Any interested individual or group may petition TTB to establish a new AVA or to modify an existing AVA. The complete process for creating and submitting a petition is outlined in our regulations (see 27 CFR Part 9).
What Should an AVA Petition Include?
The main elements of an AVA petition include:
- A proposed name, as well as evidence showing that the name is currently used to describe the region of the proposed AVA.
- A description of the geographic and/or climatic features that distinguish the proposed AVA from the surrounding regions and have an effect on how grapes are grown, along with evidence to support your claims of these distinctive features.
- A written description of the proposed AVA boundary and the appropriate U.S.G.S topographic maps with the boundary drawn on it.
Can I Submit an AVA Petition Online?
Not at this time. You will need to submit a paper copy of your petition, maps, and exhibits to TTB at the following address:
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
AVA Program Manager
1310 G Street NW, Box 12
Washington, DC 20005
Where Can I Find More Information on Writing and Submitting an AVA Petition?
TTB’s AVA Manual for Petitioners includes guidance on how to prepare and submit a petition to establish a new AVA or modify the boundary of an existing AVA. It also includes tables that can help you organize the information on the distinguishing features of your proposed AVA and contrast them with the features of the surrounding regions.
You can also contact TTB using the phone number or online form below.