US Federal Register Establishes Columbia Hills Viticultural Area

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau has established the Columbia Hills viticultural area in Washington state, effective following publication in the Federal Register.

The AVA covers approximately 18,000 acres and recognizes the area's distinct viticultural features, including climate, soils and topography. Wine bottlers using the name in brand names or labels, including trademarks, must comply with the new designation rules.

The establishment provides legal recognition that can support trademark applications and marketing claims tied to the specific geographic origin.

Producers in the area may now reference the AVA on labels subject to TTB regulations, potentially strengthening geographic branding strategies.

Sources: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/17/2026-16701/establishment-of-the-columbia-hills-viticultural-area https://npcobserver.com/tag/trademark-law/