Comment 2: Kilmer, Chantel (Antelope Valley Winegrowers Association)

As the president of the Antelope Valley Winegrowers Association for 4 years, and in the local wine industry for 8 years, I support the establishment of the Antelope Valley of California's High Desert AVA! In my years in the industry, I have been proud to be heavily involved during harvest and crush, and have come to appreciate that our growing conditions are uniquely different from the growing conditions from the surrounding areas, of Tehachapi Valley, Bouquet Canyon or the San Gabriel Mountains. The surrounding, higher elevations, such as Sandburg or Juniper Hills have shorter growing seasons, as well as rockier, thinner soils. Watching the grapevines awaken from the dormant stage, I see on a yearly basis that the vineyards have a more challenging growing season, due to steeper slopes or being more prone to erosion. But the results we see from that challenge, our wines are fruitier, the aromas are amazing, and the deep rich colors are indeed breathtaking!