My last post and video were on the Elouan Oregon Pinot Noir label and specifically whether its use of three Oregon AVAs would be be kosher with TTB regulations. After sharing that post and reading others that followed also on the Elouan label I took another look at the TTB wine label regulation on Appellations of Origin. 27 CFR 4.25
I wanted to take a closer look at part (3)(iv), which is what provides details for the use of an AVA on a wine label if that AVA is in another state than where the wine is bottled. I was primarily interested in two words in that subsection of this regulation, “fully finished”. What might those words actually mean in the day to day world of winemaking and how can US wineries make sure they are staying inside these “fully finished” requirements if listing an AVA (or AVAs) on their front or back labels when bottling wine from out of state?
Hello, thank you so much for the information you provide about labeling compliance. We are a new winery in Oregon who would like to buy bulk wine for final finishing in Oregon. The grapes for this bulk wine were 100% sourced from the Willamette valley but fermented at a winery in Washington. We are looking for guidance about what we can say legally on the label for this wine.
Which of the following are we allowed to say?
-produced and bottled by [our winery] or just bottled by [our winery]
-Willamette Valley [varietal] or just Oregon [varietal]
Looking forward to any guidance you may have. If easier we are also available to talk by phone. Thank you again!
Hi Allison-
Sounds like your wine you are about to bottle will not qualify to list produced because the other WA winery actually fermented the wine and it will come to your site as bulk wine. Your options for that statement will instead be either vinted or cellared.
For the appellation since the wine is (1) 100% from the williamette valley and (2) is coming to your site as bulk wine means that you will be able to list williamette valley as the appellation on your label
Also- just in case you are interested I’ve written a book on wine label compliance. It is called The Inside Story of a Wine Label and is available on Amazon
Thank you so much for your response! This is very clear.
Best,
Allison