TTB proposes new Rancho Santa Fe viticultural area in San Diego

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to establish the Rancho Santa Fe American viticultural area (AVA) in San Diego County, California. The proposed AVA would cover 15,827 acres and lie entirely within the existing South Coast AVA. The proposal is identified as Docket No. TTB-2026-0006, Notice No. 244, RIN 1513-AD14, and comments must be received by October 13, 2026.

The petition was submitted on behalf of the Rancho Santa Fe Vinters & Growers Association. It identifies roughly 30 commercial vineyards within the proposed boundary and cites the community name, local institutions, and businesses as evidence that "Rancho Santa Fe" is recognized in the area.

Boundary evidence in the petition sets the western limit at Interstate 5, despite the Pacific Ocean forming the natural shoreline, and uses Escondido Creek, the San Dieguito River, a series of roads, and the 92067 postal code to delineate the northern, eastern, and southern edges.

The petition argues that the area's climate and soils, together with local zoning regulations and the presence of eucalyptus groves, distinguish it from surrounding regions. Climate data collected by Western Weather Group, Inc. from 2018 to 2020 are provided, though TTB notes that diurnal temperature variation is not considered a distinguishing feature.

TTB is seeking public comment on the proposal. Comments may be submitted electronically through Regulations.gov under Docket No. TTB-2026-0006 or by mail to the Director, Regulations and Ruling Division, 1310 G Street NW, Box 12, Washington, DC 20005. For questions, contact Karen A. Thornton, Regulations and Rulings Division, at 202-453-1039, ext. 175.