Viticultural Areas Approval of River Junction

By Tim Devanney (202) 927-8210

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is establishing an American viticultural area, to be known as "River Junction." The area is located in southern San Joaquin County, California, at the confluence of the Stanislaus and San Joaquin Rivers.

The area consists of approximately 1,300 contiguous acres, of which 740 are currently planted to vineyards. ATF has determined that the area is conspicuous for grape growing, and that the area's geographic features (including climate, soil composition, topography and other physical characteristics) distinguish the region from surrounding areas.

The effective date of the establishment of the River Junction viticultural area is July 8, 2001. q

Diamond Mountain District Established

By Jennifer Berry (716) 551-4048

On June 1, 2001, ATF published in the Federal Register a Treasury Decision establishing the Diamond Mountain District viticultural area.

Diamond Mountain District is located within Napa County, California, and is entirely within the existing Napa Valley viticultural area. This viticultural area is the result of a petition filed by Rudy von Strasser of Von Strasser Winery on behalf of the Diamond Mountain Appellation Committee, representing 15 growers and vintners in the area.

Diamond Mountain District encompasses approximately 5,000 acres, of which approximately 450 acres are planted to vineyards. The final rule will become effective on July 31, 2001. q

ATF Exploring Electronic Filing of Certificates of Label Approval

By Tom Stewart (202) 927-8200

In order to comply with the provisions of the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA), ATF is currently exploring options as to how we can accommodate the electronic submission and approval of Certificates of Label Approval (COLAs). The GPEA calls for government agencies to provide for the option of filing documents electronically rather than with paper. We are talking to several vendors who are experienced in creating electronic solutions for Government agencies. Our plan is to develop a system that would allow permittees to submit an electronic version of the COLA, track it through our internal processing and return the approved form, or a disapproved one with the reasons for rejection attached. Our planned system would also have the ability for permittees to see all of their approved, rejected or in-process COLAs. Approved COLAs would be available to any person with access to the Internet. Some additional features we are exploring include notification of state agencies and/ or U. S. Customs and the ability to be notified when COLAs for certain types of products, such has flavored vodkas, are approved.

The advantages of E-filed COLAs include less time involved in getting COLAs to and from ATF, immediate notification of status, and elimination of rejection for reasons such as failure to include required information (signatures, class and type, etc.) or submitting incorrect information. We have advised all interested companies that any system developed must provide for the security of COLA information being transmitted to ATF and protection of unapproved, rejected or in-process COLAs in our system.

At this time we are not sure how long it would take to construct such a system, however indications from the vendors are that it would be less than 12 months. ATF and interested vendors will be in contact with industry trade associations within the next few months to discuss possible solutions for E-filing COLAs and solicit volunteers to pilot such a system. q

Offer-in-Compromise

By Jeanette Compton (202) 927-8130

On April 12, 2001, the Director, Industry Operations, Boston Field Division, accepted an offer-in-compromise in the amount of $1,000 from Grand View Winery Ltd. Co., East Calais, Vermont. Grand View Winery Ltd. Co. introduced wine products into intrastate commerce without first obtaining exemptions from required certificate of label approvals. q