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TTB Proposes New American Viticultural Areas
This week we proposed the establishment of 5 new American viticultural areas:
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Kaw Valley: In Notice No. 241, we propose to establish the 5,493-square mile “Kaw Valley” American viticultural area (AVA) in northeastern Kansas. The proposed viticultural area is not within any other established viticultural area. See Docket No. TTB-2026-0003 at Regulations.gov to view copies of the proposed rule, selected supporting materials, and any comments we receive about this proposal. You may electronically submit a comment on this proposed AVA via the comment form posted within that docket.
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Mill Creek– Walla Walla Valley: In Notice No. 242, we propose to establish the approximately 4,898-acre “Mill Creek–Walla Walla Valley” AVA in Walla Walla County, Washington. The proposed AVA lies entirely within the established Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Valley AVAs. See Docket No. TTB-2026-0004 at Regulations.gov to view copies of the proposed rule, selected supporting materials, and any comments we receive about this proposal. You may electronically submit a comment on this proposed AVA via the comment form posted within that docket.
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Llano Uplift and Hickory Sands District: In Notice No. 243, TTB proposes to establish the 2,096-square mile “Llano Uplift” AVA and the 193-square mile “Hickory Sands District” AVA in Texas. We are proposing these two AVAs in the same document as the proposed Hickory Sands District AVA lies entirely within the proposed Llano Uplift AVA, which encompasses the established Bell Mountain AVA, and both proposed AVAs lie entirely within the established Texas Hill Country AVA. See Docket No. TTB-2026-0005 at Regulations.gov to view copies of the proposed rule, selected supporting materials, and any comments we receive about this proposal. You may electronically submit a comment on this proposed AVA via the comment form posted within that docket.
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Rancho Santa Fe: In Notice No. 244, TTB proposes to establish the 15,827-acre “Rancho Santa Fe” AVA in San Diego County, California. The proposed AVA is located entirely within the existing South Coast AVA. 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. See Docket No. TTB-2026-0006 at Regulations.gov to view copies of the proposed rule, selected supporting materials, and any comments we receive about this proposal. You may electronically submit a comment on this proposed AVA via the comment form posted within that docket.
We are proposing these new AVAs in response to petitions submitted on behalf of local vineyard owners and vintners. We designate viticultural areas to allow vintners to better describe the origin of their wines and to allow consumers to better identify wines they may purchase. Comments on any of these AVAs are due to TTB on or before October 13, 2026.
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Visit Us at ADI Craft Spirits Conference
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If you plan to attend this year’s American Distilling Institute (ADI) Craft Spirits Conference in Miami, FL on August 17-19, come visit the TTB team!
On Monday, we will provide an in-depth look at key TTB requirements through our Navigating TTB Requirements panel and interactive breakout session. This 2-hour session connects distillers directly with TTB experts in formulas, labeling, distillery compliance, and general TTB processes including breakout sessions for small-group Q&A.
On Tuesday, we’ll return for What to Expect in a TTB Investigation: A Practical Look at Recordkeeping, where a TTB investigator will walk participants through key stages of a TTB investigation and highlights the types of records that support a smooth, efficient process. Following the presentation, participants will join an interactive discussion on real world recordkeeping obstacles and opportunities for improvement.
Our specialists will also be on hand throughout the conference to answer your questions and provide on-the-spot assistance with compliance questions. We look forward to seeing you there!
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives: Tobacco Notice
TTB-regulated tobacco industry members may find this notice of interest.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed New Collection; Comments Requested; Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco Record-Keeping and Reporting Requirements
SOURCE: Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 151 / Friday, August 7, 2026
AGENCY: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Department of Justice
ACTION: 30-Day notice
SUMMARY: The Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), will be submitting the following information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
DATES: ATF encourages comments on this information collection. You may submit written comments for 30 days, until midnight on September 8, 2026.
Food and Drug Administration: Substances Generally Recognized as Safe
TTB-regulated industry members may find this notice of interest.
SOURCE: Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 11, 2026
AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS
ACTION: Proposed rule
SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration is proposing to require the submission of generally recognized as safe (GRAS) notices for the use of a human or animal food substance purported to be GRAS under the conditions of its intended use under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).
DATES: Either electronic or written comments on the proposed rule must be submitted by December 9, 2026. Submit comments (including recommendations) on the collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 by December 9, 2026.
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Upcoming TTB Outreach Activities
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