Growers seeking action

Grape growers are demanding that the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, which regulates wine labels, respond to two petitions filed with the last three years.

One petition asked that wines labeled with American appellations of origins be made of American wine, according to the growers.

The American appellation of origin petition was filed with TTB on Nov. 25, 2008, by four grower groups: California Association of Winegrape Growers, Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers, New York Wine Grape Growers and the Oregon Winegrowers Association. The petition asked that wines labeled with American appellations of origins be made of American wine.

The second petition, addressing imitation wines, was submitted to TTB on May 27, 2009. It requested that wine products with added water, sugar or flavors and which are allowed to bear the statement of composition, "Table Wine with Natural Flavors," should instead be labeled "imitation wine."

In a letter this month to John Manfreda, administrator of the TTB, grower groups urged the bureau to publish for public comment the petitions.

"Consumers and growers deserve clear and honest wine labeling," said John Aguirre, president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers. "For years now, these petitions have languished at TTB and it is time the bureau take action to ensure label integrity."