Temecula Viticultural Area Name Change

Washington, DC - The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) announces that it is proposing to rename the "Temecula" viticultural area as the "Temecula Valley" viticultural area.

ATF is proposing the change as a result of a petition by the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association. The petitioners believe the name change will provide a more accurate description of the Temecula area's geography and provide greater clarity as to the area's location for wine consumers and the public. This proposed name change does not affect the boundaries of the established Temecula viticultural area.

According to the petitioners, when the Temecula viticultural area was originally petitioned twenty years ago, the area was largely rural and agricultural. The small, unincorporated village of Temecula was located near the middle of the area's southern boundary. This village is now an incorporated city, larger in size, with a growing population. The petitioners contend that the growth of the city has accentuated the differences between the city and the surrounding agricultural region known as the Temecula Valley.

ATF is asking for comments from all interested persons regarding the proposed rule. Comments must be received by December 20, 2002. Written comments may be sent to: Chief, Regulations Division, Bureau of ATF, P.O. Box 50221, Washington, DC 20091-0221 (Attn: Notice No. 958). Electronic mail (e-mail) comments should be submitted to: nprm@atf.gov. Finally, comments may be sent by facsimile transmission (fax) to: (202) 927-8525.

Click here to read the full text of the ruling (Notice No. 958) or visit the ATF web site at: www.atf.treas.gov.