New Mill Creek-Walla Walla Valley wine area proposed in Washington
Published Date: 8/14/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to establish the approximately 4,898-acre "Mill Creek--Walla Walla Valley" American viticultural area (AVA) in Walla Walla County, Washington. The proposed viticultural area lies entirely within the established Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Valley AVAs. 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 this proposed addition to its regulations.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New Mill Creek AVA for Walla Walla Wines
TTB proposes a new “Mill Creek--Walla Walla Valley” American viticultural area of about 4,898 acres in Walla Walla County, Washington, lying within the Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Valley AVAs. The petition says the area includes twelve commercially-producing vineyards totaling 282 acres and five wineries; if approved, vintners could label eligible wines from this area as "Mill Creek--Walla Walla Valley."
Labeling Rule: 85% Grape Origin Requirement
If the AVA is established, any wine label using the AVA name must meet TTB rules: at least 85% of the wine’s grapes must come from the named area to use that appellation. Bottlers using "Mill Creek--Walla Walla Valley" in a brand name but not meeting eligibility would need to change the brand name and obtain approval of a new label (with limited exceptions for brand names used before July 7, 1986).
No New Reporting or Recordkeeping Required
TTB states that the proposed AVA designation would impose no new reporting, recordkeeping, or other administrative requirements and certifies it would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The decision to use the AVA name and any related marketing is left to proprietors and consumer acceptance.
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Key Dates
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16668, Proposed Establishment of the Kaw Valley Viticultural Area
Next: 2026-16670, Proposed Establishment of the Llano Uplift and Hickory Sands District Viticultural Areas
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.