Petaluma Gap AVA

Let's answer some questions!

What is an AVA?
An American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a defined grape-growing region having distinguishing features, a name and a delineated boundary. The establishment of an AVA allows vintners to describe more accurately the origin of their wines to consumers, and, in turn, helps consumers to geographically identify wines that they may purchase.

Why do we need AVA status for the Petaluma Gap?
The Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has recently begun to disallow the term "Petaluma Gap" anywhere on wine labels, because they consider the Petaluma Gap to be "viticulturally significant". Achieving AVA status will allow vintner to clearly label their wines as Petaluma Gap.
The new conjunctive labeling law requires the use of "Sonoma County" on the labels of all wines produced from grapes grown in Sonoma County. "Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County" is redundant, while "Petaluma Gap, Sonoma County" (or "Petaluma Gap, Marin County") is clear and informative to the consumer. (Vintners who wish to continue to use "Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, or simply "Marin County" will be able to do so.)

What are the benefits to growers, vintners, consumer and the Petaluma community?
For years, the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance has been diligently promoting Petaluma Gap wines to media and consumers, and has helped to establish a strong reputation for wines crafted from Petaluma Gap grapes. With "Petaluma Gap" on a wine label, consumers will be able to find Gap wines more easily thereby driving up demand and increasing the value of Gap grapes and the wines crafted from them. The community will benefit from increased tourism as Petaluma becomes known as a wine country destination rather than a place to pass through on your way to wine country.

And Keller Estate?
We are located at the heart of the Petaluma Gap and we are some of the oldest vineyards planted in the region. We strongly believe that as we understand better Sonoma it is critical to carve out the different regions and showcase the significant traits of the Petaluma Gap.