Establishment of the Winters Highlands Viticultural Area
TTB establishes the Winters Highlands Viticultural Area (AVA) in Solano and Yolo Counties, California, covering approximately 7,296 acres.
Aforeworn detected this change in the Liquor Licensing space on July 30, 2026 and published this briefing so affected operators are forewarned rather than caught off guard. It is rated Low urgency. Wineries and grape growers using the Winters Highlands designation on wine labels, and any entity seeking to use that AVA name. should confirm how it applies to their specific situation before acting. There is a time constraint attached: Effective August 29, 2023 (the date of publication).. Acting after that point can mean penalties, a lapsed licence, or lost eligibility — exactly the kind of surprise Aforeworn exists to prevent. Aforeworn monitors Liquor Licensing continuously and turns every detected change into a plain-English briefing like this one, so you always know first. Forewarned is forearmed.
What changed
A new federally recognized viticultural area is created, allowing wines with at least 85% grapes from that area to use 'Winters Highlands' as an appellation of origin.
Who it affects
Wineries and grape growers using the Winters Highlands designation on wine labels, and any entity seeking to use that AVA name.
What you must do
If you produce wine from grapes grown in the defined area, you may now use 'Winters Highlands' on labels; no mandatory action required.
Deadline
Effective August 29, 2023 (the date of publication).
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