Feds draw map for fancy new Rancho Santa Fe wine country
Published Date: 8/14/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Labeling Eligibility and 85% Rule
If the AVA is approved, the name "Rancho Santa Fe" becomes an appellation of origin; to label a wine with an AVA name at least 85 percent of the wine must be derived from grapes grown within that area. Bottlers using "Rancho Santa Fe" in a brand name or as an origin reference must ensure eligibility or change the brand name and obtain approval of a new label.
New Rancho Santa Fe AVA Proposed
TTB proposes a new 15,827-acre "Rancho Santa Fe" American Viticultural Area (AVA) in San Diego County, California (entirely within the South Coast AVA). The designation is intended to let vintners better describe the origin of their wines and help consumers identify wines; the petition notes about 30 commercial vineyards inside the proposed AVA.
No New Reporting or Recordkeeping
TTB certifies that, if adopted, this proposed regulation would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and imposes no new reporting, recordkeeping, or other administrative requirements.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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Previous: 2026-16670, Proposed Establishment of the Llano Uplift and Hickory Sands District Viticultural Areas
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