Proposed Establishment of the Tualatin Hills and Laurelwood District Viticultural Areas, 28442-28450 [2019-12872]
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 19, 2019 / Proposed Rules
traffic procedures and air navigation, it
is certified that this rule, when
promulgated, would not have a
significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 12,
2019.
John Witucki,
Acting Manager, Operations Support Group,
ATO Central Service Center.
[FR Doc. 2019–12899 Filed 6–18–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Environmental Review
This proposal will be subject to an
environmental analysis in accordance
with FAA Order 1050.1F,
‘‘Environmental Impacts: Policies and
Procedures’’ prior to any FAA final
regulatory action.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71
Airspace, Incorporation by reference,
Navigation (air).
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the
authority delegated to me, the Federal
Aviation Administration proposes to
amend 14 CFR part 71 as follows:
PART 71—DESIGNATION OF CLASS A,
B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR
TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND
REPORTING POINTS
1. The authority citation for 14 CFR
part 71 continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103,
40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR,
1959–1963 Comp., p. 389.
§ 71.1
[Amended]
2. The incorporation by reference in
14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.11C,
Airspace Designations and Reporting
Points, dated August 13, 2018, and
effective September 15, 2018, is
amended as follows:
■
Paragraph 5000
Class D Airspace.
*
*
*
*
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ASW LA D
*
New Iberia, LA [Amended]
Acadiana Regional Airport, LA
(Lat. 30°02′16″ N, long. 91°53′02″ W)
That airspace extending upward from the
surface to and including 2,500 feet MSL
within a 4.2-mile radius of Acadiana
Regional Airport, and within 1-mile each
side of the 168° bearing from the airport
extending from the 4.2-mile radius to 4.5
miles south of the airport, excluding the
Lafayette Regional Airport, LA, Class C
airspace area. This Class D airspace area is
effective during the specific dates and times
established in advance by a Notice to
Airmen. The effective date and time will
thereafter be continuously published in the
Chart Supplement.
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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade
Bureau
27 CFR Part 9
[Docket No. TTB–2019–0003; Notice No.
181]
RIN: 1513–AC52
Proposed Establishment of the
Tualatin Hills and Laurelwood District
Viticultural Areas
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
Trade Bureau, Treasury.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
AGENCY:
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax
and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to
establish the approximately 144,000acre ‘‘Tualatin Hills’’ viticultural area in
portions of Multnomah and Washington
Counties, in Oregon. TTB is also
proposing to establish the
approximately 33,600-acre ‘‘Laurelwood
District’’ viticultural area in portions of
Washington and Yamhill Counties, in
Oregon. TTB is proposing these two
viticultural areas simultaneously
because, if established, a small portion
of their boundaries would be
contiguous. Both proposed viticultural
areas are located entirely within the
existing Willamette Valley viticultural
area, and the proposed Laurelwood
District viticultural area is also located
entirely within the existing Chehalem
Mountains 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. TTB invites comments on this
proposed addition to its regulations.
DATES: Comments must be received by
August 19, 2019.
ADDRESSES: Please send your comments
on this notice to one of the following
addresses:
• Internet: https://www.regulations.gov
(via the online comment form for this
notice as posted within Docket No.
TTB–2019–0003 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
SUMMARY:
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• Hand delivery/courier in lieu of
mail: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW, Suite
400, 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, dated
December 10, 2013, (superseding
Treasury Order 120–01, dated January
24, 2003), to the TTB Administrator to
perform the functions and duties in the
administration and enforcement of these
provisions.
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
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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 grapegrowing region as an AVA. Section 9.12
of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 9.12)
prescribes the 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;
• 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;
• An explanation of the proposed
AVA is sufficiently distinct from an
existing AVA so as to warrant separate
recognition, if the proposed AVA is to
be established within, or overlapping,
an existing AVA; and
• A detailed narrative description of
the proposed AVA boundary based on
USGS map markings.
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Tualatin Hills Petition
TTB received a petition from Rudolf
Marchesi, president of Montinore Estate,
Alfredo Apolloni, owner and
winemaker of Apolloni Vineyards, and
Mike Kuenz, general manager of David
Hill Vineyard and Winery, on behalf of
themselves and other local grape
growers and vintners, proposing the
establishment of the ‘‘Tualatin Hills’’
AVA.
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The proposed Tualatin Hills AVA is
located west of the city of Portland and
lies entirely within the established
Willamette Valley AVA (27 CFR 9.90).
If established, the proposed Tualatin
Hills AVA would also share a small
portion of its southeastern boundary
with a small portion of the northwestern
boundary of the proposed Laurelwood
District AVA. The proposed AVA covers
approximately 144,000 acres and
contains 21 wineries and 33
commercially-producing vineyards that
cover a total of approximately 860.5
acres.
The distinguishing features of the
proposed Tualatin Hills AVA are its
soils, elevation, and climate. Unless
otherwise noted, all information and
data pertaining to the proposed AVA
contained in this document are from the
petition for the proposed Tualatin Hills
AVA and its supporting exhibits.
Name Evidence
The proposed Tualatin Hills AVA is
a region of upland hills within the
Tualatin River watershed in
northwestern Oregon. The petition
provided evidence that the region is
commonly referred to as the ‘‘Tualatin
Hills.’’ For example, a hiking trail in the
region is called the Tualatin Hills
Nature Park Loop. The petition also
states that the Tualatin Hills Nature
Park, the Tualatin Hills Parks and
Recreation District, and Tualatin Hills
Christian Church serve the proposed
AVA. Finally, several sporting
organizations serving the region use the
name ‘‘Tualatin Hills,’’ including the
Tualatin Hills Junior Soccer League, the
Tualatin Hills Barracudas adult swim
team, the Tualatin Hills Water Polo
Club, the former Tualatin Hills Tennis
Center, and the Tualatin Hills Dive
Club.
Boundary Evidence
The proposed Tualatin Hills AVA is
a roughly C-shaped region of hills west
of Portland, Oregon, in the hills of the
Tualatin River watershed. According to
the petition, the proposed AVA’s
boundaries are drawn to separate the
proposed AVA from regions with
different soils, elevations, and climate.
The proposed northern and western
boundaries follow the 1,000-foot
elevation contour and separate the
proposed AVA from the higher
elevations within the Coast Range. The
proposed northern and western
boundaries also coincide with the
boundary of the established Willamette
Valley AVA. The southern and
southeastern boundaries are drawn to
exclude the established Chehalem
Mountains AVA (27 CFR 9.205), which
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contains higher elevations and a greater
concentration of sedimentary, alluvial,
and volcanic soils than the proposed
AVA. The southeastern boundary also
separates the proposed Tualatin Hills
AVA from the proposed Laurelwood
District AVA. The eastern boundary
separates the proposed Tualatin Hills
AVA from the heavily urbanized regions
of metro Portland. Additionally, the
region east of the proposed AVA has
generally lower elevations and flatter
topography, as well as deep alluvial
soils that are different from the soils of
the proposed AVA.
Distinguishing Features
The distinguishing features of the
proposed Tualatin Hills AVA are its
soils, elevation, and climate.
Soils
The petition states that the soils of the
proposed Tualatin Hills AVA are
primarily Laurelwood soils and similar
associated types, with almost no
exposed volcanic or marine sedimentary
soil types.1 The Laurelwood and
associated soils are unique to the
northwestern portion of the established
Willamette Valley AVA, which includes
the proposed Tualatin Hills AVA.
According to the petition, the only place
outside the proposed AVA where
Laurelwood soils occur is on the
northeast-facing slopes of the
established Chehalem Mountains AVA,
within the proposed Laurelwood
District AVA. However, the petition
notes that the Laurelwood soils within
the Chehalem Mountains AVA are
frequently mixed with volcanic,
sedimentary, and alluvial soils.
Laurelwood soils are formed from
weathered basalt combined with
windblown silt known as loess. The
soils are fine, silty soils with no rocks
and generally have low levels of organic
material and a high clay content. The
soils are considered to be moderately
fertile and, therefore, do not promote
overly vigorous vine growth. The soils
reach depths of up to 100 feet. The
depth of the soils, combined with the
high clay content, reduces the need for
irrigation in most vineyards within the
proposed AVA.
Laurelwood soils also contain small,
round iron manganese structures called
‘‘pisolites,’’ which range in size from a
grain of sand to a pea. These pisolites
are found only in Laurelwood soils and,
according to the petition, affect the taste
and smell of wines. For example, the
1 See Petition to create the Laurelwood District
American Viticultural Area, Appendices 2–3 and
Figure 2, available for review in the docket for this
rulemaking at ‘‘Regulations.gov’’ (These materials
contain analyses of Laurelwood soil).
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petition asserts that the pisolites
contribute to the rose-petal aroma of
Pinot Noir wines made from grapes
grown in the Laurelwood soils of the
proposed AVA.
To the north of the proposed Tualatin
Hills AVA, the soils formed primarily
from volcanic material from eruptions
near the Oregon-Washington-Idaho
border between 6 and 17 million years
ago and contain very little loess and no
Laurelwood series soils. West of the
proposed AVA, the soils are primarily
Coastal sediment soils originating from
volcanic soils and marine uplifted soils
that formed 50 million years ago. To the
south of the proposed AVA within the
established Chehalem Mountains AVA,
the soils are also formed primarily from
marine sediments, although the soils are
sometimes striated with older
decomposing basalt and volcanic
materials. To the east of the proposed
AVA, the soils are primarily formed
from Columbia River basalt and
sedimentary materials.
Elevation
The proposed Tualatin Hills AVA is
located in the upland hills of the
Tualatin River watershed and
encompasses elevations between 200
and 1,000 feet. According to the
petition, 1,000 feet is generally
considered the upper limit for growing
commercial wine grapes in this region
of Oregon, and there are very few
commercial vineyards above that
elevation. At higher elevations, there is
a danger of late spring frosts, which can
delay bud break and damage new
growth, as well as a danger of early fall
frosts, which can damage fruit that has
not been harvested. The petition notes
that the 1,000-foot elevation contour
also corresponds to the boundary of the
established Willamette Valley AVA,
which shares a portion of its boundary
with the proposed AVA.
The boundaries of the proposed AVA
were drawn to exclude elevations below
200 feet because, according to the
petition, the lower elevations have
characteristics that are significantly
different from those of the proposed
AVA. For instance, soils in the
surrounding regions with elevations
below 200 feet are alluvial, rather than
loess. As a result, the soils below 200
feet are generally higher in fertility and
less well-drained than the soils within
the proposed AVA. Highly fertile soils
can cause overly vigorous vine growth,
and poorly drained soils can promote
the growth of mold and mildew on the
vines. Furthermore, the petition states
that elevations below 200 feet are
relatively flat and thus experience less
air movement than the surrounding
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higher elevations. Cold air can drain
from the hillsides, reducing the risk of
frost in hillside vineyards, but the cold
air will pool in the lower, flatter regions
and increase the risk of frost there.
Additionally, air moving down the
hillsides can also prevent the growth of
mold and mildew on hillside vineyards
by drying excess moisture from the
vines.
The proposed AVA is surrounded to
the north and west by the higher
elevations of the Coastal Range.
Elevations typically exceed 1,000 feet in
these regions. To the east of the
proposed AVA is the broad, flat plain of
the Tualatin River Valley, where
elevations are generally below 200 feet.
The petition notes that there is a small
region between the northeast corner and
the southeast corner of the proposed
AVA that has similar elevations to the
proposed AVA. However, this region
was not included in the proposed AVA
because it is within the urban
development zone of metro Portland
and is currently used for commercial
and residential buildings and public
parks; there is no commercial viticulture
in this area. To the south and southeast
of the proposed AVA are the Chehalem
Mountains, which includes elevations
of over 1,000 feet and, according to the
petition, is considered to be a separate,
distinct landform from the uplands
within the proposed Tualatin Hills
AVA.
Climate 2
The proposed Tualatin Hills AVA is
located in the rain shadow of the
Oregon Coast Range (Coast Range).
According to the petition, the higher
elevations of the Coast Range create a
buffer to the maritime influences of the
Pacific Ocean, which is approximately
45 miles west of the proposed AVA. As
a result, the proposed AVA receives less
rainfall annually than the regions to the
north and west, which are more exposed
to the moisture-laden marine air. Forest
Grove, Oregon, which is located roughly
in the center of the proposed AVA,
receives an average of 43.67 inches of
rainfall annually, while St. Helens to the
north of the proposed AVA receives 50
inches, and Tillamook State Forest to
the west of the proposed AVA receives
87.99 inches. Portland, which is
approximately 30 miles east of the
proposed AVA and farther within the
rain shadow of the Coast Range, receives
slightly less rainfall than the proposed
AVA, averaging 41.96 inches.
2 Climate data gathered from 1981–2010 climate
normals, which were the most recent climate
normals available at the time the petition was
submitted.
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McMinnville, which is approximately
20 miles south of the proposed AVA,
has an average annual rainfall amount of
42.15 inches. The petition states that
without the sheltering effect of the Coast
Range, rainfall amounts in the proposed
AVA would be similar to those of the
regions to the west and north.
Excessively high rainfall amounts can
promote the growth of mold and
mildew, which can seriously damage
grape vines.
The petition also discussed the
diurnal temperature variations that
occur within the proposed AVA and the
surrounding regions. Diurnal
temperature variation is the difference
between the daytime high temperature
and the nighttime low temperature. The
proposed Tualatin Hills AVA has an
average growing season diurnal
variation of 23.75 degrees Fahrenheit
(F). The regions to the north, east, and
west of the proposed AVA have lower
diurnal temperature variations,
averaging 20.79, 20.13, and 19.13
degrees F, respectively. The region to
the south has a higher average diurnal
variation, with 25.63 degrees F.
According to the petition, diurnal
temperature variations during the
growing season have an effect on
viticulture. Sugar levels increase and
acid levels decrease in grapes as
daytime temperatures increase. If
ripening progresses too quickly due to
high daytime temperatures, the desired
sugar and acid levels could be reached
before the flavor and aroma compounds
in the grapes have fully developed. If
nighttime temperatures remain high, the
process of sugar development and acid
loss will continue at night. However, a
drop in nighttime temperatures will
stop or slow the process of sugar
development and acid loss, allowing the
grapes more time to develop the flavor
and aroma compounds. The greater the
drop in temperatures, the more the
sugar development and acid loss will
slow. The petition states that the diurnal
temperature differences in the proposed
AVA are well suited for growing Pinot
Noir, which is the most commonly
grown grape varietal in the proposed
AVA and requires a long ripening
period in order to fully develop its
flavor and aroma compounds.
Summary of Distinguishing Features
In summary, the soils, elevation, and
climate of the proposed Tualatin Hills
AVA distinguish it from the
surrounding regions. The proposed
AVA is characterized by Laurelwood
soils and similar associated types and a
lack of exposed volcanic or marine
sedimentary soils. Although
Laurelwood soils are present outside of
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the proposed AVA, within the
Chehalem Mountain range, they are
typically mixed with volcanic and
sedimentary soils. The elevations of the
proposed AVA are between 200 and
1,000 feet, while the regions to the west,
north, southeast, and south are higher
and the region to the east is lower.
Finally, the climate of the proposed
AVA is distinguishable from that of the
surrounding regions. The proposed
AVA receives less annual rainfall than
the regions to the north and west, and
more rainfall than the regions to the east
and south. The average growing season
diurnal temperature variations within
the proposed AVA are higher than those
of each of the surrounding regions
except the region to the south.
Comparison of the Proposed Tualatin
Hills AVA to the Existing Willamette
Valley AVA
T.D. ATF–162, which published in
the Federal Register on December 1,
1983 (48 FR 232, as amended by T.D.
TTB–134, 81 FR 11112, March 3, 2016),
established the Willamette Valley AVA
in northwestern Oregon (27 CFR 9.90).
The Willamette Valley AVA is described
in T.D. ATF–162 as a large basin
surrounded by mountains to the east,
south, and west, and by the Columbia
River to the north. Within the
Willamette Valley AVA, elevations
generally do not exceed 1,000 feet.
Temperatures are mild, with annual
summer temperatures averaging 68
degrees F and winter temperatures
averaging 40 degrees F. Annual rainfall
amounts within the Willamette Valley
AVA average 40 inches. Soils within the
AVA are silty loams and clay loams.
The proposed Tualatin Hills AVA is
located in the northwestern portion of
the Willamette Valley AVA and shares
some broad characteristics with the
established AVA. For example,
elevations within the proposed AVA are
generally below 1,000 feet. Average
annual high and low temperatures are
also within the ranges found in the
Willamette Valley AVA. Finally, the
soils of the proposed AVA contain silt
and clay.
However, the proposed AVA also has
characteristics that are distinct from the
Willamette Valley AVA. For example,
the Laurelwood soils and associated soil
series are the predominant soils of the
proposed AVA and are not found in
significant amounts elsewhere in the
Willamette Valley AVA. Additionally,
the proposed AVA is comprised mainly
of rolling hills and lacks the large valley
floors that are a major feature of the
Willamette Valley AVA. Finally, annual
rainfall amounts within the proposed
Tualatin Hills AVA are slightly higher
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than the average amount for the
Willamette Valley AVA in general.
Laurelwood District Petition
TTB received a petition from Luisa
Ponzi, president of Ponzi Vineyards,
Maria Ponzi, winemaker of Ponzi
Vineyards, and Kevin Johnson,
winemaker of Dion Vineyards, on behalf
of themselves and other local grape
growers and vintners, proposing the
establishment of the ‘‘Laurelwood’’
AVA. However, at the request of TTB,
the petitioners agreed to add the word
‘‘District’’ to the proposed name, in
order to avoid a potential impact on
current label holders who are using
‘‘Laurelwood’’ as a brand name or
fanciful name on their wine labels.
The proposed Laurelwood District
AVA is located west of the city of
Portland and lies entirely within the
established Willamette Valley AVA and
the established Chehalem Mountains
AVA. If established, the proposed
Laurelwood District AVA would also
share a small portion of its northwestern
boundary with a portion of the
southeastern boundary of the proposed
Tualatin Hills AVA. The proposed
Laurelwood District AVA covers
approximately 33,600 acres and
contains 25 wineries and approximately
70 commercially-producing vineyards
that cover a total of approximately 975
acres.
The proposed Laurelwood District
AVA has a roughly oblong shape and is
oriented along a northwest-to-southeast
axis. The distinguishing feature of the
proposed AVA is its soils. Unless
otherwise noted, all information and
data pertaining to the proposed AVA
contained in this document are from the
petition for the proposed Laurelwood
District AVA and its supporting
exhibits.
Name Evidence
The unincorporated town of
Laurelwood is adjacent to the western
boundary of the proposed Laurelwood
District AVA. Although the town of
Laurelwood is not within the proposed
AVA, the name Laurelwood has become
associated with a larger region,
including the region of the proposed
AVA. For example, the ‘‘Ananda Center
at Laurelwood’’ retreat, which is located
in the community of Laurelwood,
describes its location as ‘‘[w]ithin
minutes of Laurelwood Valley,’’ 3
suggesting that the region known as
‘‘Laurelwood’’ encompasses more than
just the town. Furthermore, the
3 See Ananda Center—Laurelwood, (Site last
accessed February 15, 2019),
www.anandalaurelwood.org/about/area.
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proposed AVA is served by the
Laurelwood Academy Water
Cooperative,4 and Laurelwood Road is
located within the proposed AVA. A
real estate listing included with the
petition advertises houses ‘‘in peaceful
Laurelwood valley,’’ 5 and a separate
real estate listing makes reference to
‘‘the peaceful community of
Laurelwood.’’ 6 Finally, one of the
U.S.G.S. quadrangle maps used to create
the boundary of the proposed AVA is
titled ‘‘Laurelwood.’’
The petition notes that the
community of Laurelwood also gives its
name to the primary soil series within
the proposed AVA, the Laurelwood soil
series. The petition includes an excerpt
from a soil survey of Washington
County, Oregon, which notes that a
‘‘[r]epresentative profile of Laurelwood
silt loam’’ is ‘‘located at the top of Iowa
Hill.’’ Iowa Hill is located within the
northern portion of the proposed
Laurelwood District AVA. The petition
goes on to say that the pervasiveness of
Laurelwood soils within the proposed
AVA is the primary reason the region is
known to those in the wine industry as
‘‘Laurelwood.’’ As evidence, the petition
included a 2016 pamphlet from a trade
tasting featuring wines from the
Chehalem Mountains AVA, which
contains a map that divides the AVA
into several sub-regions—including a
region called ‘‘Laurelwood’’ that
encompasses the proposed AVA. The
petition also included excerpts from
several articles describing the
importance of Laurelwood soil to
vineyard owners within the proposed
AVA and the effects of the soil on the
resulting wines. Finally, the petition
included wine labels and wine trade
notes from several wineries within the
proposed AVA, including Ponzi
Vineyards,7 Anne Amie Vineyards,8
Raptor Ridge Winery,9 Alloro
4 See Laurelwood Academy Water Cooperative,
(Site last accessed February 15, 2019),
www.lawatercoop.org.
5 See Redfin listing for 13200 SW Noblitt Place,
Gaston, Oregon 97119, (Site last accessed February
15, 2019), https://www.redfin.com/OR/Gaston/
13200-SW-Noblitt-Pl-97119/home/26692046.
6 See Redfin listing for 13875 SW 405 Place,
Gaston, Oregon 97119, (Site last accessed February
15, 2019), https://www.redfin.com/OR/Gaston/
13875-SW-405th-Pl-97119/home/108521174.
7 See Ponzi Vineyards, Notes from Luisa, (Site last
accessed February 15, 2019), https://
www.ponzivineyards.com/assets/images/products/
media/14-Abetina-PN-Notes.pdf.
8 See Announcement for 2013 Anne Amie
Vineyards Twelve Oaks Estate Chehalem Mountains
AVA, (Site last accessed February 15, 2019),
Anneamiewine.s3.amazonaws.com/demo1/wpcontent/uploads/13-TOE-PN.pdf.
9 See Announcement for Raptor Ridge Winery—
2014 Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyard, (Site last accessed
February 15, 2019), www.raptorridgewinery.com/
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Vineyard,10 and Erath Winery,11 which
all mention the presence of Laurelwood
soils in their vineyards.
Boundary Evidence
The proposed Laurelwood District
AVA is located in the Chehalem
Mountains west of the cities Portland
and Sherwood and south of the cities of
Forest Grove, Cornelius, Hillsboro, and
Scholls. According to the petition, the
boundaries are drawn to separate the
proposed AVA from regions where the
Laurelwood soil is nonexistent or not as
pervasive as it is within the proposed
AVA. The northern and eastern
boundaries of the proposed AVA are
concurrent with the boundary of the
established Chehalem Mountains AVA
and separate the proposed AVA from
both the Tualatin Valley and the
proposed Tualatin Hills AVA. The
southern and western boundaries of the
proposed Laurelwood District AVA
follow the crest of the Chehalem
Mountains, and separate the
northeasterly-oriented slopes of the
proposed AVA from the southwesterlyfacing slopes of the western portion of
the Chehalem Mountains.
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Distinguishing Feature
According to the petition, the
distinguishing feature of the proposed
AVA is the predominance of the
Laurelwood soil series. Although
Laurelwood soil exists outside the
proposed Laurelwood District AVA,
specifically within the proposed
Tualatin Hills AVA to the northwest,
the petition states that there are
differences between the Laurelwood soil
of the proposed Laurelwood District
AVA and the Laurelwood soil of the
proposed Tualatin Hills AVA. For
instance, the Laurelwood soil of the
proposed Laurelwood District AVA
consist of loess combined with basalt
that is older than the basalt found in the
Laurelwood soil of the proposed
Tualatin Hills AVA. However, the
petition states that the primary
distinction between the soils of the two
proposed AVAs is the contiguity of
Laurelwood soil within the proposed
Laurelwood District AVA. Within the
proposed Tualatin Hills AVA, large
concentrations of Laurelwood soil are
assets/client/File/2014%20PN%20Estate%20
Vineyard%20Media%20Sheet.pdf.
10 See Announcement for Alloro Vineyard—2014
Estate ‘Justina’ Pinot Noir, (Site last accessed
February 15, 2019), https://www.
allorovineyard.com/assets/client/File/AlloroJus
PN14%20TechSheet.pdf.
11 See Announcement for Erath Winery—2014
Dion Vineyard Pinot Noir, (Site last accessed
February 15, 2019), https://www.erath.com/files/
FileResource/22244/ERAFS2014DionVineyard
PinotN.pdf.
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dispersed throughout, separated by
smaller regions without Laurelwood
soils. By contrast, within the proposed
Laurelwood District AVA, Laurelwood
soil covers the entirety of the proposed
AVA. Additionally, within the proposed
Tualatin Hills AVA, Laurelwood soil is
often mixed with related soil series,
particularly Kinton and Cornelius soils.
Within the proposed Laurelwood
District AVA, Kinton and Cornelius
soils exist only in small, isolated
pockets along the eastern edge.
As previously mentioned, Laurelwood
soil is desirable for vineyards because
its moderate fertility does not cause
overly vigorous growth and the depth to
bedrock is sufficient to allow the vine’s
roots to penetrate deeply into the soil.
Because the proposed Laurelwood
District AVA has such a large
concentration of Laurelwood soils, there
are more potential locations for
vineyards with this soil than there are
within the proposed Tualatin Hills
AVA.
To the east and northeast of the
proposed Laurelwood District AVA, the
soils are a variety of soils derived from
the sediments of the Missoula Floods.
To the southwest of the proposed AVA,
within the Chehalem Mountains AVA,
the soils are primarily Jory and
Willakenzie soils. To the southeast of
the proposed AVA, on Parrett Mountain,
the soils are primarily of the Jory and
Saum series.
Comparison of the Proposed
Laurelwood District AVA to the Existing
Willamette Valley AVA
T.D. ATF–162, which published in
the Federal Register on December 1,
1983, (48 FR 232, as amended by T.D.
TTB–134, 81 FR 11112, March 3, 2016),
established the Willamette Valley AVA
in northwestern Oregon (27 CFR 9.90).
The Willamette Valley AVA is described
in T.D. ATF–162 as a large basin
surrounded by mountains to the east,
south, and west, and by the Columbia
River to the north. Within the
Willamette Valley AVA, elevations
generally do not exceed 1,000 feet.
Temperatures are mild, with annual
summer temperatures averaging 68
degrees F and winter temperatures
averaging 40 degrees F. Annual rainfall
amounts within the Willamette Valley
AVA average 40 inches. Soils within the
AVA are silty loams and clay loams.
The proposed Laurelwood District
AVA is located in the northwestern
portion of the Willamette Valley AVA
and shares several characteristics with
the larger established AVA. For
example, both the proposed AVA and
the established AVA are within the rain
shadow of the Cascade Mountains. As a
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result, both share similar annual rainfall
amounts of between 40 and 50 inches.
The average growing season
temperatures within the proposed AVA
are also similar to those of the
established Willamette Valley AVA, as
demonstrated by the number of growing
degree days (GDDs) in both regions.
According to a climate map included in
the petition, both regions average
between 1,500 and 2,000 GDDs.
However, the proposed Laurelwood
District AVA also has characteristics
that are distinct from the Willamette
Valley AVA. For example, the
Laurelwood soils are the predominant
soils of the proposed AVA and are not
found in significant amounts elsewhere
in the Willamette Valley AVA, with the
exception of the proposed Tualatin Hills
AVA. The petition states that the
primary soils for grape growing in the
majority of the Willamette Valley AVA
are Willakenzie, which is derived from
marine sediments, and Jory, which is
comprised of residuum derived from
basalt. Additionally, the proposed
Laurelwood District AVA does not
contain broad valleys, which are found
throughout the established Willamette
Valley AVA.
Comparison of the Proposed
Laurelwood District AVA to the Existing
Chehalem Mountains AVA
T.D. TTB–56, which published in the
Federal Register on November 27, 2006
(71 FR 68458), established the
Chehalem Mountains AVA (27 CFR
9.205) in northwestern Oregon, in the
northern region of the Willamette Valley
AVA. The Chehalem Mountains AVA is
described in T.D. TTB–56 as a single,
continuous landmass lifted from the
floor of the Willamette Valley. The
Chehalem Mountains AVA are bordered
by the valley of the Tualatin River to the
west and north, the wetlands of Rock
Creek and Seely Ditch to the east, the
floodplain of the Willamette River to the
southeast, and the Chehalem Valley to
the southwest. The topography of the
AVA is characterized by mountainous
and hillside terrain, with elevations
between 200 and 1,600 feet. Most of the
vineyards within the AVA are planted at
elevations between 200 and 1,000 feet.
The proposed Laurelwood District
AVA shares some of the same
characteristics of the larger Chehalem
Mountains AVA. For example, the
proposed AVA consists of hilly-tomountainous terrain, and vineyards
within the proposed AVA are planted at
elevations between 200 and 1,000 feet.
However, the Chehalem Mountains
AVA contains a wide diversity of soils.
The proposed Laurelwood District AVA,
by contrast, is dominated by
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Laurelwood soil, which is not found in
the remainder of the Chehalem
Mountains AVA.
TTB Determination
TTB concludes that the petitions to
establish the approximately 144,000acre Tualatin Hills AVA and the
approximately 33,600-acre Laurelwood
District AVA merit consideration and
public comment, as invited in this
notice of proposed rulemaking.
Boundary Description
See the narrative description of the
boundary of the petitioned-for AVAs in
the proposed regulatory text published
at the end of this proposed rule.
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Maps
The petitioners provided the required
maps, and they are listed below in the
proposed 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,
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 § 4.25(e)(3) of the TTB
regulations (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
§ 4.39(i)(2) of the TTB regulations (27
CFR 4.39(i)(2)) for details.
If TTB establishes the proposed
Tualatin Hills AVA, its name, ‘‘Tualatin
Hills,’’ will be recognized as a name of
viticultural significance under
§ 4.39(i)(3) of the TTB regulations (27
CFR 4.39(i)(3)). The text of the proposed
regulation clarifies this point.
Consequently, wine bottlers using the
name ‘‘Tualatin Hills’’ in a brand name,
including a trademark, or in another
label reference as to the origin of the
wine, would have to ensure that the
product is eligible to use the AVA name
as an appellation of origin if this
proposed rule is adopted as a final rule.
TTB is not proposing ‘‘Tualatin,’’
standing alone, as a term of viticultural
significance if the proposed AVA is
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established, in order to avoid a potential
conflict with a current label holder.
Accordingly, the proposed part 9
regulatory text set forth in this
document specifies only the full name
‘‘Tualatin Hills’’ as a term of viticultural
significance for purposes of part 4 of the
TTB regulations.
The approval of the proposed
Tualatin Hills AVA would not affect any
existing AVA, and any bottlers using
‘‘Tualatin Hills’’ as an appellation of
origin or in a brand name for wines
made from grapes grown within the
Tualatin Hills AVA would not be
affected by the establishment of this
new AVA. The establishment of the
proposed Tualatin Hills AVA would
allow vintners to use ‘‘Tualatin Hills’’
and ‘‘Willamette Valley’’ as appellations
of origin for wines made from grapes
grown within the proposed Tualatin
Hills AVA, if the wines meet the
eligibility requirements for the
appellation.
If TTB establishes the proposed
Laurelwood District AVA, only its entire
name, ‘‘Laurelwood District,’’ will be
recognized as a name of viticultural
significance under § 4.39(i)(3) of the
TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.39(i)(3)). The
text of the proposed regulation clarifies
this point. Consequently, wine bottlers
using the name ‘‘Laurelwood District’’
in a brand name, including a trademark,
or in another label reference as to the
origin of the wine, would have to ensure
that the product is eligible to use the
AVA name as an appellation of origin if
this proposed rule is adopted as a final
rule. TTB is not proposing
‘‘Laurelwood,’’ standing alone, as a term
of viticultural significance if the
proposed AVA is established, in order
to avoid a potential conflict with current
label holders. Accordingly, the
proposed part 9 regulatory text set forth
in this document specifies only the full
name ‘‘Laurelwood District’’ as a term of
viticultural significance for purposes of
part 4 of the TTB regulations.
The approval of the proposed
Laurelwood District AVA would not
affect any existing AVA, and any
bottlers using ‘‘Laurelwood District’’ as
an appellation of origin or in a brand
name for wines made from grapes grown
within the Laurelwood District AVA
would not be affected by the
establishment of this new AVA. The
establishment of the proposed
Laurelwood District AVA would allow
vintners to use ‘‘Laurelwood District,’’
‘‘Chehalem Mountains,’’ and
‘‘Willamette Valley’’ as appellations of
origin for wines made from grapes
grown within the proposed Laurelwood
District AVA, if the wines meet the
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eligibility requirements for the
appellation.
Public Participation
Comments Invited
TTB invites comments from interested
members of the public on whether it
should establish the proposed AVAs.
TTB is also interested in receiving
comments on the sufficiency and
accuracy of the name, boundary,
climate, soils, and other required
information submitted in support of the
petitions. With regards to the proposed
Tualatin Hills AVA, TTB is interested in
comments on whether the evidence
submitted in the petition regarding the
distinguishing features of the proposed
AVA sufficiently differentiates it from
the existing Willamette Valley AVA,
which the proposed AVA is located
within, and from the proposed
neighboring Laurelwood District AVA.
TTB is also interested in comments on
whether the geographic features of the
proposed Tualatin Hills AVA are so
distinguishable from the surrounding
Willamette Valley AVA that the
proposed AVA should no longer be part
of the established AVA. Please provide
any available specific information in
support of your comments.
With regards to the proposed
Laurelwood District AVA, TTB is
interested in comments on whether the
evidence submitted in the petition
regarding the distinguishing features of
the proposed AVA sufficiently
differentiates it from both the existing
Willamette Valley and Chehalem
Mountains AVAs, both of which contain
the proposed AVA, and from the
proposed neighboring Tualatin Hills
AVA. TTB is also interested in
comments on whether the geographic
features of the proposed Laurelwood
District AVA are so distinguishable from
the surrounding Willamette Valley and
Chehalem Mountains AVAs that the
proposed AVA should no longer be part
of one or both of the existing AVAs.
Please provide any available specific
information in support of your
comments.
Because of the potential impact of the
establishment of the proposed Tualatin
Hills AVA on wine labels that include
the term ‘‘Tualatin Hills’’ and the
proposed Laurelwood District AVA on
wine labels that include the term
‘‘Laurelwood District,’’ as discussed
above under Impact on Current Wine
Labels, TTB is particularly interested in
comments regarding whether there will
be a conflict between the proposed AVA
names and currently used brand names.
If a commenter believes that a conflict
will arise, the comment should describe
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the nature of that conflict, including any
anticipated negative economic impact
that approval of the proposed AVA will
have on an existing viticultural
enterprise. TTB is also interested in
receiving suggestions for ways to avoid
conflicts, for example, by adopting a
modified or different name for the AVA.
Submitting Comments
You may submit comments on this
notice 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–2019–0003 on
‘‘Regulations.gov,’’ the Federal erulemaking portal, at https://
www.regulations.gov. A direct link to
that docket is available under Notice
No. 181 on the TTB website at https://
www.ttb.gov/wine/winerulemaking.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 400, Washington, DC
20005.
Please submit your comments by the
closing date shown above in this notice.
Your comments must reference Notice
No. 181 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.
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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–2019–
0003 on the Federal e-rulemaking
portal, Regulations.gov, at https://
www.regulations.gov. A direct link to
that docket is available on the TTB
website at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/
wine_rulemaking.shtml under Notice
No. 181. You may also reach the
relevant docket through the
Regulations.gov search page at https://
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, 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,
Suite 400, 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
Regulations and Rulings Division at the
above address, by email at https://
www.ttb.gov/webforms/contact_
RRD.shtm, or by telephone at 202–453–
1039, ext. 175, 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 a viticultural
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area 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
1. The authority citation for part 9
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 27 U.S.C. 205.
Subpart C—Approved American
Viticultural Areas
2. Subpart C is amended by adding
§ 9.____to read as follows:
■
§ 9.____
Tualatin Hills.
(a) Name. The name of the viticultural
area described in this section is
‘‘Tualatin Hills’’. For purposes of part 4
of this chapter, ‘‘Tualatin Hills’’ is a
term of viticultural significance.
(b) Approved maps. The 6 United
States Geological Survey (USGS)
1:24,000 scale topographic maps and the
single 1:250,000 scale topographic map
used to determine the boundary of the
Tualatin Hills viticultural area are titled:
(1) Vancouver, 1974 (1:250,000);
(2) Dixie Mountain, OR, 2014;
(3) Gaston, OR, 2014;
(4) Laurelwood, OR, 2014;
(5) Forest Grove, OR, 2014;
(6) Hillsboro, OR, 2014; and
(7) Linnton, OR, 2014.
(c) Boundary. The Tualatin Hills
viticultural area is located in Clackamas,
Multnomah and Washington Counties,
in Oregon. The boundary of the Tualatin
Hills viticultural area is as described
below:
(1) The beginning point is on the
Dixie Mountain map at the intersection
of North West Skyline Boulevard and
North West Moreland Road. From the
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beginning point, proceed southwesterly
along North West Moreland Road for
approximately 1.3 miles to road’s
intersection with the Multnomah–
Washington County line; then
(2) Proceed south along the
Multnomah–Washington County for
approximately 1.2 miles to the county
line’s intersection with the 1,000-foot
elevation contour; then
(3) Proceed northwesterly along the
1,000-foot elevation contour, crossing
onto the Vancouver map and continuing
generally southwesterly along the
meandering 1,000-foot elevation contour
to its intersection with the Washington–
Yamhill County line; then
(4) Proceed east along the
Washington–Yamhill County line,
crossing onto the Gaston map, to the
intersection of the county line with NW
South Road; then
(5) Proceed northeast along NW South
Road to its intersection with SW South
Road; then
(6) Proceed northeasterly along SW
South Road to its intersection with the
200-foot elevation contour; then
(7) Proceed easterly along the 200-foot
elevation contour for approximately 1.9
miles to its intersection with East Main
Street/SW Gaston Road in the village of
Gaston; then
(8) Proceed south, then east along SW
Gaston Road for approximately 0.9 mile,
crossing onto the Laurelwood map, to
the road’s intersection with the 240-foot
contour line just south of an unnamed
road known locally as SW Dixon Mill
Road; then
(9) Proceed north along the
meandering 240-foot elevation contour
for approximately 5 miles to its
intersection with SW Sandstrom Road;
then
(10) Proceed west along SW
Sandstrom Road for approximately 0.15
mile to its third crossing of the 200-foot
elevation contour; then
(11) Proceed northwesterly and then
northeasterly along the meandering 200foot contour line for approximately 2.9
miles to its intersection with an
unnamed road known locally as SW
Fern Hill Road, north of an unnamed
road known locally as SW Blooming
Fern Hill Road; then
(12) Proceed north along SW Fern Hill
Road for approximately 1.2 miles,
crossing onto the Forest Grove map, to
the road’s intersection with Oregon
Highway 47; then
(13) Proceed northerly along Oregon
Highway 47 for approximately 7.6 miles
to its intersection with Oregon Highway
6/NW Wilson River Highway; then
(14) Proceed east along Oregon
Highway 6/NW Wilson River Highway
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for approximately 2.5 miles to its
intersection with Sunset Highway; then
(15) Proceed southeast along Sunset
Highway for approximately 2.3 miles to
its intersection with the railroad tracks;
then
(16) Proceed east along the railroad
tracks, crossing onto the Hillsboro map,
to the intersection of the railroad tracks
and an unnamed road known locally as
NW Dick Road; then
(17) Proceed south along NW Dick
Road for approximately 0.3 mile to its
intersection with NW Phillips Road;
then
(18) Proceed east along NW Phillips
Road for approximately 1.2 miles,
crossing onto the Linnton map, to the
road’s intersection with an unnamed
road known locally as NW Old
Cornelius Pass Road; then
(19) Proceed northeast along NW Old
Cornelius Pass Road to its intersection
with NW Skyline Boulevard Road; then
(20) Proceed north and west along
NW Skyline Boulevard for
approximately 10.5 miles, crossing over
the northeast corner of the Hillsboro
map and onto the Dixie Mountain map
and then returning to the beginning
point.
■ 3. Subpart C is amended by adding
§ 9.____to read as follows:
§ 9.____
Laurelwood District.
(a) Name. The name of the viticultural
area described in this section is
‘‘Laurelwood District’’. For purposes of
part 4 of this chapter, ‘‘Laurelwood
District’’ is a term of viticultural
significance.
(b) Approved maps. The six United
States Geological Survey (USGS)
1:24,000 scale topographic maps used to
determine the boundary of the
Laurelwood District viticultural area are
titled:
(1) Laurelwood, OR, 2014;
(2) Scholls, Oreg., 1961; photorevised
1985;
(3) Newberg, OR, 2014;
(4) Beaverton, Oreg., 1961;
photorevised 1984;
(5) Sherwood, Oreg., 1961;
photorevised 1985; and
(6) Dundee, Oreg., 1956; revised 1993.
(c) Boundary. The Laurelwood
District viticultural area is located in
Washington and Yamhill Counties, in
Oregon. The boundary of the
Laurelwood District viticultural area is
as described below:
(1) The beginning point is on the
Laurelwood map at the intersection of
Winters Road and Blooming Fern Hill
Road in section 17, T1S/R3W. From the
beginning point, proceed west then
northwest along Blooming Fern Hill
Road for approximately 0.4 mile to its
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28449
intersection with the 200-foot elevation
contour; then
(2) Proceed north then northeasterly
along the 200-foot elevation contour for
1.5 miles to its intersection with SW La
Follette Road; then
(3) Proceed south along SW La
Follette Road for 0.25 mile to its
intersection with the 240-foot elevation
contour, north of Blooming Fern Hill
Road; then
(4) Proceed easterly then southerly
along the 240-foot elevation contour,
crossing onto the Scholls map and back
onto the Laurelwood map, for a total of
17 miles to the intersection of the
elevation contour with SW Laurel Road;
then
(5) Proceed east along SW Laurel
Road for 0.15 mile to its intersection
with the 200-foot elevation contour;
then
(6) Proceed easterly along the 200-foot
elevation contour, crossing over the
Scholls map and onto the Newberg map,
then crossing Heaton Creek and back
onto the Scholls map for a total of 17.5
miles to the intersection of the elevation
contour with Mountain Home Road east
of Heaton Creek; then
(7) Proceed easterly then southerly
along the 200-foot elevation contour,
crossing over the Beaverton and
Sherwood maps and back onto the
Scholls map for a total of 8.9 miles to
the intersection of the elevation contour
with the middle tributary of an
unnamed stream along the western
boundary of section 24, T2S/R2W; then
(8) Proceed southeast along the 200foot elevation contour, crossing over the
northeast corner of the Newberg map
and onto the Sherwood map, to the
intersection of the elevation contour
with Edy Road in section 25, T2S/R2W;
then
(9) Proceed southwest along the 200foot elevation contour, crossing onto the
Newberg map and back onto the
Sherwood map, to the intersection of
the elevation contour with Elwert Road
along the eastern boundary of section
25, T2S/R2W; then
(10) Proceed south along Elwert Road
for 0.85 mile to its intersection with an
unnamed highway known locally as
Oregon Highway 99W, along the eastern
boundary of section 36, T2S/R2W; then
(11) Proceed southwesterly along
Oregon Highway 99W for 0.45 mile to
its intersection with the 250-foot
elevation contour immediately south of
an unnamed tributary of Cedar Creek in
section 36, T2S/R2W; then
(12) Proceed southerly along the 250foot elevation contour for 1 mile to its
intersection with Middleton Road in
section 1, T2S/R2W; then
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(13) Proceed southwesterly along
Middleton Road, which becomes Rein
Road, for 0.5 mile to the intersection of
the road with the 200-foot elevation
contour immediately south of Cedar
Creek; then
(14) Proceed easterly along the 200foot elevation contour for 1.6 miles to its
intersection with an unnamed light-duty
east-west road known locally as
Brookman Road in the village of
Middleton, section 6, T3S/R1W; then
(15) Proceed east on Brookman Road
for 0.4 mile to its intersection with the
shared Washington–Clackamas County
line at the western corner of section 5,
T3S/R1W; then
(16) Proceed south along the
Washington–Clackamas County line for
1 mile to its intersection with Parrett
Mountain Road along the eastern
boundary of section 7, T3S/R1W; then
(17) Proceed southwesterly along
Parrett Mountain Road, crossing onto
the Newberg map, for a total of 2.6
miles, to the intersection with an
unnamed local road known locally as
NE Old Parrett Mountain Road; then
(18) Proceed west along NE Old
Parrett Mountain Road for 1.7 mile to its
intersection with NE Schaad Road; then
(19) Proceed west along NE Schaad
Road for 0.5 mile to its intersection with
an unnamed local road known locally as
NE Corral Creek Road; then
(20) Proceed north along NE Corral
Creek Road for 0.9 mile to its
westernmost intersection with an
unnamed local road known locally as
NE Veritas Lane, south of Oregon
Highway 99W; then
(21) Proceed north westerly in a
straight line for approximately 0.05 mile
to the intersection of Oregon Highway
99W and the 250-foot elevation contour;
then
(22) Proceed northwesterly along the
250-foot elevation contour for 1 mile to
its intersection with the second,
westernmost intermittent stream that is
an unnamed tributary of Spring Brook;
then
(23) Proceed northerly along the
unnamed stream, crossing the singlegauge railroad track, for 0.5 mile to the
intersection of the stream with the 430foot elevation contour; then
(24) Proceed west along the 430-foot
elevation contour for 0.25 mile, crossing
an unnamed road known locally as
Owls Lane, to the intersection of the
elevation contour with NE Kincaid
Road; then
(25) Proceed northwesterly along NE
Kincaid Road for 0.25 mile to its
intersection with NE Springbrook Road;
then
(26) Proceed northwesterly along NE
Springbrook Road for 0.22 mile to its
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:47 Jun 18, 2019
Jkt 247001
intersection with an unnamed road
known locally as Bell Road; then
(27) Proceed east along Bell Road for
0.5 mile, making a sharp northwesterly
turn, then continuing along the road for
0.2 mile to its intersection with
Mountain Top Road; then
(28) Proceed northwesterly along
Mountain Top Road for 1.9 miles to its
intersection with SW Hillsboro
Highway, also known as Highway 219;
then
(29) Proceed north along SW
Hillsboro Highway for 0.1 mile to its
intersection with Mountain Top Road at
the Washington–Yamhill County line;
then
(30) Proceed northwest along
Mountain Top Road for 3.1 miles,
crossing onto the Dundee map, to the
intersection of the road with Bald Peak
Road in section 26, T2S/R3W; then
(31) Proceed northwest, then
northeast, then north along Bald Peak
Road, crossing onto the Laurelwood
map, for a total of 4.8 miles, to the
intersection of the road with SW
Laurelwood Road; then
(32) Proceed southwest, then
northwest, along SW Laurelwood Road
for 0.8 mile to its intersection with the
700-foot elevation contour; then
(33) Proceed northeast, then
northwest, then north along the 700-foot
elevation contour for 5 miles, passing
west of Iowa Hill and Spring Hill, to the
intersection of the elevation contour and
SW Winters Road; then
(34) Proceed north on SW Winters
Road for 2 miles, returning to the
beginning point.
Dated: March 25, 2019.
John J. Manfreda,
Administrator.
Approved: April 30, 2019.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary (Tax, Trade, and
Tariff Policy).
[FR Doc. 2019–12872 Filed 6–18–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810–31–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services
42 CFR Part 423
[CMS–4189–P]
RIN 0938–AT94
Medicare Program; Secure Electronic
Prior Authorization for Medicare Part D
Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.
AGENCY:
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
ACTION:
Proposed rule.
This rule proposes a new
transaction standard for the Medicare
Prescription Drug Benefit program’s
(Part D) e-prescribing program as
required by the ‘‘Substance UseDisorder Prevention that Promotes
Opioid Recovery and Treatment for
Patients and Communities Act’’ or the
‘‘SUPPORT for Patients and
Communities Act.’’ Under the
SUPPORT for Patients and Communities
Act, the Secretary is required to adopt
standards for Part D e-prescribing
program to ensure secure electronic
prior authorization request and response
transmissions. If finalized, the proposals
in this rule would amend the Part D eprescribing regulations to require Part D
plan sponsors’ support of version
2017071 of the National Council for
Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP)
SCRIPT standard for use in electronic
Prior Authorization (ePA) transactions
with prescribers regarding Part D
covered drugs to Part D-eligible
individuals.
SUMMARY:
To be assured consideration,
comments must be received at one of
the addresses provided, no later than 5
p.m. on August 16, 2019.
ADDRESSES: In commenting, please refer
to file code CMS–4189–P. Because of
staff and resource limitations, we cannot
accept comments by facsimile (FAX)
transmission.
Comments, including mass comment
submissions, must be submitted in one
of the following three ways (please
choose only one of the ways listed):
1. Electronically. You may submit
electronic comments on this regulation
to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow
the ‘‘Submit a comment’’ instructions.
2. By regular mail. You may mail
written comments to the following
address ONLY: Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services, Department of
Health and Human Services, Attention:
CMS–4189–P, P.O. Box 8013, Baltimore,
MD 21244–8013.
Please allow sufficient time for mailed
comments to be received before the
close of the comment period.
3. By express or overnight mail. You
may send written comments to the
following address ONLY: Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Services,
Department of Health and Human
Services, Attention: CMS–4189–P, Mail
Stop C4–26–05, 7500 Security
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244–1850.
For information on viewing public
comments, see the beginning of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Joella Roland (410) 786–7638.
DATES:
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 19, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28442-28450]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-12872]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
27 CFR Part 9
[Docket No. TTB-2019-0003; Notice No. 181]
RIN: 1513-AC52
Proposed Establishment of the Tualatin Hills and Laurelwood
District Viticultural Areas
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
establish the approximately 144,000-acre ``Tualatin Hills''
viticultural area in portions of Multnomah and Washington Counties, in
Oregon. TTB is also proposing to establish the approximately 33,600-
acre ``Laurelwood District'' viticultural area in portions of
Washington and Yamhill Counties, in Oregon. TTB is proposing these two
viticultural areas simultaneously because, if established, a small
portion of their boundaries would be contiguous. Both proposed
viticultural areas are located entirely within the existing Willamette
Valley viticultural area, and the proposed Laurelwood District
viticultural area is also located entirely within the existing Chehalem
Mountains 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. TTB invites
comments on this proposed addition to its regulations.
DATES: Comments must be received by August 19, 2019.
ADDRESSES: Please send your comments on this notice to one of the
following addresses:
Internet: https://www.regulations.gov (via the online
comment form for this notice as posted within Docket No. TTB-2019-0003
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 400, 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, dated December
10, 2013, (superseding Treasury Order 120-01, dated January 24, 2003),
to the TTB Administrator to perform the functions and duties in the
administration and enforcement of these provisions.
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
[[Page 28443]]
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
the 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;
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;
An explanation of the proposed AVA is sufficiently
distinct from an existing AVA so as to warrant separate recognition, if
the proposed AVA is to be established within, or overlapping, an
existing AVA; and
A detailed narrative description of the proposed AVA
boundary based on USGS map markings.
Tualatin Hills Petition
TTB received a petition from Rudolf Marchesi, president of
Montinore Estate, Alfredo Apolloni, owner and winemaker of Apolloni
Vineyards, and Mike Kuenz, general manager of David Hill Vineyard and
Winery, on behalf of themselves and other local grape growers and
vintners, proposing the establishment of the ``Tualatin Hills'' AVA.
The proposed Tualatin Hills AVA is located west of the city of
Portland and lies entirely within the established Willamette Valley AVA
(27 CFR 9.90). If established, the proposed Tualatin Hills AVA would
also share a small portion of its southeastern boundary with a small
portion of the northwestern boundary of the proposed Laurelwood
District AVA. The proposed AVA covers approximately 144,000 acres and
contains 21 wineries and 33 commercially-producing vineyards that cover
a total of approximately 860.5 acres.
The distinguishing features of the proposed Tualatin Hills AVA are
its soils, elevation, and climate. Unless otherwise noted, all
information and data pertaining to the proposed AVA contained in this
document are from the petition for the proposed Tualatin Hills AVA and
its supporting exhibits.
Name Evidence
The proposed Tualatin Hills AVA is a region of upland hills within
the Tualatin River watershed in northwestern Oregon. The petition
provided evidence that the region is commonly referred to as the
``Tualatin Hills.'' For example, a hiking trail in the region is called
the Tualatin Hills Nature Park Loop. The petition also states that the
Tualatin Hills Nature Park, the Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation
District, and Tualatin Hills Christian Church serve the proposed AVA.
Finally, several sporting organizations serving the region use the name
``Tualatin Hills,'' including the Tualatin Hills Junior Soccer League,
the Tualatin Hills Barracudas adult swim team, the Tualatin Hills Water
Polo Club, the former Tualatin Hills Tennis Center, and the Tualatin
Hills Dive Club.
Boundary Evidence
The proposed Tualatin Hills AVA is a roughly C-shaped region of
hills west of Portland, Oregon, in the hills of the Tualatin River
watershed. According to the petition, the proposed AVA's boundaries are
drawn to separate the proposed AVA from regions with different soils,
elevations, and climate. The proposed northern and western boundaries
follow the 1,000-foot elevation contour and separate the proposed AVA
from the higher elevations within the Coast Range. The proposed
northern and western boundaries also coincide with the boundary of the
established Willamette Valley AVA. The southern and southeastern
boundaries are drawn to exclude the established Chehalem Mountains AVA
(27 CFR 9.205), which contains higher elevations and a greater
concentration of sedimentary, alluvial, and volcanic soils than the
proposed AVA. The southeastern boundary also separates the proposed
Tualatin Hills AVA from the proposed Laurelwood District AVA. The
eastern boundary separates the proposed Tualatin Hills AVA from the
heavily urbanized regions of metro Portland. Additionally, the region
east of the proposed AVA has generally lower elevations and flatter
topography, as well as deep alluvial soils that are different from the
soils of the proposed AVA.
Distinguishing Features
The distinguishing features of the proposed Tualatin Hills AVA are
its soils, elevation, and climate.
Soils
The petition states that the soils of the proposed Tualatin Hills
AVA are primarily Laurelwood soils and similar associated types, with
almost no exposed volcanic or marine sedimentary soil types.\1\ The
Laurelwood and associated soils are unique to the northwestern portion
of the established Willamette Valley AVA, which includes the proposed
Tualatin Hills AVA. According to the petition, the only place outside
the proposed AVA where Laurelwood soils occur is on the northeast-
facing slopes of the established Chehalem Mountains AVA, within the
proposed Laurelwood District AVA. However, the petition notes that the
Laurelwood soils within the Chehalem Mountains AVA are frequently mixed
with volcanic, sedimentary, and alluvial soils.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ See Petition to create the Laurelwood District American
Viticultural Area, Appendices 2-3 and Figure 2, available for review
in the docket for this rulemaking at ``Regulations.gov'' (These
materials contain analyses of Laurelwood soil).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laurelwood soils are formed from weathered basalt combined with
windblown silt known as loess. The soils are fine, silty soils with no
rocks and generally have low levels of organic material and a high clay
content. The soils are considered to be moderately fertile and,
therefore, do not promote overly vigorous vine growth. The soils reach
depths of up to 100 feet. The depth of the soils, combined with the
high clay content, reduces the need for irrigation in most vineyards
within the proposed AVA.
Laurelwood soils also contain small, round iron manganese
structures called ``pisolites,'' which range in size from a grain of
sand to a pea. These pisolites are found only in Laurelwood soils and,
according to the petition, affect the taste and smell of wines. For
example, the
[[Page 28444]]
petition asserts that the pisolites contribute to the rose-petal aroma
of Pinot Noir wines made from grapes grown in the Laurelwood soils of
the proposed AVA.
To the north of the proposed Tualatin Hills AVA, the soils formed
primarily from volcanic material from eruptions near the Oregon-
Washington-Idaho border between 6 and 17 million years ago and contain
very little loess and no Laurelwood series soils. West of the proposed
AVA, the soils are primarily Coastal sediment soils originating from
volcanic soils and marine uplifted soils that formed 50 million years
ago. To the south of the proposed AVA within the established Chehalem
Mountains AVA, the soils are also formed primarily from marine
sediments, although the soils are sometimes striated with older
decomposing basalt and volcanic materials. To the east of the proposed
AVA, the soils are primarily formed from Columbia River basalt and
sedimentary materials.
Elevation
The proposed Tualatin Hills AVA is located in the upland hills of
the Tualatin River watershed and encompasses elevations between 200 and
1,000 feet. According to the petition, 1,000 feet is generally
considered the upper limit for growing commercial wine grapes in this
region of Oregon, and there are very few commercial vineyards above
that elevation. At higher elevations, there is a danger of late spring
frosts, which can delay bud break and damage new growth, as well as a
danger of early fall frosts, which can damage fruit that has not been
harvested. The petition notes that the 1,000-foot elevation contour
also corresponds to the boundary of the established Willamette Valley
AVA, which shares a portion of its boundary with the proposed AVA.
The boundaries of the proposed AVA were drawn to exclude elevations
below 200 feet because, according to the petition, the lower elevations
have characteristics that are significantly different from those of the
proposed AVA. For instance, soils in the surrounding regions with
elevations below 200 feet are alluvial, rather than loess. As a result,
the soils below 200 feet are generally higher in fertility and less
well-drained than the soils within the proposed AVA. Highly fertile
soils can cause overly vigorous vine growth, and poorly drained soils
can promote the growth of mold and mildew on the vines. Furthermore,
the petition states that elevations below 200 feet are relatively flat
and thus experience less air movement than the surrounding higher
elevations. Cold air can drain from the hillsides, reducing the risk of
frost in hillside vineyards, but the cold air will pool in the lower,
flatter regions and increase the risk of frost there. Additionally, air
moving down the hillsides can also prevent the growth of mold and
mildew on hillside vineyards by drying excess moisture from the vines.
The proposed AVA is surrounded to the north and west by the higher
elevations of the Coastal Range. Elevations typically exceed 1,000 feet
in these regions. To the east of the proposed AVA is the broad, flat
plain of the Tualatin River Valley, where elevations are generally
below 200 feet. The petition notes that there is a small region between
the northeast corner and the southeast corner of the proposed AVA that
has similar elevations to the proposed AVA. However, this region was
not included in the proposed AVA because it is within the urban
development zone of metro Portland and is currently used for commercial
and residential buildings and public parks; there is no commercial
viticulture in this area. To the south and southeast of the proposed
AVA are the Chehalem Mountains, which includes elevations of over 1,000
feet and, according to the petition, is considered to be a separate,
distinct landform from the uplands within the proposed Tualatin Hills
AVA.
Climate 2
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ Climate data gathered from 1981-2010 climate normals, which
were the most recent climate normals available at the time the
petition was submitted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The proposed Tualatin Hills AVA is located in the rain shadow of
the Oregon Coast Range (Coast Range). According to the petition, the
higher elevations of the Coast Range create a buffer to the maritime
influences of the Pacific Ocean, which is approximately 45 miles west
of the proposed AVA. As a result, the proposed AVA receives less
rainfall annually than the regions to the north and west, which are
more exposed to the moisture-laden marine air. Forest Grove, Oregon,
which is located roughly in the center of the proposed AVA, receives an
average of 43.67 inches of rainfall annually, while St. Helens to the
north of the proposed AVA receives 50 inches, and Tillamook State
Forest to the west of the proposed AVA receives 87.99 inches. Portland,
which is approximately 30 miles east of the proposed AVA and farther
within the rain shadow of the Coast Range, receives slightly less
rainfall than the proposed AVA, averaging 41.96 inches. McMinnville,
which is approximately 20 miles south of the proposed AVA, has an
average annual rainfall amount of 42.15 inches. The petition states
that without the sheltering effect of the Coast Range, rainfall amounts
in the proposed AVA would be similar to those of the regions to the
west and north. Excessively high rainfall amounts can promote the
growth of mold and mildew, which can seriously damage grape vines.
The petition also discussed the diurnal temperature variations that
occur within the proposed AVA and the surrounding regions. Diurnal
temperature variation is the difference between the daytime high
temperature and the nighttime low temperature. The proposed Tualatin
Hills AVA has an average growing season diurnal variation of 23.75
degrees Fahrenheit (F). The regions to the north, east, and west of the
proposed AVA have lower diurnal temperature variations, averaging
20.79, 20.13, and 19.13 degrees F, respectively. The region to the
south has a higher average diurnal variation, with 25.63 degrees F.
According to the petition, diurnal temperature variations during
the growing season have an effect on viticulture. Sugar levels increase
and acid levels decrease in grapes as daytime temperatures increase. If
ripening progresses too quickly due to high daytime temperatures, the
desired sugar and acid levels could be reached before the flavor and
aroma compounds in the grapes have fully developed. If nighttime
temperatures remain high, the process of sugar development and acid
loss will continue at night. However, a drop in nighttime temperatures
will stop or slow the process of sugar development and acid loss,
allowing the grapes more time to develop the flavor and aroma
compounds. The greater the drop in temperatures, the more the sugar
development and acid loss will slow. The petition states that the
diurnal temperature differences in the proposed AVA are well suited for
growing Pinot Noir, which is the most commonly grown grape varietal in
the proposed AVA and requires a long ripening period in order to fully
develop its flavor and aroma compounds.
Summary of Distinguishing Features
In summary, the soils, elevation, and climate of the proposed
Tualatin Hills AVA distinguish it from the surrounding regions. The
proposed AVA is characterized by Laurelwood soils and similar
associated types and a lack of exposed volcanic or marine sedimentary
soils. Although Laurelwood soils are present outside of
[[Page 28445]]
the proposed AVA, within the Chehalem Mountain range, they are
typically mixed with volcanic and sedimentary soils. The elevations of
the proposed AVA are between 200 and 1,000 feet, while the regions to
the west, north, southeast, and south are higher and the region to the
east is lower. Finally, the climate of the proposed AVA is
distinguishable from that of the surrounding regions. The proposed AVA
receives less annual rainfall than the regions to the north and west,
and more rainfall than the regions to the east and south. The average
growing season diurnal temperature variations within the proposed AVA
are higher than those of each of the surrounding regions except the
region to the south.
Comparison of the Proposed Tualatin Hills AVA to the Existing
Willamette Valley AVA
T.D. ATF-162, which published in the Federal Register on December
1, 1983 (48 FR 232, as amended by T.D. TTB-134, 81 FR 11112, March 3,
2016), established the Willamette Valley AVA in northwestern Oregon (27
CFR 9.90). The Willamette Valley AVA is described in T.D. ATF-162 as a
large basin surrounded by mountains to the east, south, and west, and
by the Columbia River to the north. Within the Willamette Valley AVA,
elevations generally do not exceed 1,000 feet. Temperatures are mild,
with annual summer temperatures averaging 68 degrees F and winter
temperatures averaging 40 degrees F. Annual rainfall amounts within the
Willamette Valley AVA average 40 inches. Soils within the AVA are silty
loams and clay loams.
The proposed Tualatin Hills AVA is located in the northwestern
portion of the Willamette Valley AVA and shares some broad
characteristics with the established AVA. For example, elevations
within the proposed AVA are generally below 1,000 feet. Average annual
high and low temperatures are also within the ranges found in the
Willamette Valley AVA. Finally, the soils of the proposed AVA contain
silt and clay.
However, the proposed AVA also has characteristics that are
distinct from the Willamette Valley AVA. For example, the Laurelwood
soils and associated soil series are the predominant soils of the
proposed AVA and are not found in significant amounts elsewhere in the
Willamette Valley AVA. Additionally, the proposed AVA is comprised
mainly of rolling hills and lacks the large valley floors that are a
major feature of the Willamette Valley AVA. Finally, annual rainfall
amounts within the proposed Tualatin Hills AVA are slightly higher than
the average amount for the Willamette Valley AVA in general.
Laurelwood District Petition
TTB received a petition from Luisa Ponzi, president of Ponzi
Vineyards, Maria Ponzi, winemaker of Ponzi Vineyards, and Kevin
Johnson, winemaker of Dion Vineyards, on behalf of themselves and other
local grape growers and vintners, proposing the establishment of the
``Laurelwood'' AVA. However, at the request of TTB, the petitioners
agreed to add the word ``District'' to the proposed name, in order to
avoid a potential impact on current label holders who are using
``Laurelwood'' as a brand name or fanciful name on their wine labels.
The proposed Laurelwood District AVA is located west of the city of
Portland and lies entirely within the established Willamette Valley AVA
and the established Chehalem Mountains AVA. If established, the
proposed Laurelwood District AVA would also share a small portion of
its northwestern boundary with a portion of the southeastern boundary
of the proposed Tualatin Hills AVA. The proposed Laurelwood District
AVA covers approximately 33,600 acres and contains 25 wineries and
approximately 70 commercially-producing vineyards that cover a total of
approximately 975 acres.
The proposed Laurelwood District AVA has a roughly oblong shape and
is oriented along a northwest-to-southeast axis. The distinguishing
feature of the proposed AVA is its soils. Unless otherwise noted, all
information and data pertaining to the proposed AVA contained in this
document are from the petition for the proposed Laurelwood District AVA
and its supporting exhibits.
Name Evidence
The unincorporated town of Laurelwood is adjacent to the western
boundary of the proposed Laurelwood District AVA. Although the town of
Laurelwood is not within the proposed AVA, the name Laurelwood has
become associated with a larger region, including the region of the
proposed AVA. For example, the ``Ananda Center at Laurelwood'' retreat,
which is located in the community of Laurelwood, describes its location
as ``[w]ithin minutes of Laurelwood Valley,'' \3\ suggesting that the
region known as ``Laurelwood'' encompasses more than just the town.
Furthermore, the proposed AVA is served by the Laurelwood Academy Water
Cooperative,\4\ and Laurelwood Road is located within the proposed AVA.
A real estate listing included with the petition advertises houses ``in
peaceful Laurelwood valley,'' \5\ and a separate real estate listing
makes reference to ``the peaceful community of Laurelwood.'' \6\
Finally, one of the U.S.G.S. quadrangle maps used to create the
boundary of the proposed AVA is titled ``Laurelwood.''
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\3\ See Ananda Center--Laurelwood, (Site last accessed February
15, 2019), www.anandalaurelwood.org/about/area.
\4\ See Laurelwood Academy Water Cooperative, (Site last
accessed February 15, 2019), www.lawatercoop.org.
\5\ See Redfin listing for 13200 SW Noblitt Place, Gaston,
Oregon 97119, (Site last accessed February 15, 2019), https://www.redfin.com/OR/Gaston/13200-SW-Noblitt-Pl-97119/home/26692046.
\6\ See Redfin listing for 13875 SW 405 Place, Gaston, Oregon
97119, (Site last accessed February 15, 2019), https://www.redfin.com/OR/Gaston/13875-SW-405th-Pl-97119/home/108521174.
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The petition notes that the community of Laurelwood also gives its
name to the primary soil series within the proposed AVA, the Laurelwood
soil series. The petition includes an excerpt from a soil survey of
Washington County, Oregon, which notes that a ``[r]epresentative
profile of Laurelwood silt loam'' is ``located at the top of Iowa
Hill.'' Iowa Hill is located within the northern portion of the
proposed Laurelwood District AVA. The petition goes on to say that the
pervasiveness of Laurelwood soils within the proposed AVA is the
primary reason the region is known to those in the wine industry as
``Laurelwood.'' As evidence, the petition included a 2016 pamphlet from
a trade tasting featuring wines from the Chehalem Mountains AVA, which
contains a map that divides the AVA into several sub-regions--including
a region called ``Laurelwood'' that encompasses the proposed AVA. The
petition also included excerpts from several articles describing the
importance of Laurelwood soil to vineyard owners within the proposed
AVA and the effects of the soil on the resulting wines. Finally, the
petition included wine labels and wine trade notes from several
wineries within the proposed AVA, including Ponzi Vineyards,\7\ Anne
Amie Vineyards,\8\ Raptor Ridge Winery,\9\ Alloro
[[Page 28446]]
Vineyard,\10\ and Erath Winery,\11\ which all mention the presence of
Laurelwood soils in their vineyards.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ See Ponzi Vineyards, Notes from Luisa, (Site last accessed
February 15, 2019), https://www.ponzivineyards.com/assets/images/products/media/14-Abetina-PN-Notes.pdf.
\8\ See Announcement for 2013 Anne Amie Vineyards Twelve Oaks
Estate Chehalem Mountains AVA, (Site last accessed February 15,
2019), Anneamiewine.s3.amazonaws.com/demo1/wp-content/uploads/13-TOE-PN.pdf.
\9\ See Announcement for Raptor Ridge Winery--2014 Pinot Noir,
Estate Vineyard, (Site last accessed February 15, 2019),
www.raptorridgewinery.com/assets/client/File/2014%20PN%20Estate%20Vineyard%20Media%20Sheet.pdf.
\10\ See Announcement for Alloro Vineyard--2014 Estate `Justina'
Pinot Noir, (Site last accessed February 15, 2019), https://www.allorovineyard.com/assets/client/File/AlloroJusPN14%20TechSheet.pdf.
\11\ See Announcement for Erath Winery--2014 Dion Vineyard Pinot
Noir, (Site last accessed February 15, 2019), https://www.erath.com/files/FileResource/22244/ERAFS2014DionVineyardPinotN.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boundary Evidence
The proposed Laurelwood District AVA is located in the Chehalem
Mountains west of the cities Portland and Sherwood and south of the
cities of Forest Grove, Cornelius, Hillsboro, and Scholls. According to
the petition, the boundaries are drawn to separate the proposed AVA
from regions where the Laurelwood soil is nonexistent or not as
pervasive as it is within the proposed AVA. The northern and eastern
boundaries of the proposed AVA are concurrent with the boundary of the
established Chehalem Mountains AVA and separate the proposed AVA from
both the Tualatin Valley and the proposed Tualatin Hills AVA. The
southern and western boundaries of the proposed Laurelwood District AVA
follow the crest of the Chehalem Mountains, and separate the
northeasterly-oriented slopes of the proposed AVA from the
southwesterly-facing slopes of the western portion of the Chehalem
Mountains.
Distinguishing Feature
According to the petition, the distinguishing feature of the
proposed AVA is the predominance of the Laurelwood soil series.
Although Laurelwood soil exists outside the proposed Laurelwood
District AVA, specifically within the proposed Tualatin Hills AVA to
the northwest, the petition states that there are differences between
the Laurelwood soil of the proposed Laurelwood District AVA and the
Laurelwood soil of the proposed Tualatin Hills AVA. For instance, the
Laurelwood soil of the proposed Laurelwood District AVA consist of
loess combined with basalt that is older than the basalt found in the
Laurelwood soil of the proposed Tualatin Hills AVA. However, the
petition states that the primary distinction between the soils of the
two proposed AVAs is the contiguity of Laurelwood soil within the
proposed Laurelwood District AVA. Within the proposed Tualatin Hills
AVA, large concentrations of Laurelwood soil are dispersed throughout,
separated by smaller regions without Laurelwood soils. By contrast,
within the proposed Laurelwood District AVA, Laurelwood soil covers the
entirety of the proposed AVA. Additionally, within the proposed
Tualatin Hills AVA, Laurelwood soil is often mixed with related soil
series, particularly Kinton and Cornelius soils. Within the proposed
Laurelwood District AVA, Kinton and Cornelius soils exist only in
small, isolated pockets along the eastern edge.
As previously mentioned, Laurelwood soil is desirable for vineyards
because its moderate fertility does not cause overly vigorous growth
and the depth to bedrock is sufficient to allow the vine's roots to
penetrate deeply into the soil. Because the proposed Laurelwood
District AVA has such a large concentration of Laurelwood soils, there
are more potential locations for vineyards with this soil than there
are within the proposed Tualatin Hills AVA.
To the east and northeast of the proposed Laurelwood District AVA,
the soils are a variety of soils derived from the sediments of the
Missoula Floods. To the southwest of the proposed AVA, within the
Chehalem Mountains AVA, the soils are primarily Jory and Willakenzie
soils. To the southeast of the proposed AVA, on Parrett Mountain, the
soils are primarily of the Jory and Saum series.
Comparison of the Proposed Laurelwood District AVA to the Existing
Willamette Valley AVA
T.D. ATF-162, which published in the Federal Register on December
1, 1983, (48 FR 232, as amended by T.D. TTB-134, 81 FR 11112, March 3,
2016), established the Willamette Valley AVA in northwestern Oregon (27
CFR 9.90). The Willamette Valley AVA is described in T.D. ATF-162 as a
large basin surrounded by mountains to the east, south, and west, and
by the Columbia River to the north. Within the Willamette Valley AVA,
elevations generally do not exceed 1,000 feet. Temperatures are mild,
with annual summer temperatures averaging 68 degrees F and winter
temperatures averaging 40 degrees F. Annual rainfall amounts within the
Willamette Valley AVA average 40 inches. Soils within the AVA are silty
loams and clay loams.
The proposed Laurelwood District AVA is located in the northwestern
portion of the Willamette Valley AVA and shares several characteristics
with the larger established AVA. For example, both the proposed AVA and
the established AVA are within the rain shadow of the Cascade
Mountains. As a result, both share similar annual rainfall amounts of
between 40 and 50 inches. The average growing season temperatures
within the proposed AVA are also similar to those of the established
Willamette Valley AVA, as demonstrated by the number of growing degree
days (GDDs) in both regions. According to a climate map included in the
petition, both regions average between 1,500 and 2,000 GDDs.
However, the proposed Laurelwood District AVA also has
characteristics that are distinct from the Willamette Valley AVA. For
example, the Laurelwood soils are the predominant soils of the proposed
AVA and are not found in significant amounts elsewhere in the
Willamette Valley AVA, with the exception of the proposed Tualatin
Hills AVA. The petition states that the primary soils for grape growing
in the majority of the Willamette Valley AVA are Willakenzie, which is
derived from marine sediments, and Jory, which is comprised of residuum
derived from basalt. Additionally, the proposed Laurelwood District AVA
does not contain broad valleys, which are found throughout the
established Willamette Valley AVA.
Comparison of the Proposed Laurelwood District AVA to the Existing
Chehalem Mountains AVA
T.D. TTB-56, which published in the Federal Register on November
27, 2006 (71 FR 68458), established the Chehalem Mountains AVA (27 CFR
9.205) in northwestern Oregon, in the northern region of the Willamette
Valley AVA. The Chehalem Mountains AVA is described in T.D. TTB-56 as a
single, continuous landmass lifted from the floor of the Willamette
Valley. The Chehalem Mountains AVA are bordered by the valley of the
Tualatin River to the west and north, the wetlands of Rock Creek and
Seely Ditch to the east, the floodplain of the Willamette River to the
southeast, and the Chehalem Valley to the southwest. The topography of
the AVA is characterized by mountainous and hillside terrain, with
elevations between 200 and 1,600 feet. Most of the vineyards within the
AVA are planted at elevations between 200 and 1,000 feet.
The proposed Laurelwood District AVA shares some of the same
characteristics of the larger Chehalem Mountains AVA. For example, the
proposed AVA consists of hilly-to-mountainous terrain, and vineyards
within the proposed AVA are planted at elevations between 200 and 1,000
feet. However, the Chehalem Mountains AVA contains a wide diversity of
soils. The proposed Laurelwood District AVA, by contrast, is dominated
by
[[Page 28447]]
Laurelwood soil, which is not found in the remainder of the Chehalem
Mountains AVA.
TTB Determination
TTB concludes that the petitions to establish the approximately
144,000-acre Tualatin Hills AVA and the approximately 33,600-acre
Laurelwood District AVA merit consideration and public comment, as
invited in this notice of proposed rulemaking.
Boundary Description
See the narrative description of the boundary of the petitioned-for
AVAs in the proposed regulatory text published at the end of this
proposed rule.
Maps
The petitioners provided the required maps, and they are listed
below in the proposed 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, 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 Sec. 4.25(e)(3) of the TTB regulations (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 Sec. 4.39(i)(2) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR
4.39(i)(2)) for details.
If TTB establishes the proposed Tualatin Hills AVA, its name,
``Tualatin 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 proposed regulation clarifies this point.
Consequently, wine bottlers using the name ``Tualatin Hills'' in a
brand name, including a trademark, or in another label reference as to
the origin of the wine, would have to ensure that the product is
eligible to use the AVA name as an appellation of origin if this
proposed rule is adopted as a final rule. TTB is not proposing
``Tualatin,'' standing alone, as a term of viticultural significance if
the proposed AVA is established, in order to avoid a potential conflict
with a current label holder. Accordingly, the proposed part 9
regulatory text set forth in this document specifies only the full name
``Tualatin Hills'' as a term of viticultural significance for purposes
of part 4 of the TTB regulations.
The approval of the proposed Tualatin Hills AVA would not affect
any existing AVA, and any bottlers using ``Tualatin Hills'' as an
appellation of origin or in a brand name for wines made from grapes
grown within the Tualatin Hills AVA would not be affected by the
establishment of this new AVA. The establishment of the proposed
Tualatin Hills AVA would allow vintners to use ``Tualatin Hills'' and
``Willamette Valley'' as appellations of origin for wines made from
grapes grown within the proposed Tualatin Hills AVA, if the wines meet
the eligibility requirements for the appellation.
If TTB establishes the proposed Laurelwood District AVA, only its
entire name, ``Laurelwood District,'' 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 proposed regulation clarifies this
point. Consequently, wine bottlers using the name ``Laurelwood
District'' in a brand name, including a trademark, or in another label
reference as to the origin of the wine, would have to ensure that the
product is eligible to use the AVA name as an appellation of origin if
this proposed rule is adopted as a final rule. TTB is not proposing
``Laurelwood,'' standing alone, as a term of viticultural significance
if the proposed AVA is established, in order to avoid a potential
conflict with current label holders. Accordingly, the proposed part 9
regulatory text set forth in this document specifies only the full name
``Laurelwood District'' as a term of viticultural significance for
purposes of part 4 of the TTB regulations.
The approval of the proposed Laurelwood District AVA would not
affect any existing AVA, and any bottlers using ``Laurelwood District''
as an appellation of origin or in a brand name for wines made from
grapes grown within the Laurelwood District AVA would not be affected
by the establishment of this new AVA. The establishment of the proposed
Laurelwood District AVA would allow vintners to use ``Laurelwood
District,'' ``Chehalem Mountains,'' and ``Willamette Valley'' as
appellations of origin for wines made from grapes grown within the
proposed Laurelwood District AVA, 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 establish the proposed AVAs. TTB is also interested
in receiving comments on the sufficiency and accuracy of the name,
boundary, climate, soils, and other required information submitted in
support of the petitions. With regards to the proposed Tualatin Hills
AVA, TTB is interested in comments on whether the evidence submitted in
the petition regarding the distinguishing features of the proposed AVA
sufficiently differentiates it from the existing Willamette Valley AVA,
which the proposed AVA is located within, and from the proposed
neighboring Laurelwood District AVA. TTB is also interested in comments
on whether the geographic features of the proposed Tualatin Hills AVA
are so distinguishable from the surrounding Willamette Valley AVA that
the proposed AVA should no longer be part of the established AVA.
Please provide any available specific information in support of your
comments.
With regards to the proposed Laurelwood District AVA, TTB is
interested in comments on whether the evidence submitted in the
petition regarding the distinguishing features of the proposed AVA
sufficiently differentiates it from both the existing Willamette Valley
and Chehalem Mountains AVAs, both of which contain the proposed AVA,
and from the proposed neighboring Tualatin Hills AVA. TTB is also
interested in comments on whether the geographic features of the
proposed Laurelwood District AVA are so distinguishable from the
surrounding Willamette Valley and Chehalem Mountains AVAs that the
proposed AVA should no longer be part of one or both of the existing
AVAs. Please provide any available specific information in support of
your comments.
Because of the potential impact of the establishment of the
proposed Tualatin Hills AVA on wine labels that include the term
``Tualatin Hills'' and the proposed Laurelwood District AVA on wine
labels that include the term ``Laurelwood District,'' as discussed
above under Impact on Current Wine Labels, TTB is particularly
interested in comments regarding whether there will be a conflict
between the proposed AVA names and currently used brand names. If a
commenter believes that a conflict will arise, the comment should
describe
[[Page 28448]]
the nature of that conflict, including any anticipated negative
economic impact that approval of the proposed AVA will have on an
existing viticultural enterprise. TTB is also interested in receiving
suggestions for ways to avoid conflicts, for example, by adopting a
modified or different name for the AVA.
Submitting Comments
You may submit comments on this notice 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-2019-
0003 on ``Regulations.gov,'' the Federal e-rulemaking portal, at https://www.regulations.gov. A direct link to that docket is available under
Notice No. 181 on the TTB website at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_rulemaking.shtml">https://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 400, Washington, DC 20005.
Please submit your comments by the closing date shown above in this
notice. Your comments must reference Notice No. 181 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-2019-0003 on the Federal e-
rulemaking portal, Regulations.gov, at https://www.regulations.gov. A
direct link to that docket is available on the TTB website at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_rulemaking.shtml under Notice No. 181. You may
also reach the relevant docket through the Regulations.gov search page
at https://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, 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, Suite 400,
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 Regulations and Rulings Division at the
above address, by email at https://www.ttb.gov/webforms/contact_RRD.shtm, or by telephone at 202-453-1039, ext. 175, 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 a viticultural area 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. Subpart C is amended by adding Sec. 9.____to read as follows:
Sec. 9.____ Tualatin Hills.
(a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this
section is ``Tualatin Hills''. For purposes of part 4 of this chapter,
``Tualatin Hills'' is a term of viticultural significance.
(b) Approved maps. The 6 United States Geological Survey (USGS)
1:24,000 scale topographic maps and the single 1:250,000 scale
topographic map used to determine the boundary of the Tualatin Hills
viticultural area are titled:
(1) Vancouver, 1974 (1:250,000);
(2) Dixie Mountain, OR, 2014;
(3) Gaston, OR, 2014;
(4) Laurelwood, OR, 2014;
(5) Forest Grove, OR, 2014;
(6) Hillsboro, OR, 2014; and
(7) Linnton, OR, 2014.
(c) Boundary. The Tualatin Hills viticultural area is located in
Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties, in Oregon. The boundary
of the Tualatin Hills viticultural area is as described below:
(1) The beginning point is on the Dixie Mountain map at the
intersection of North West Skyline Boulevard and North West Moreland
Road. From the
[[Page 28449]]
beginning point, proceed southwesterly along North West Moreland Road
for approximately 1.3 miles to road's intersection with the Multnomah-
Washington County line; then
(2) Proceed south along the Multnomah-Washington County for
approximately 1.2 miles to the county line's intersection with the
1,000-foot elevation contour; then
(3) Proceed northwesterly along the 1,000-foot elevation contour,
crossing onto the Vancouver map and continuing generally southwesterly
along the meandering 1,000-foot elevation contour to its intersection
with the Washington-Yamhill County line; then
(4) Proceed east along the Washington-Yamhill County line, crossing
onto the Gaston map, to the intersection of the county line with NW
South Road; then
(5) Proceed northeast along NW South Road to its intersection with
SW South Road; then
(6) Proceed northeasterly along SW South Road to its intersection
with the 200-foot elevation contour; then
(7) Proceed easterly along the 200-foot elevation contour for
approximately 1.9 miles to its intersection with East Main Street/SW
Gaston Road in the village of Gaston; then
(8) Proceed south, then east along SW Gaston Road for approximately
0.9 mile, crossing onto the Laurelwood map, to the road's intersection
with the 240-foot contour line just south of an unnamed road known
locally as SW Dixon Mill Road; then
(9) Proceed north along the meandering 240-foot elevation contour
for approximately 5 miles to its intersection with SW Sandstrom Road;
then
(10) Proceed west along SW Sandstrom Road for approximately 0.15
mile to its third crossing of the 200-foot elevation contour; then
(11) Proceed northwesterly and then northeasterly along the
meandering 200-foot contour line for approximately 2.9 miles to its
intersection with an unnamed road known locally as SW Fern Hill Road,
north of an unnamed road known locally as SW Blooming Fern Hill Road;
then
(12) Proceed north along SW Fern Hill Road for approximately 1.2
miles, crossing onto the Forest Grove map, to the road's intersection
with Oregon Highway 47; then
(13) Proceed northerly along Oregon Highway 47 for approximately
7.6 miles to its intersection with Oregon Highway 6/NW Wilson River
Highway; then
(14) Proceed east along Oregon Highway 6/NW Wilson River Highway
for approximately 2.5 miles to its intersection with Sunset Highway;
then
(15) Proceed southeast along Sunset Highway for approximately 2.3
miles to its intersection with the railroad tracks; then
(16) Proceed east along the railroad tracks, crossing onto the
Hillsboro map, to the intersection of the railroad tracks and an
unnamed road known locally as NW Dick Road; then
(17) Proceed south along NW Dick Road for approximately 0.3 mile to
its intersection with NW Phillips Road; then
(18) Proceed east along NW Phillips Road for approximately 1.2
miles, crossing onto the Linnton map, to the road's intersection with
an unnamed road known locally as NW Old Cornelius Pass Road; then
(19) Proceed northeast along NW Old Cornelius Pass Road to its
intersection with NW Skyline Boulevard Road; then
(20) Proceed north and west along NW Skyline Boulevard for
approximately 10.5 miles, crossing over the northeast corner of the
Hillsboro map and onto the Dixie Mountain map and then returning to the
beginning point.
0
3. Subpart C is amended by adding Sec. 9.____to read as follows:
Sec. 9.____ Laurelwood District.
(a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this
section is ``Laurelwood District''. For purposes of part 4 of this
chapter, ``Laurelwood District'' is a term of viticultural
significance.
(b) Approved maps. The six United States Geological Survey (USGS)
1:24,000 scale topographic maps used to determine the boundary of the
Laurelwood District viticultural area are titled:
(1) Laurelwood, OR, 2014;
(2) Scholls, Oreg., 1961; photorevised 1985;
(3) Newberg, OR, 2014;
(4) Beaverton, Oreg., 1961; photorevised 1984;
(5) Sherwood, Oreg., 1961; photorevised 1985; and
(6) Dundee, Oreg., 1956; revised 1993.
(c) Boundary. The Laurelwood District viticultural area is located
in Washington and Yamhill Counties, in Oregon. The boundary of the
Laurelwood District viticultural area is as described below:
(1) The beginning point is on the Laurelwood map at the
intersection of Winters Road and Blooming Fern Hill Road in section 17,
T1S/R3W. From the beginning point, proceed west then northwest along
Blooming Fern Hill Road for approximately 0.4 mile to its intersection
with the 200-foot elevation contour; then
(2) Proceed north then northeasterly along the 200-foot elevation
contour for 1.5 miles to its intersection with SW La Follette Road;
then
(3) Proceed south along SW La Follette Road for 0.25 mile to its
intersection with the 240-foot elevation contour, north of Blooming
Fern Hill Road; then
(4) Proceed easterly then southerly along the 240-foot elevation
contour, crossing onto the Scholls map and back onto the Laurelwood
map, for a total of 17 miles to the intersection of the elevation
contour with SW Laurel Road; then
(5) Proceed east along SW Laurel Road for 0.15 mile to its
intersection with the 200-foot elevation contour; then
(6) Proceed easterly along the 200-foot elevation contour, crossing
over the Scholls map and onto the Newberg map, then crossing Heaton
Creek and back onto the Scholls map for a total of 17.5 miles to the
intersection of the elevation contour with Mountain Home Road east of
Heaton Creek; then
(7) Proceed easterly then southerly along the 200-foot elevation
contour, crossing over the Beaverton and Sherwood maps and back onto
the Scholls map for a total of 8.9 miles to the intersection of the
elevation contour with the middle tributary of an unnamed stream along
the western boundary of section 24, T2S/R2W; then
(8) Proceed southeast along the 200-foot elevation contour,
crossing over the northeast corner of the Newberg map and onto the
Sherwood map, to the intersection of the elevation contour with Edy
Road in section 25, T2S/R2W; then
(9) Proceed southwest along the 200-foot elevation contour,
crossing onto the Newberg map and back onto the Sherwood map, to the
intersection of the elevation contour with Elwert Road along the
eastern boundary of section 25, T2S/R2W; then
(10) Proceed south along Elwert Road for 0.85 mile to its
intersection with an unnamed highway known locally as Oregon Highway
99W, along the eastern boundary of section 36, T2S/R2W; then
(11) Proceed southwesterly along Oregon Highway 99W for 0.45 mile
to its intersection with the 250-foot elevation contour immediately
south of an unnamed tributary of Cedar Creek in section 36, T2S/R2W;
then
(12) Proceed southerly along the 250-foot elevation contour for 1
mile to its intersection with Middleton Road in section 1, T2S/R2W;
then
[[Page 28450]]
(13) Proceed southwesterly along Middleton Road, which becomes Rein
Road, for 0.5 mile to the intersection of the road with the 200-foot
elevation contour immediately south of Cedar Creek; then
(14) Proceed easterly along the 200-foot elevation contour for 1.6
miles to its intersection with an unnamed light-duty east-west road
known locally as Brookman Road in the village of Middleton, section 6,
T3S/R1W; then
(15) Proceed east on Brookman Road for 0.4 mile to its intersection
with the shared Washington-Clackamas County line at the western corner
of section 5, T3S/R1W; then
(16) Proceed south along the Washington-Clackamas County line for 1
mile to its intersection with Parrett Mountain Road along the eastern
boundary of section 7, T3S/R1W; then
(17) Proceed southwesterly along Parrett Mountain Road, crossing
onto the Newberg map, for a total of 2.6 miles, to the intersection
with an unnamed local road known locally as NE Old Parrett Mountain
Road; then
(18) Proceed west along NE Old Parrett Mountain Road for 1.7 mile
to its intersection with NE Schaad Road; then
(19) Proceed west along NE Schaad Road for 0.5 mile to its
intersection with an unnamed local road known locally as NE Corral
Creek Road; then
(20) Proceed north along NE Corral Creek Road for 0.9 mile to its
westernmost intersection with an unnamed local road known locally as NE
Veritas Lane, south of Oregon Highway 99W; then
(21) Proceed north westerly in a straight line for approximately
0.05 mile to the intersection of Oregon Highway 99W and the 250-foot
elevation contour; then
(22) Proceed northwesterly along the 250-foot elevation contour for
1 mile to its intersection with the second, westernmost intermittent
stream that is an unnamed tributary of Spring Brook; then
(23) Proceed northerly along the unnamed stream, crossing the
single-gauge railroad track, for 0.5 mile to the intersection of the
stream with the 430-foot elevation contour; then
(24) Proceed west along the 430-foot elevation contour for 0.25
mile, crossing an unnamed road known locally as Owls Lane, to the
intersection of the elevation contour with NE Kincaid Road; then
(25) Proceed northwesterly along NE Kincaid Road for 0.25 mile to
its intersection with NE Springbrook Road; then
(26) Proceed northwesterly along NE Springbrook Road for 0.22 mile
to its intersection with an unnamed road known locally as Bell Road;
then
(27) Proceed east along Bell Road for 0.5 mile, making a sharp
northwesterly turn, then continuing along the road for 0.2 mile to its
intersection with Mountain Top Road; then
(28) Proceed northwesterly along Mountain Top Road for 1.9 miles to
its intersection with SW Hillsboro Highway, also known as Highway 219;
then
(29) Proceed north along SW Hillsboro Highway for 0.1 mile to its
intersection with Mountain Top Road at the Washington-Yamhill County
line; then
(30) Proceed northwest along Mountain Top Road for 3.1 miles,
crossing onto the Dundee map, to the intersection of the road with Bald
Peak Road in section 26, T2S/R3W; then
(31) Proceed northwest, then northeast, then north along Bald Peak
Road, crossing onto the Laurelwood map, for a total of 4.8 miles, to
the intersection of the road with SW Laurelwood Road; then
(32) Proceed southwest, then northwest, along SW Laurelwood Road
for 0.8 mile to its intersection with the 700-foot elevation contour;
then
(33) Proceed northeast, then northwest, then north along the 700-
foot elevation contour for 5 miles, passing west of Iowa Hill and
Spring Hill, to the intersection of the elevation contour and SW
Winters Road; then
(34) Proceed north on SW Winters Road for 2 miles, returning to the
beginning point.
Dated: March 25, 2019.
John J. Manfreda,
Administrator.
Approved: April 30, 2019.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary (Tax, Trade, and Tariff Policy).
[FR Doc. 2019-12872 Filed 6-18-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-31-P