Proposed Westside Paso Robles AVA Draws Criticism
The controversy surrounding attempts to establish sub-AVAs within Paso Robles shows no sign of abating anytime soon. Several members of the Paso Robles wine industry have written to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau expressing their criticism of the proposed Westside Paso Robles sub-AVA.
Terry Brady of Clautiere Winery argues that the proposal is not based on any real viticultural differences, and is a marketing ploy. Brady contends that proponents of the Westside sub-AVA want, “be able to take advantage of a perceived superiority of this part of the appellation.”
Blair Zajac of Ma Vigne au Soleil agrees with Brady, stating, “From a wine sales consideration, implementing the proposed new boundary will have a negative impact on east side wine sales of quality fully equal to that of the west side.”
Dennis T. Collins, the General Manager of Treana Winery, is also critical of the proposed sub-AVA, but not for the same reasons. Treana makes a wine called “Westside,” and Collins believes that the existence of a Westside Paso Robles sub-AVA would cause consumer confusion.
The establishment of AVAs is a tricky issue, and the entire California wine industry is closely watching the process unfold in Paso Robles right now.
Written by: Ben Bicais on Friday, March 02 2007
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