Establishment of the Lewis-Clark Valley Viticultural Area and Realignment of the Columbia Valley Viticultural Area, 23156-23162 [2016-09264]

Agencies

• Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
• DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 76 (Wednesday, April 20, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23156-23162]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-09264]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

27 CFR Part 9

[Docket No. TTB-2015-0005; T.D. TTB-136; Ref: Notice Nos. 149 & 149A]
RIN 1513-AC14


Establishment of the Lewis-Clark Valley Viticultural Area and 
Realignment of the Columbia Valley Viticultural Area

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

ACTION: Final rule; Treasury decision.

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SUMMARY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) establishes 
the approximately 306,650-acre Lewis-Clark Valley viticultural area in 
portions of Nez Perce, Lewis, Clearwater, and Latah Counties in Idaho 
and Asotin, Garfield, and Whitman Counties in Washington. TTB is also 
modifying the boundary of the existing Columbia Valley viticultural 
area to eliminate a partial overlap with the Lewis-Clark Valley 
viticultural area. The boundary modification will decrease the size of 
the approximately 11,370,320-acre Columbia Valley viticultural area by 
approximately 57,020 acres. The Lewis-Clark Valley viticultural area is 
not located within and does not overlap any other 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 May 20, 2016.

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

[[Page 23157]]

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 (Revised), ``Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade 
Bureau,'' dated January 24, 2003), to the TTB Administrator to perform 
the functions and duties in the administration and enforcement of these 
laws.
    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 
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 boundary;
     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.

Lewis-Clark Valley Petition

    TTB received a petition from Dr. Alan Busacca, a licensed geologist 
and founder of Vinitas Consultants, LLC, on behalf of the Palouse-Lewis 
Clark Valley Wine Alliance and the Clearwater Economic Development 
Association. The petition proposed to establish the Lewis-Clark Valley 
AVA and modify the boundary of the existing Columbia Valley AVA (27 CFR 
9.74). There are 3 wineries and approximately 16 commercially producing 
vineyards covering more than 81 acres within the proposed AVA. 
According to the petition, an additional 50 acres of grapes are 
expected to be planted within the next few years.
    The distinguishing features of the proposed Lewis-Clark AVA include 
its topography, climate, native vegetation, and soils. The proposed AVA 
is located at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. The 
topography of the proposed AVA consists primarily of deep, V-notched 
canyons, low plateaus, and bench lands formed by the two rivers. Almost 
none of the proposed AVA consists of broad floodplains typically 
associated with valley floors, which are susceptible to cold-air 
pooling that can damage new growth and delay fruit maturation. 
Elevations within the proposed AVA are below 600 meters (approximately 
1,970 feet). According to the petition, within the region of proposed 
AVA, elevations above 600 meters are generally too cold to support 
reliable ripening of the varietals of Vitis vinifera (V. vinifera) 
grapes that are grown within the proposed AVA, and winter freezes can 
be hard enough to kill dormant vines. By contrast, the regions 
surrounding the proposed Lewis-Clark Valley AVA to the east, south, 
southwest, and west are steep, rugged mountains with elevations ranging 
from approximately 2,000 feet to over 6,300 feet. To the north of the 
proposed AVA are the gently rolling hills of the Palouse high prairie, 
where the elevations can reach approximately 2,800 feet.
    Due to its lower elevations, the climate of the proposed Lewis-
Clark Valley is generally warmer than that of the surrounding regions 
and is suitable for growing a variety of grape varietals, including 
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The warm 
temperatures of the proposed AVA have earned the region the nickname 
``banana belt of the Pacific Northwest.'' Growing degree day (GDD) 
accumulations within the proposed AVA range from 2,613 to 3,036. GDD 
accumulations in the surrounding regions are all below 2,000, which is 
too low for the consistent, successful ripening of most varietals of V. 
vinifera grapes.
    Low shrubs and perennial grasses that have deep masses of fine 
roots constitute the native vegetation of the proposed Lewis-Clark 
Valley AVA. The decomposition of these native grasses and their root 
mats has contributed to the formation of nutrient-rich soils within the 
proposed AVA. The soils are high in organic materials that promote 
healthy vine growth. The majority of these soils are classified as 
Mollisols soils. The Palouse region to the north of the proposed AVA 
has similar native grasses, but most of the land is used for growing 
wheat, which is better suited to the cooler climate of the Palouse. To 
the east, south, and west of the proposed AVA, conifer trees comprise 
most of the native vegetation. The understories of these forested 
regions are covered with pine needle litter instead of perennial 
grasses. The pine needle litter remains on the surface, so the organic 
material released by the decomposition of the needles does not mix as 
deeply into the soil as the material released by decaying grass root 
mats. As a result, the soils of forested regions are not as high in 
organic material and nutrients as the soils within the proposed AVA. 
Additionally, the soils to the east, south, and west of the proposed 
AVA are classified as Andisols soils, which are comprised primarily of 
ash and other volcanic materials and contain only small amounts of 
organic material.

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Comments Received

    TTB published Notice No. 149 in the Federal Register on April 14, 
2015 (80 FR 19902), proposing to establish the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA. 
In the document, TTB summarized the evidence from the petition 
regarding the name, boundary, and distinguishing features for the 
proposed AVA. The

[[Page 23158]]

document also compared the distinguishing features of the proposed AVA 
to the surrounding areas. In Notice No. 149, TTB solicited comments on 
the accuracy of the name, boundary, and other required information 
submitted in support of the petition. In addition, TTB solicited 
comments on whether the information provided in the petition 
sufficiently demonstrated that the distinguishing features of the 
portion of the proposed Lewis-Clark Valley AVA that would overlap the 
established Columbia Valley AVA are so different from those of the 
established AVA that the overlapping region should be removed from the 
established AVA and placed entirely within the proposed AVA. The 
comment period originally closed on June 15, 2015.
    In response to Notice No. 149, TTB received 37 comments during the 
original comment period, 36 of which unequivocally support the 
establishment of the proposed Lewis-Clark AVA, with several commenters 
citing its distinct topography, climate, and soils. Many of the 
commenters also stated their belief that the proposed AVA would 
encourage economic growth in the Lewiston-Clarkston region. Commenters 
included local vineyard and winery owners; a member of the Lewiston, 
Idaho City Council; Valley Vision, a local non-profit economic 
development corporation; representatives of the Clearwater Economic 
Development Association; representatives of the Port of Lewiston and 
the Port of Clarkston, Washington; the Idaho Wine Commission; the Dean 
for Community Programs at Lewis-Clark State College; the Nez Perce 
County, Idaho Planning and Building Department; and a licensed 
geologist/hydrologist.
    Eleven of the supporting comments also specifically support 
removing the overlapping region of the proposed Lewis-Clark Valley AVA 
from the Columbia Valley AVA. However, only four of these comments 
(comments 13, 20, 21, and 36) offer specific reasons for supporting the 
boundary modification. One commenter (comment 13) reiterated the 
petition's claim that the different geology of the overlapping region 
created a topography of bench lands, low plateaus, and steep canyon 
sides that are distinct from the plains of the Columbia Valley AVA. 
Another commenter (comment 20) stated that the climate of the 
overlapping region and the proposed Lewis-Clark Valley AVA are both 
``more distinctly affected by the interior mountains on the eastern 
border of the proposed AVA and the soils are distinctly affected by the 
decomposed granites and basalt substrates that were deposited through 
centuries of alluvial outwash. . . .'' The third commenter (comment 21) 
stated that the overlapping region and the proposed AVA were ``not 
ravaged by the Missoula Floods as was most of the Columbia Valley.'' 
The fourth commenter (comment 36) stated that his experience growing 
grapes in the proposed AVA supports the petition's claims that the 
climate of the proposed AVA has a longer growing season and different 
soils than the Columbia Valley AVA. The commenter also agreed with the 
petition that the canyons of the proposed AVA and the overlapping 
region are ``in stark contrast to the shallow and wide basins created 
by the Columbia River in the Columbia Valley AVA.''

Proposed AVA Boundary Expansion

    While supporting establishment of the proposed Lewis-Clark AVA, one 
commenter proposed expanding its boundary to include an area of higher 
elevations to the northeast of the proposed AVA. This acreage is 
referred to in this section of the final rule as the ``proposed 
expansion area'' for the proposed Lewis-Clark Valley AVA. The commenter 
states he plans to develop a vineyard within the proposed expansion 
area at approximately 2,800 feet in elevation (see comment 34). The 
proposed Lewis-Clark Valley AVA is limited to elevations of 600 meters 
(approximately 1,960 feet) and under. Arguing that viticulture is 
feasible at the higher elevations of the Lewis-Clark Valley, the 
commenter provided climate data from a station within the proposed 
expansion area for 2012-2014. While noting that the GDD accumulations 
within his proposed expansion area are lower than those within the 
proposed AVA, the commenter stated they are higher than those found in 
Moscow, Idaho, which is located to the north of the proposed AVA. 
Climate data from Moscow was included in the proposed Lewis-Clark 
Valley AVA petition. The commenter believes, therefore, that his data 
shows the climate in his proposed expansion area is more similar to the 
climate within the proposed Lewis-Clark AVA than the climate of the 
nearby regions north of the proposed AVA, including Moscow, Idaho.
    The commenter also claimed that precipitation amounts within the 
proposed expansion area are similar to those within the proposed Lewis-
Clark Valley AVA, although he did not provide any non-anecdotal 
evidence to support his claim. Finally, the commenter states that 
although the soils in the proposed expansion area are Andisols soils, 
``there is no reason to consider this [soil type] any less suitable for 
viticulture'' than the Mollisols soils of the proposed AVA.
    TTB has reviewed the commenter's claims and supporting evidence and 
has decided not to include the proposed expansion area within the 
proposed AVA for two reasons. First, TTB notes that the commenter 
states that the property owner is planning to plant a vineyard, which 
does not indicate that viticulture exists within the proposed expansion 
area. TTB regulations require that viticulture be present within an 
area proposed to be added to an AVA. See 27 CFR 9.12(c). Therefore, the 
proposed expansion area cannot be added to the proposed Lewis-Clark 
Valley AVA because no evidence has been provided to show that 
viticulture currently takes place in the proposed expansion area.
    Secondly, TTB has determined that the proposed expansion area does 
not share the same climate and soils as the proposed Lewis-Clark Valley 
AVA and would not be included in the proposed AVA even if viticulture 
was taking place currently. With respect to climate conditions, the GDD 
accumulations provided by the commenter ranged from 1,984 to 2,150, 
which is a significantly lower range from the 2,613-3,036 range found 
within the proposed AVA. Some grape varietals may grow successfully in 
regions that have the range of GDD accumulations found in the proposed 
expansion area. However, because the GDD accumulations are 
significantly lower within the proposed expansion area, TTB believes 
that the grapes would be growing under different climatic conditions 
than are found within the proposed AVA. Although the commenter claims 
that climate research and projections suggest that temperatures within 
the proposed expansion area may eventually become as warm as those 
within the proposed Lewis-Clark Valley AVA, TTB's determinations 
concerning the establishment or expansion of AVAs are based on 
currently available climate data.
    Regarding the soils of the proposed expansion area, the commenter 
states that they are Andisols soils, which are composed largely of 
volcanic material. However, the proposed Lewis-Clark Valley AVA's soils 
are primarily Mollisols soils formed from decaying grasses and their 
roots. Although Andisols soils may be suitable for viticulture, the 
nutrients and minerals found in volcanic soils differ from those found 
in Mollisols soils and thus would create different growing conditions 
for grapevines.

[[Page 23159]]

    Therefore, due to both a lack of current viticulture and shared 
distinguishing features in the proposed expansion area, TTB has 
determined that it will not expand the proposed Lewis-Clark Valley AVA 
to include the proposed expansion area described in comment 34.

Opposition to Proposed Columbia Valley AVA Boundary Realignment

    TTB received one comment that supports the establishment of the 
proposed Lewis-Clark Valley AVA but opposes the proposed realignment of 
the Columbia Valley AVA (comment 35). The commenter, the owner of a 
vineyard within the proposed realignment area, stated that he believes 
his continued inclusion in the Columbia Valley AVA would be beneficial 
to his business and, therefore, he does not want his vineyard property 
to be removed from that AVA. Instead, the commenter stated that TTB 
should allow the proposed Lewis-Clark Valley to partially overlap the 
Columbia Valley because ``the geology, soils and climate of the 
proposed Lewis-Clark Valley AVA are quite similar to those of the 
Columbia Valley and mostly lay within the elevations affected by the 
Missoula floods.'' The commenter did not provide any evidence to 
support his claim.
    Because the proposed realignment of the Columbia Valley could 
potentially affect the business practices of wine industry members 
within the proposed realignment area, TTB published Notice No. 149A in 
the Federal Register on October 27, 2015 (80 FR 65670) to reopen the 
comment period for an additional 30 days. In Notice No. 149A, TTB asked 
for comments on whether the evidence provided in the petition to 
establish the proposed Lewis-Clark Valley AVA and to modify the 
boundary of the Columbia Valley AVA adequately demonstrates that the 
characteristics of the proposed realignment area are more similar to 
those of the rest of the proposed Lewis-Clark Valley AVA than to the 
distinguishing features of the Columbia Valley AVA. The reopened 
comment period closed November 27, 2015.

Comments Received During the Reopened Comment Period

    During the reopened comment period, TTB received six additional 
comments on Notice No. 149. All six comments supported the proposed 
realignment of the Columbia Valley AVA. Two of the comments supported 
the proposed realignment but provided no additional evidence. The 
remaining four comments (comments 39, 40, 41, and 42) provided 
substantive evidence to support the proposed realignment.
    Comment 39 was submitted by Dr. Wade Wolfe, who described himself 
as one of the contributors to the original Columbia Valley AVA 
petition. Dr. Wolfe states that defining the original ``east boundary 
of the Columbia Valley was especially problematic'' due to that 
region's cold temperatures, the lack of irrigation infrastructure for 
vineyards, and the use of the herbicide 2,4-D in the wheat fields of 
the Palouse. All of these factors, Dr. Wolfe states, limit the future 
of viticulture in the far eastern portion of the Columbia Valley AVA. 
In spite of these limiting factors, the decision was made to end the 
Columbia Valley at the Washington-Idaho border. Dr. Wolfe states his 
belief that a more appropriate eastern boundary would have been ``a 
location near the Columbia and Garfield County line about 30 miles west 
of Pullman, WA.'' At this point, the Snake River Valley narrows to very 
steep slopes, and elevations rise to over 2,000 feet, making commercial 
viticulture unlikely. Dr. Wolfe further stated that the narrow canyon 
continues along the Snake River until the river ``intersects with SR 12 
just west of Clarkston,'' where the river valley opens up again. This 
intersection is along the northern border of the proposed realignment 
area. Dr. Wolfe asserts that the narrow portion of the Snake River 
creates a logical separation between the valley system of the Columbia 
Valley AVA and the valley system of the proposed Lewis-Clark Valley 
AVA.
    Dr. Wolfe also states that the valley system of the proposed Lewis-
Clark Valley AVA, including the proposed realignment area, is further 
differentiated from the valley system of the Columbia Valley AVA by its 
separate rain shadow. Marine moisture is blocked from entering the 
Columbia Valley AVA by the Cascade Mountains. By contrast, the proposed 
Lewis-Clark Valley AVA is in the rain shadow of the Blue Mountains and 
extensions of the Rocky Mountains. This different rain shadow, 
according to Dr. Wolfe, ``redefines the valley drainage of this section 
of the Snake River and when combined with the Clearwater River 
drainage, justifies a separate valley AVA designation.''
    Comment 40 was submitted by a licensed geologist/hydrologist. The 
commenter states that while the Columbia Valley AVA and the proposed 
realignment area were both affected by repeated ``Ice Age outbursts'' 
from Lake Missoula, the effects of the floods were significantly 
different in both regions. The commenter states that the floods were 
backed up behind the Wallula Gap ``when twice as much floodwater 
entered the gap than could actually pass through. This hydraulic dam 
also temporarily reversed the flow of the Snake River to near 
Lewiston.'' As a result of the build-up of water behind the Wallula 
Gap, ``thick accumulations of sediment were deposited toward the center 
of the backflooded Walla Walla and Yakima Valleys,'' within the current 
Columbia Valley AVA.
    The commenter also states that the proposed realignment area was 
affected by the Bonneville Flood, which did not extend farther into the 
Columbia Valley AVA. The Bonneville Flood deposited ``sediments (soils) 
of a different character and composition'' into the region of the 
proposed Lewis-Clark Valley AVA and the proposed realignment area, 
including soils derived from eroded ``older sedimentary, metamorphic, 
and plutonic rocks of the North American craton.'' Finally, the 
commenter states that due to the ``higher relief of the canyonlands 
within the Lewis-Clark Valley,'' the soils of the proposed AVA and the 
proposed realignment area contain a higher percentage of ``talus and 
slopewash shed off the steep canyon walls.'' The commenter claims that 
these types of deposits are not common within the majority of the 
Columbia Valley AVA, which contains ``broad, low-relief basins.''
    Comment 41 is from a self-described local wine consumer. The 
comment largely summarizes the evidence provided in the petition to 
establish the proposed Lewis-Clark Valley AVA and realign the boundary 
of the Columbia Valley AVA. The commenter states that the proposed 
realignment area should be removed from the Columbia Valley AVA because 
``from a statistical perspective,'' the vineyards within the proposed 
realignment area ``would represent an outlier.'' He explains, ``If one 
were to view the Columbia Valley AVA as a map scatter diagram, the vast 
majority of vineyards are located in the Interstate-82 corridor between 
Walla Walla and Yakima, WA.'' Approximately 100 miles separate the 
nearest Columbia Valley AVA vineyard from the nearest vineyard in the 
proposed realignment area, the commenter claims. Based on the lack of 
vineyards between Interstate 82 and the proposed realignment area, the 
commenter believes that the current boundary of the Columbia Valley AVA 
extends too far east, and the southeastern Columbia Valley AVA boundary 
should be modified to place the proposed realignment area solely in the 
proposed Lewis-Clark Valley AVA.

[[Page 23160]]

    Comment 42 was submitted by Dr. Alan Busacca, who submitted the 
proposed Lewis-Clark Valley AVA petition. Dr. Busacca reiterated Dr. 
Wolfe's statement from comment 39 that the point where the Snake River 
narrows forms a logical division between the Columbia Valley AVA and 
the proposed Lewis-Clark Valley AVA. Dr. Busacca further reiterates 
that the topography of the proposed realignment area and the proposed 
AVA, which is described as a ``unique, almost bowl-like set of plateaus 
and benches,'' is distinctly different from the topography of the 
Columbia Valley AVA. Dr. Busacca also states that if the climate, 
topography, and geology of the proposed realignment area are similar to 
the Columbia Valley AVA, as the opposing commenter claims, then the 
soils would also be similar, since those three features affect the 
formation of soil. However, Dr. Busacca states that of the 80 soils 
found within both the proposed AVA and the proposed realignment area, 
fewer than 8 also occur in the main grape-growing regions of the 
Columbia Valley AVA. Therefore, Dr. Busacca claims that the small 
number of shared soils demonstrates that the proposed realignment area 
does not share similar topographic, geologic, and climatic 
characteristics with the Columbia Valley AVA.
    Finally, Dr. Busacca addresses the opposing commenter's statement 
that the proposed realignment area and the Columbia Valley AVA were 
both affected by the Missoula Floods. Dr. Busacca says that while the 
floodwaters did reach the proposed AVA, the waters had travelled almost 
100 miles upstream along the Snake River, against the flow of the 
river. As a result, within the proposed AVA, the floods ``caused almost 
no erosion, left little sediment behind, and thus did not today create 
more than a few tens of acres of unique terroir on small patched [sic] 
of flat land just above river level.'' By contrast, within the Columbia 
Valley AVA, the floods created the ``scabland'' regions and built up 
large deposits of ``gravel, sand and silt up to hundreds of feet deep. 
. . . A whisper and a whimper of such effects totaling a hundred acres 
or two are all that these floods caused in the Lewiston-Clarkston 
area.''

TTB Determination

    After careful review of the petition and the 43 comments in total 
received in response to Notices No. 149 and No. 149A, TTB finds that 
the evidence provided by the petitioner and the commenters supports the 
establishment of the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA and the realignment of the 
boundary of the Columbia Valley AVA, in portions of Washington and 
Idaho. The realignment is in accordance with TTB's determination that 
the canyon-and-bench topography and Mollisols soils of the realignment 
area are more similar to the features of the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA 
than to the broad, rolling floodplains and Aridisols soils of the 
Columbia Valley AVA. Therefore, TTB is removing the realignment area 
from the Columbia Valley AVA and placing it entirely within the Lewis-
Clark Valley AVA, as described in Notice No. 149. These determinations 
are made in accordance with the authority of the FAA Act, section 
1111(d) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as well as parts 4 and 9 
of the TTB regulations, and are effective 30 days from the publication 
date of this document.

Boundary Description

    See the narrative description of the boundary of the Lewis-Clark 
Valley AVA and the modification of the boundary of the Columbia Valley 
AVA in the regulatory text published at the end of this final rule.

Maps

    The petitioner provided the required maps, and they are listed 
below in the 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 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 must 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 this AVA, its name, ``Lewis-Clark 
Valley,'' is 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 ``Lewis-Clark Valley'' in a brand name, including a 
trademark, or in another label reference as to the origin of the wine, 
must ensure that the product is eligible to use the AVA name as an 
appellation of origin.

Transition Period

    Once this final rule to establish the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA and to 
modify the boundary of the Columbia Valley AVA becomes effective, a 
transition rule will apply to labels for wines produced from grapes 
grown in the portion of the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA that was formerly 
within the Columbia Valley AVA. A label containing the words ``Columbia 
Valley'' in the brand name or as an appellation of origin may be used 
on such wine bottled for up to two years from the effective date of 
this final rule, provided that such label was approved prior to the 
effective date of this final rule and that the wine conforms to the 
standards for use of the label set forth in 27 CFR 4.25 or 4.39(i) in 
effect prior to the final rule. At the end of this two-year transition 
period, if a wine is no longer eligible for labeling with the Columbia 
Valley name (e.g., less than 85 percent of the wine is derived from 
grapes grown in the Columbia Valley, as modified in this final rule), 
then a label containing the words ``Columbia Valley'' in the brand name 
or as an appellation of origin would not be permitted on the bottle. 
TTB believes that the two-year period should provide adequate time to 
use up any existing labels. This transition period is described in the 
regulatory text for the Columbia Valley AVA published at the end of 
this final rule. In this final rule, TTB has added regulatory text to 
clarify that wine eligible for labeling with the Columbia Valley name 
under the new boundary of the Columbia Valley AVA will not be affected 
by the establishment of the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA or by this two-year 
transition period.

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 of

[[Page 23161]]

September 30, 1993. 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. Amend Sec.  9.74 by revising paragraphs (b) and (c)(38) through (40) 
and adding paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  9.74  Columbia Valley.

* * * * *
    (b) Approved maps. The approved maps for determining the boundary 
of the Columbia Valley viticultural area are nine 1:250,000 scale 
U.S.G.S. maps and one 1:100,000 (metric) scale U.S.G.S. map. They are 
entitled:
    (1) Concrete, Washington, U.S.; British Columbia, Canada, edition 
of 1955, limited revision 1963;
    (2) Okanogan, Washington, edition of 1954, limited revision 1963;
    (3) Pendleton, Oregon, Washington, edition of 1954, revised 1973;
    (4) Pullman, Washington, Idaho, edition of 1953, revised 1974;
    (5) Clarkston, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, 1:100,000 (metric) scale, 
edition of 1981;
    (6) Ritzville, Washington, edition of 1953, limited revision 1965;
    (7) The Dalles, Oregon, Washington, edition of 1953, revised 1971;
    (8) Walla Walla, Washington, Oregon, edition of 1953, limited 
revision 1963;
    (9) Wenatchee, Washington, edition of 1957, revised 1971; and
    (10) Yakima, Washington, edition of 1958, revised 1971.
    (c) * * *
    (38) Then south following the Washington-Idaho State boundary on 
the 1:100,000 (metric) scale Clarkston, Washington, Idaho, Oregon map 
to the 600-meter elevation contour along the eastern boundary of 
section 9,
    R. 46 E./T. 11 N.; and then generally west following the meandering 
600-meter contour to the eastern boundary of section 17, R. 45E./T. 
11N.; then south following the eastern boundary of section 17 to the 
southern boundary of section 17; and then west following the southern 
boundaries of sections 17 and 18 to the Asotin-Garfield county line in 
section 19, R. 45E./T. 11N.;
    (39) Then south following the Garfield-Asotin county line to the 
600-meter elevation contour; then following generally west and south in 
a counterclockwise direction along the meandering 600-meter elevation 
contour to Charley Creek in section 4, R. 44 E./T. 9 N.; and then west 
following Charley Creek on to the township line between R. 42 E. and R. 
43 E.;
    (40) Then north following the township line between R. 42 E. and R. 
43 E. on the 1:250,000 scale ``Pullman, Washington, Idaho'' map to 
Washington Highway 128 at Peola;
* * * * *
    (d) Transition period. A label containing the words ``Columbia 
Valley'' in the brand name or as an appellation of origin approved 
prior to May 20, 2016 may be used on wine bottled before May 21, 2018 
if the wine conforms to the standards for use of the label set forth in 
Sec.  4.25 or Sec.  4.39(i) of this chapter in effect prior to May 20, 
2016.

0
3. Add Sec.  9.256 to read as follows:


Sec.  9.256  Lewis-Clark Valley.

    (a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this 
section is ``Lewis-Clark Valley''. For purposes of part 4 of this 
chapter, ``Lewis-Clark Valley'' is a term of viticultural significance.
    (b) Approved maps. The three United States Geographical Survey 
(USGS) 1:100,000 (metric) scale topographic maps used to determine the 
boundary of the Lewis-Clark Valley viticultural area are titled:
    (1) Clarkston, Wash.-Idaho-Oregon, 1981;
    (2) Orofino, Idaho-Washington, 1981; and
    (3) Potlatch, Idaho, 1981.
    (c) Boundary. The Lewis-Clark Valley viticultural area is located 
in Nez Perce, Lewis, Clearwater, and Latah Counties, Idaho, and Asotin, 
Garfield, and Whitman Counties, Washington. The boundary of the Lewis-
Clark Valley viticultural area is as follows:
    (1) The beginning point is located on the Clarkston map in 
Washington State along the Garfield-Asotin County line at the southwest 
corner of section 18, T11N/R45E. From the beginning point, proceed east 
along the southern boundary line of section 18, crossing over the Snake 
River, and continue along the southern boundary line of section 17, 
T11N/R45E, to the southeast corner of section 17; then
    (2) Proceed north along the eastern boundary line of section 17 to 
the 600-meter elevation contour; then
    (3) Proceed generally east-northeast along the meandering 600-meter 
elevation contour, crossing into Idaho and onto the Orofino map, then 
continue to follow the elevation contour in an overall clockwise 
direction, crossing back and forth between the Orofino and Clarkston 
maps and finally onto the Potlatch map, and then continuing to follow 
the 600-meter elevation contour in a clockwise direction to the 
elevation contour's intersection with the southern boundary line of 
section 1, T37N/R1W, on the Potlatch map, north of the Nez Perce Indian 
Reservation boundary and west of the Dworshak Reservoir (North Fork of 
the Clearwater River) in Clearwater County, Idaho; then
    (4) Cross the Dworshak Reservoir (North Fork of the Clearwater 
River) by proceeding east along the southern boundary line of section 
1, T37N/R1E, to the southeastern corner of section 1; then by 
proceeding north along the eastern boundary line of section 1 to the 
southwest corner of section 6, T37N/R2E; and then by proceeding east 
along the southern boundary line of section 6 to the 600-meter 
elevation contour; then
    (5) Proceed generally east initially, then generally south, and 
then generally southeast along the meandering 600-meter elevation 
contour, crossing onto the Orofino map, and then continuing to follow 
the elevation contour in an overall clockwise direction, crossing back 
and forth between the Orofino and Potlatch maps, to the eastern 
boundary of section 13, T35N/R2E, on the Orofino map in Clearwater 
County, Idaho; then
    (6) Proceed south along the eastern boundary of section 13, T35N/
R2E, to the southeastern corner of section 13, T35N/R2E, northeast of 
Lolo Creek; then
    (7) Proceed west along the southern boundary line of section 13, 
T35N/R2E, to the Clearwater-Idaho County line in the middle of Lolo 
Creek; then
    (8) Proceed generally west-northwest along the Clearwater-Idaho 
County line (concurrent with Lolo Creek) to the Lewis County line at 
the confluence of Lolo Creek and the Clearwater River; then
    (9) Proceed generally south along the Lewis-Idaho County line 
(concurrent with the Clearwater River) to the northern boundary line of 
section 23, T35N/R2E; then
    (10) Proceed west along the northern boundary line of section 23, 
T35N/R2E, to the 600-meter elevation contour; then

[[Page 23162]]

    (11) Proceed generally northwest along the meandering 600-meter 
elevation contour, crossing onto the Potlatch map and then back onto 
the Orofino map and continuing generally southwest along the 600-meter 
elevation contour to the common T32N/T31N township boundary line along 
the southern boundary line of section 35, T32N/R5W, south of Chimney 
Creek (a tributary of the Snake River) in Nez Perce County, Idaho; then
    (12) Proceed west along the common T32N/T31N township boundary 
line, crossing Chimney Creek, to the Idaho-Washington State line 
(concurrent with the Nez Perce-Asotin County line) at the center of the 
Snake River; then
    (13) Proceed generally southeast along the Idaho-Washington State 
line in the Snake River to the northern boundary line of section 29, 
T31N/R5W; then
    (14) Proceed west along the northern boundary line of section 29, 
T31N/R5W, to the 600-meter elevation contour, northeast of Lime Hill in 
Asotin County, Washington; then
    (15) Proceed generally west and then generally south-southwest 
along the meandering 600-meter elevation contour to the southern 
boundary line of section 25, T7N/R46E; then
    (16) Proceed west along the southern boundary lines of section 25 
and 26, crossing onto the Clarkston map, and continuing along the 
southern boundary lines of section 26 to the 600-meter elevation 
contour west of Joseph Creek; then
    (17) Proceed southeast along the meandering 600-meter elevation 
contour to the western boundary line of section 34, T7N/R46E; then
    (18) Proceed north along the western boundary lines of sections 34 
and 27, T7N/R46E, crossing over the Grande Ronde River, to the 600-
meter elevation contour; then
    (19) Proceed generally northeast along the meandering 600-meter 
elevation contour and continue along the 600-meter elevation contour in 
a clockwise direction, crossing back and forth between the Clarkston 
and Orofino maps, until, on the Clarkston map, the 600-meter elevation 
line intersects the Garfield-Asotin County line for the third time 
along the western boundary of section 19, T11N/R45E; and then
    (20) Proceed north along the Garfield-Asotin County line, returning 
to the beginning point.

    Signed: March 28, 2016.
John J. Manfreda,
Administrator.
    Approved: April 15, 2016.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary (Tax, Trade, and Tariff Policy).
[FR Doc. 2016-09264 Filed 4-19-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4810-31-P