Comment 1: Danehower, Cole N.

The establishment of an Elkton Oregon AVA would be a justified and beneficial recognition of a distinctive wine growing region within the current Umpqua Valley AVA. The proximity to the coast, the influence of the Umpqua River, the diverse soils and wonderfully sloped hillsides, in combination with a long history of vinifera grape growing here are evidence of the "specialness" that the proposed Elkton AVA possesses. As a wine writer covering the Northwest for over a dozen years and the author of the book "Essential Wines and Wineries of the Pacific Northwest," I can highly recommend the value that this new AVA would bring to both Elkton-area producers and wine consumers everywhere. I strongly support the establishment of this AVA. -Cole Danehower