Rule2026-05730
Establishment of the Nashoba Valley Viticultural Area
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
March 24, 2026
Effective
April 23, 2026
Issuing agencies
Treasury DepartmentAlcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
Abstract
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) establishes the approximately 18,367-acre "Nashoba Valley" American viticultural area (AVA) in Worcester County, Massachusetts. The Nashoba Valley viticultural area is not located within, nor does it contain, any other established viticultural area. 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.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 56 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 56 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13967-13970]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-05730]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
27 CFR Part 9
[Docket No. TTB-2023-0012; T.D. TTB-204; Notice No. 230]
RIN 1513-AD07
Establishment of the Nashoba Valley Viticultural Area
AGENCY: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Treasury.
ACTION: Final rule; Treasury decision.
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SUMMARY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) establishes
the approximately 18,367-acre ``Nashoba Valley'' American viticultural
area (AVA) in Worcester County, Massachusetts. The Nashoba Valley
viticultural area is not located within, nor does it contain, any other
established viticultural area. 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.
DATES: This final rule is effective April 23, 2026.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen A. Thornton, Regulations and
Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G
Street NW, Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; phone 202-453-1039, ext. 175.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background on Viticultural Areas
TTB Authority
Section 105(e) of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act),
27 U.S.C. 205(e), authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe
regulations for the labeling of wine, distilled spirits, and malt
beverages. The FAA Act provides that these regulations should, among
other things, prohibit consumer deception and the use of misleading
statements on labels and ensure that labels provide the consumer with
adequate information as to the identity and quality of the product. The
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) administers the FAA Act
pursuant to section 1111(d) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002,
codified at 6 U.S.C. 531(d). In addition, the Secretary of the Treasury
has delegated certain administrative and enforcement authorities to TTB
through Treasury Order 120-01.
Part 4 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR part 4) authorizes TTB to
establish definitive viticultural areas and regulate the use of their
names as appellations of origin on wine labels and in wine
advertisements. Part 9 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR part 9) sets
forth standards for the preparation and submission of petitions for the
establishment or modification of American viticultural areas (AVAs) and
lists the approved AVAs.
Definition
Section 4.25(e)(1)(i) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(1)(i))
defines a viticultural area for American wine as a delimited grape-
growing region having distinguishing features as described in part 9 of
the regulations and, once approved, a name and a delineated boundary
codified in part 9 of the regulations. These designations allow
vintners and consumers to attribute a given quality, reputation, or
other characteristic of a wine made from grapes grown in an area to the
wine's geographic origin. The establishment of AVAs allows vintners to
describe more accurately the origin of their wines to consumers and
helps consumers to identify wines they may purchase. Establishment of
an AVA is neither an approval nor an endorsement by TTB of the wine
produced in that area.
Requirements
Section 4.25(e)(2) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(2))
outlines the procedure for proposing an AVA and allows any interested
party to petition TTB to establish a grape-growing region as an AVA.
Section 9.12 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 9.12) prescribes standards
for petitions to establish or modify AVAs. Petitions to establish an
AVA must include the following:
<bullet> Evidence that the area within the proposed AVA boundary is
nationally or locally known by the AVA name specified in the petition;
<bullet> An explanation of the basis for defining the boundary of
the proposed AVA;
<bullet> A narrative description of the features of the proposed
AVA affecting viticulture, such as climate, geology, soils, physical
features, and elevation, that make the proposed AVA distinctive and
distinguish it from adjacent areas outside the proposed AVA;
<bullet> If the proposed AVA is to be established within, or
overlapping, an existing AVA, an explanation that both identifies the
attributes of the proposed AVA that are consistent with the existing
AVA and explains how the proposed AVA is sufficiently distinct from the
existing AVA and therefore appropriate for separate recognition;
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<bullet> The appropriate United States Geological Survey (USGS)
map(s) showing the location of the proposed AVA, with the boundary of
the proposed AVA clearly drawn thereon; and
<bullet> A detailed narrative description of the proposed AVA
boundary based on USGS map markings.
Nashoba Valley Petition
TTB received a petition from the Justin Pelletier, Chief Operating
Officer and Quality Control Manager of Nashoba Valley Winery, proposing
the establishment of the ``Nashoba Valley'' AVA in Worcester County,
Massachusetts. The proposed Nashoba Valley AVA covers approximately
18,367 acres and is not located within any other AVA. There are three
commercial vineyards covering a total of approximately 16 acres within
the proposed AVA.
According to the petition, the distinguishing features of the
proposed AVA include its soils and climate. The petition states that
most of the soils within the proposed Nashoba Valley AVA have a parent
soil of supraglacial till, subglacial till, alluvial deposits, and
glaciofluvial deposits. The most common soils in the proposed AVA
belong to the Paxton soil series and comprise approximately 21 percent
of the soils in the AVA. These soils are well-drained loamy soils and
are moderately deep to very deep. The petition states that well-drained
soils aid in minimizing fungal infections and rot. Additionally, the
soil depth allows for unobstructed root growth, as roots can penetrate
moderately deeply before hitting denser soils and very deeply before
touching bedrock.
Throughout the growing season, average monthly temperatures within
the proposed Nashoba Valley AVA range from a low of 47 degrees
Fahrenheit (F) to 72 degrees F. July is typically the warmest month
when the average high temperature is 82 degrees F. The proposed Nashoba
Valley AVA has an average of 1,697 growing degree days (GDDs) \1\
calculated in degrees Celsius,\2\ which places it in Region III of the
Winkler system. According to the petition, the warm climate within the
proposed AVA is suitable for growing grape varietals such as Albarino,
Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Riesling, and St. Croix, among others.
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\1\ See Albert J. Winkler, General Viticulture (Berkeley:
University of California Press, 1974), pages 61-64. In the Winkler
climate classification system, annual heat accumulation during the
growing season, measured in annual Growing Degree Days (GDDs),
defines climatic regions. One GDD accumulates for each degree
Celsius that a day's mean temperature is above 10 degrees C, the
minimum temperature required for grapevine growth. The Winkler scale
regions are as follows: Region Ia, 850-1,111 GDDs; Region Ib, 1,112-
1,389 GDDs; Region II, 1,390-1,667 GDDs; Region III, 1,668-1,944
GDDs; Region IV, 1,945-2,222 GDDs; Region V, 2,223-2,700 GDDs.
\2\ Unless otherwise noted, all GDD accumulations listed in this
document are in degrees Celsius.
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The petition also states that wind is another climate feature that
affects viticulture. Between March and May, when grapevines begin
producing buds, shoots, and flowers, average wind speeds in the
proposed AVA range from 6.6 to 4.7 miles per hour. According to the
petition, light winds during this period reduce the risk of frost
damage to new growth. However, stronger winds can damage shoots and
buds, leading to a smaller grape harvest. During the summer months of
June to August, when increased humidity and rainstorms are common,
average wind speeds range from 4.2 to 3.9 miles per hour. The petition
states that these summer winds reduce the time needed for vineyards to
dry and thus lessen the chance for molds and mildews to form.
To the immediate north of the proposed Nashoba Valley AVA are Fort
Devens and the Bolton Flats Wildlife Management Area, which are not
available for commercial viticulture. Farther north, the soils are not
as well-drained as those of the proposed AVA, average wind speeds are
lower, and average GDD accumulations are lower and in the Region II
Category. East of the proposed AVA, the soils have a high water table
and are not as well-drained as soils within the proposed AVA. Annual
GDD accumulations east of the proposed AVA are slightly higher but
still within the Region III category, while average monthly wind speeds
are also higher. South of the proposed AVA, the region is largely urban
with little land available for commercial viticulture. Annual GDD
accumulations are within the Region II category, and average monthly
wind speeds are slightly lower than within the proposed AVA. West of
the proposed AVA, soils are shallower and have a slow water
infiltration rate. Annual GDD accumulations are within the Region II
category, and average monthly wind speeds are slower than within the
proposed AVA.
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Comments Received
TTB published Notice No. 230 in the Federal Register on January 5,
2024 (89 FR 721), proposing to establish the Nashoba Valley AVA. In the
notice, TTB summarized the evidence from the petition regarding the
name, boundary, and distinguishing features for the proposed AVA. The
notice also included information from the petition comparing the
distinguishing features of the proposed AVA to the surrounding areas.
For a detailed description of the evidence relating to the name,
boundary, and distinguishing features of the proposed AVA and for a
detailed comparison of the distinguishing features of the proposed
viticultural area to the surrounding areas, see Notice No. 230. In
Notice No. 230, TTB solicited comments on the accuracy of the name,
boundary, and other required information submitted in support of the
petition. The comment period for Notice No. 230 closed on March 5,
2024.
In response to Notice No. 230, TTB received five comments. Four of
the comments explicitly support the establishment of the proposed
Nashoba Valley AVA, and some provide additional views of the
distinctive characteristics of the region. One commenter (comment 2)
notes that the climate, soil composition, and daily sunlight of the
region have discernible effects on the products of the Nashoba Valley
and that the AVA will help distinguish regional wines from wines from
vineyards with different conditions across the State. Another (comment
3) highlights the distinctive soil that makes the land in the AVA area
unique and notes that wines from the region have already been
recognized in magazines such as Wine Enthusiast and Food and Wine.
The fifth commenter (comment 1) states that they generally support
the establishment of the Nashoba Valley Viticultural Area and agrees
that the petition demonstrated the distinctiveness of the terroir of
the proposed AVA. The commenter further states that the petition would
be stronger with more evidence of the area's ``national
distinctiveness,'' and questions whether there is sufficient ``national
recognition of the proposed area by the wine industry and consumers.''
The commenter states that the proposal would benefit from additional
evidence of ``national distinctiveness'' and that the petitioner could
supplement the record by providing references to the Nashoba Valley and
its wine production from ``historical documents, newspapers, magazines,
books, or websites'' or conduct surveys with ``wine experts, retailers,
or consumers outside the local area to gauge their awareness and
perception of the Nashoba Valley name and wines.''
While TTB agrees that additional evidence could lend further
support to
[[Page 13969]]
the petition, TTB believes that the evidence submitted is sufficient to
determine whether the AVA should be established. With regard to the
evidence, TTB notes that Sec. 9.12(a)(1) requires evidence that the
name of a proposed AVA must be ``currently and directly associated with
an area in which viticulture exists'' and that the area be ``nationally
or locally known by the name specified in the petition'' (emphasis
added). Additionally, Sec. 9.12(a)(3) requires an AVA petition to
include ``a description of the common or similar features of the
proposed AVA affecting viticulture that make it distinctive'' and to
explain how those features affect viticulture and how they differ from
the features of the surrounding region. TTB believes these and the
other criteria set forth in Sec. 9.12 have been met and that the
rulemaking record shows sufficient basis for establishing the AVA. TTB
also notes that the regulations do not require a petition to contain
evidence that the proposed AVA is nationally recognized for its wine or
winegrape production or information regarding the level of consumers'
and wine experts' current awareness of the region and its wines.
TTB Determination
After careful review of the petition and the comments received in
response to Notice No. 230, TTB finds that the evidence provided by the
petitioner supports the establishment of the Nashoba Valley AVA.
Accordingly, under the authority of the FAA Act, section 1111(d) of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002, and parts 4 and 9 of the TTB
regulations, TTB establishes the ``Nashoba Valley'' AVA in Worcester
County, Massachusetts.
Boundary Description
See the narrative description of the boundary of the Nashoba Valley
AVA in the regulatory text published at the end of this final rule.
Maps
The petitioner provided the required maps, and they are listed
below in the regulatory text. The Nashoba Valley AVA boundary may also
be viewed on the AVA Map Explorer on the TTB website, at <a href="https://www.ttb.gov/wine/ava-map-explorer">https://www.ttb.gov/wine/ava-map-explorer</a>.
Impact on Current Wine Labels
Part 4 of the TTB regulations prohibits any label reference on a
wine that indicates or implies an origin other than the wine's true
place of origin. For a wine to be labeled with an AVA name or with a
brand name that includes an AVA name, at least 85 percent of the wine
must be derived from grapes grown within the area represented by that
name, and the wine must meet the other conditions listed in 27 CFR
4.25(e)(3). If the wine is not eligible for labeling with an AVA name
and that name appears in the brand name, then the label is not in
compliance and the bottler must change the brand name and obtain
approval of a new label. Similarly, if the AVA name appears in another
reference on the label in a misleading manner, the bottler would have
to obtain approval of a new label. Different rules apply if a wine has
a brand name containing an AVA name that was used as a brand name on a
label approved before July 7, 1986. See 27 CFR 4.39(i)(2) for details.
With the establishment of the Nashoba Valley AVA, its name,
``Nashoba Valley,'' will be recognized as a name of viticultural
significance under Sec. 4.39(i)(3) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR
4.39(i)(3)). The text of the regulations clarifies this point.
Consequently, wine bottlers using the name ``Nashoba Valley'' in a
brand name, including a trademark, or in another label reference as to
the origin of the wine, will have to ensure that the product is
eligible to use the AVA name as an appellation of origin.
The establishment of the Nashoba Valley AVA will not affect any
existing AVA. The establishment of the Nashoba Valley AVA will allow
vintners to use ``Nashoba Valley'' as an appellation of origin for
wines made primarily from grapes grown within the Nashoba Valley AVA if
the wines meet the eligibility requirements for the appellation.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
TTB certifies that this regulation will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The
regulation imposes no new reporting, recordkeeping, or other
administrative requirement. Any benefit derived from the use of an AVA
name would be the result of a proprietor's efforts and consumer
acceptance of wines from that area. Therefore, no regulatory
flexibility analysis is required.
Executive Order 12866
It has been determined that this final rule is not a significant
regulatory action as defined by Executive Order 12866, as amended.
Therefore, no regulatory assessment is required.
Drafting Information
Karen A. Thornton of the Regulations and Rulings Division drafted
this final rule.
List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 9
Wine.
The Regulatory Amendment
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, TTB amends title 27,
chapter I, part 9, Code of Federal Regulations, as follows:
PART 9--AMERICAN VITICULTURAL AREAS
0
1. The authority citation for part 9 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 27 U.S.C. 205.
Subpart C--Approved American Viticultural Areas
0
2. Add Sec. 9.299 to read as follows:
Sec. 9.299 Nashoba Valley.
(a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this
section is ``Nashoba Valley''. For purposes of part 4 of this chapter,
``Nashoba Valley'' is a term of viticultural significance.
(b) Approved maps. The 2 United States Geological Survey (USGS)
1:100,000 scale topographic maps used to determine the boundary of the
Nashoba Valley viticultural area are:
(1) Hudson, MA, 2021; and
(2) Clinton, MA, 2021.
(c) Boundary. The Nashoba Valley viticultural area is located in
Worcester County, Massachusetts. The boundary of the viticultural area
is described as follows:
(1) The beginning point is on the Hudson map at the intersection of
Route 62 (also known as Central Street) and I-495 in Hudson,
Massachusetts. From the beginning point, proceed southwest, then
westerly on Route 62 for a total of 4.5 miles, crossing onto the
Clinton map, to the point where it intersects and becomes concurrent
with Route 70 (also known as Boylston Street); then
(2) Proceed north on Route 70/Route 62 for 2.09 miles to its
intersection with Route 110/Main Street in Clinton, Massachusetts; then
(3) Proceed south on Route 110/Main Street as it becomes known as
West Boylston Road, and continue along West Boylston Road for a total
of 1 mile to its intersection with South Meadow Road; then
(4) Proceed north along South Meadow Road for 0.95 mile to its
intersection with Moffett Street in Lancaster, Massachusetts; then
(5) Proceed northwest along Moffett Street to its intersection with
an unnamed road known locally as Chace Hill Road; then
(6) Proceed northeast along Chace Hill Road to its intersection
with Sterling Street (also known as Route 62); then
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(7) Proceed northwesterly along Sterling Street/Route 62 to its
intersection with an unnamed road known locally as Chocksett Road; then
(8) Proceed northwesterly along Chocksett Road to its intersection
with Pratts Junction Road; then
(9) Proceed northwesterly along Pratts Junction Road to its
intersection with I-190; then
(10) Proceed northerly along I-190 for 2.35 miles to its
intersection with Route 117 in Leominster, Massachusetts; then
(11) Proceed southeasterly along Route 117 for 7.8 miles, crossing
onto the Hudson map, to its intersection with I-495; then
(12) Proceed southerly along I-495 to the beginning point.
Signed: March 16, 2026.
Mary G. Ryan,
Administrator.
Approved: March 16, 2026.
Kenneth J. Kies,
Assistant Secretary (Tax Policy).
[FR Doc. 2026-05730 Filed 3-23-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-31-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on March 24, 2026.
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