Establishment of the Upper Lake Valley Viticultural Area and Modification of the Clear Lake Viticultural Area
TTB establishes the Upper Lake Valley AVA (approx. 17,360 acres) in Lake County, California, and modifies the Clear Lake AVA. Wineries using 'Upper Lake Valley' on labels must ensure 85% of grapes come from that AVA.
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 in Lake County, California, especially those using 'Upper Lake Valley' or 'Clear Lake' appellations on wine labels. should confirm how it applies to their specific situation before acting. There is a time constraint attached: Effective June 3, 2022; no specific compliance deadline stated beyond standard label approval requirements.. 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 viticultural area (Upper Lake Valley) is established, and the Clear Lake AVA boundaries are modified.
Who it affects
Wineries and grape growers in Lake County, California, especially those using 'Upper Lake Valley' or 'Clear Lake' appellations on wine labels.
What you must do
Review label approvals for wines using the new AVA name; ensure compliance with 85% grape-source rule for AVA labeling.
Deadline
Effective June 3, 2022; no specific compliance deadline stated beyond standard label approval requirements.
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