Proposed Establishment of the Llano Uplift and Hickory Sands District Viticultural Areas
Key claim: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau proposes two new Texas wine-region labels—Llano Uplift and the smaller Hickory Sands District inside it—so producers can more specifically name grape origin on bottles and consumers can identify those wines.
Abstract
(Proposed Rule · Treasury Department, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to establish the 2,096-square mile “Llano Uplift” American viticultural area (AVA) in portions of Blanco, Burnet, Gillespie, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, and San Saba Counties in Texas. The proposed AVA entirely encompasses the established Bell Mountain AVA. TTB is also proposing to establish the 193-square mile “Hickory Sands District” AVA in portions of Llano, Mason, McCulloch, and San Saba Counties in Texas. TTB is proposing these two AVAs simultaneously because, if established, the proposed Hickory Sands District AVA would be located entirely within the proposed Llano Uplift AVA. Additionally, both proposed AVAs are located entirely within the boundaries of the existing Texas Hill Country 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. TTB invites comments on these proposals.
Why this matters
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau proposes two new Texas wine-region labels—Llano Uplift and the smaller Hickory Sands District inside it—so producers can more specifically name grape origin on bottles and consumers can identify those wines.