Texas gets Llano Uplift and Hickory Sands wine zones proposed
Published Date: 8/14/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Labeling Eligibility and Required Changes
If TTB establishes these AVAs, wine labeled with an AVA name must be made from at least 85 percent of grapes grown in that AVA. Bottlers using "Llano Uplift" or "Hickory Sands District" in a brand name or other label reference but not meeting the 85 percent rule would have to change the brand name or obtain approval of a new label.
New Llano Uplift and Hickory Sands AVAs
TTB proposes a 2,096-square-mile "Llano Uplift" AVA and a 193-square-mile "Hickory Sands District" AVA in parts of Blanco, Burnet, Gillespie, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, and San Saba Counties in Texas. If established, vintners could label wines with these AVA names (for example, "Llano Uplift" or "Hickory Sands District") provided at least 85 percent of the wine’s grapes come from the named area.
"Hickory Sands" Soil Statements Remain Allowed
TTB is not proposing to make the phrase "Hickory Sands" (standing alone) a term of viticultural significance so that truthful statements about the presence of "hickory sand" soils in vineyards may continue to appear on wine labels. The proposed AVA name would be "Hickory Sands District."
No New Reporting or Small-Biz Burden
TTB certifies that, if adopted, the proposed establishment of these AVAs would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and would impose no new reporting, recordkeeping, or administrative requirements.
Consumers Can Use AVA Names to Choose Wine
If the AVAs are established, wine shoppers will be able to identify wines made from grapes grown in the new 2,096-square-mile Llano Uplift area or the 193-square-mile Hickory Sands District by looking for those AVA names on labels. That could help you pick wines based on geographic origin.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16669, Proposed Establishment of the Mill Creek-Walla Walla Valley Viticultural Area
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.
Next: 2026-16671, Proposed Establishment of the Rancho Santa Fe Viticultural Area
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to establish the 15,827-acre "Rancho Santa Fe" American viticultural area (AVA) in San Diego County, California. The proposed AVA is located entirely within the existing South Coast 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.