An era is coming to an end. Nancy Sutton, the first federally appointed American Viticulture Area (AVA) national program manager, has announced her retirement effective Jan. 1.
In this role, she has reviewed approximately 135 AVA petitions to assure merit and compliance with the regulations, including completeness and accuracy of supporting evidence. Approximately 60 of those petitions were approved during her tenure.

With 198 AVAs currently on the books, she sees the government enforcing a more conservative approach toward the approval of new AVAs, having set the bar higher in the approval process. A modification of the AVA regulations is close to completion. She has seen a trend toward more AVAs, especially smaller ones within larger ones (think Napa Valley, Lodi, Willamette Valley) and an increase in Washington and Oregon AVAs.

She has been working with Elisabeth Kann, the new AVA coordinator, with ideas to streamline the TTB review process for public notices and final rules prior to Federal Register publication.

Sutton has found working with the vineyard owners, farmers and consultants to be the most fun and fulfilling part of her career. She regards them as awesome folks who are wonderful to work with. She hopes they keep in touch and ask questions down the road by contacting her through e-mail at nasutton@juno.com. Let’s all take a moment and drop her a word of thanks for her distinguished service.

Ralph and Marie Carter
Just AVAs
Mountain View, Hawaii

Welcome to the 21st Century, TTB
It’s time for the TTB to join the 21st Century. Although reincarnated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms under the provision of the Homeland Security Act in 2003, the “new” Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is still administering the archaic regulations established in the 1930s.

The fortified wine segment of the American wine industry is primarily concerned with regulations prohibiting the use of “fortified” and “grape (or wine) spirits added” on wine labels. We find regulations regarding the use of “fortified” to be outmoded and contrary to the stated mission of TTB to “administer the laws and regulations in a manner that protects the consumer…”

Regulations are necessary tools for the administration of an orderly society founded on law.  However, the TTB needs to recognize that “full disclosure” is a hallmark of the 21st century. Producers of American fortified wines should be permitted to use “fortified” and “grape (wine) spirits added” on labels to accurately describe their products to an ever-expanding base of 21st century consumers.

Kenneth L. Young
Executive director
Sweet and Fortified Wine Association
Sacramento, Calif.