What’s in an AVA Name: Proposed Change to TTB’s Wine Labeling Regulations

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What should a viticultural area name on a wine label tell us?  Should it be a type of shorthand for where the grapes were grown, for where the wine was made, or both? Should it tell us even more, as European appellations of origin do (or at least purport to do)? A proposed amendment to the requirements for use of viticultural area names on labels and in advertising would make vineyard location the focus of designations of origin.

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Update on the Empire Wine Saga

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In September, I wrote about Empire Wine & Spirits’ Article 78 lawsuit against the State Liquor Authority ("NYSLA") challenging the agency's initiation of proceedings against the Albany wine seller. On November 18, the Albany County Supreme Court dismissed that lawsuit without prejudice.[1] Let's review the court's eleven-page decision.

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Will this wine make me look fat?

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By now you’ve probably heard about the new rule promulgated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding nutrition labeling of menu items in restaurants and vending machines. This is not to be confused with existing state and city labeling requirements. If you’re like me, you will ignore the labels and order whatever you damn well please on those rare occasions when you eat at a covered establishment. If you operate a covered establishment, though, it’s important that you talk with your attorney to make sure that you comply. Below is a summary of the regulations (with a focus on wine served in restaurants and similar retail establishments, of course). This is just a summary, meaning that a lot of information is left out for the sake of brevity, so consult your attorney to ensure compliance.

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Thank you!

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I'd be a real jerk if I let the day go by without expressing my gratitude for everyone who made this humble little blog possible—and for everyone who motivates me to keep it going. To my friends and readers near and far, THANK YOU, THANK, THANK YOU! Whether you read my posts regularly or stop by only once, I am truly grateful for the time that you spend here. May your weekend be filled with joyful moments and delicious wine shared among friends and loved ones!

Cheers,

Tracie

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Tracie Robinson