligible to use the AVA name as an appellation of origin.
The establishment of the Columbia Hills AVA will not affect the
existing Columbia Valley AVA, and any bottlers using ``Columbia
Valley'' as an appellation of origin or in a brand name for wines made
from grapes grown within the Columbia Valley AVA will not be affected
by the establishment of this new AVA. The establishment of the Columbia
Hills AVA will allow vintners to use ``Columbia Hills,'' ``Columbia
Valley,'' or both as appellations of origin for wines made primarily
from grapes grown within the Columbia Hills AVA if the wines meet the
eligibility requirements for these appellations.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
TTB certifies that this regulation will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The
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 final rule is not a significant
regulatory action as defined by Executive Order 12866, as amended.
Therefore, no regulatory assessment is required.
Drafting Information
Karen A. Thornton of the Regulations and Rulings Division drafted
this final rule.
List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 9
Wine.
The Regulatory Amendment
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, TTB amends 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. Add Sec. 9.301 to read as follows:
Sec. 9.301 Columbia Hills.
(a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this
section is ``Columbia Hills''. For purposes of part 4 of this chapter,
``Columbia Hills'' is a term of viticultural significance.
(b) Approved maps. The two United States Geological Survey (USGS)
1:100,000 scale topographic maps used to determine the boundary of the
viticultural area are as follows:
(1) Hood River OR-WA, 1982; and
(2) Goldendale, WA-OR, 1980.
(c) Boundary. The Columbia Hills viticultural area is located in
Klickitat County, Washington. The boundary of the Columbia Hills
viticultural area is as described as follows:
(1) The beginning point is on the Hood River map at the
intersection of the northern shoreline of the Columbia River and an
unnamed creek due east of the marked ``Cold Spring.'' From the
beginning point, proceed northerly along the unnamed creek to its
intersection with the 300-meter elevation contour; then
(2) Proceed east along the 300-meter elevation contour to the
eastern boundary of the Hood River map; then
(3) Proceed north along the map boundary for approximately 400
feet; then
(4) Proceed east onto the 320-meter elevation contour on the
Goldendale map and continue east along the 320-meter elevation contour
to its intersection with the boundary between Range 18 East and Range
19 East, south of Sand Spring Canyon; then
(5) Proceed southeast in a straight line for 9,000 feet (1.7 miles)
to the intersection of the boundary between sections 31 and 32, T3N/
R19E and the northern shoreline of the Columbia River; then
(6) Proceed west along the northern shoreline of the Columbia
River, returning to the beginning point.
Signed: August 11, 2026.
Mary G. Ryan,
Administrator.
Approved: August 12, 2026.
Kevin M. Salinger,
Acting Assistant Secretary of the Treasury (Tax Policy).
[FR Doc. 2026-16701 Filed 8-14-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-31-P