Comment 2: Paulson, Theresa R.

The quality of wines produced in the Moon Mountain area is known to Minnesotans. On March 24 - 25, 2013, I went to a few wine stores in Minneapolis, MN known for large selections in wine. I sought wines from the proposed Moon Mountain District of Sonoma County. On March 25, 2013, a now former employee of the North Loop Wines and Spirits in Minneapolis, MN described to me the difference in wines grown on the slopes known as Moon Mountain compared to the neighboring Sonoma Valley, Mt. Veeder area, and Napa Valley area. He described the proposed Moon Mountain area as having a slow-roasted nature to the wine. He stated that this difference is caused by the location of the slopes, and the microclimate caused by the slopes. The employee continued to state that this mountainous area of Sonoma Valley was one of his favorites due to the intense flavors, aromas, and wine body caused by the slow and long maturation on the slopes. On March 24th, 2013 I went to the Haskell’s Wines and Spirits in St. Paul, MN. Here the employees did not know the Moon Mountain area – or Moon Mountain vodka by name . However, the employees were able to assist me in finding wines from the Sonoma Valley that neighbor the proposed Moon Mountain Region. This was also the same result as my visit on March 25th, 2013 to France 44 wine store. What I noticed at the stores I visited was that they attempted to carry a variety of the various AVAs in California. Due to the large area the Sonoma Valley AVA, these wine stores sold wines more associated with the valley aspect of Sonoma Valley. By granting AVA status, the Moon Mountain District will be able to have better national name recognition. Since many AVAs are so large in size, it is difficult to acquire wines of distinguishable differences in an AVA, unless that area is delimited by a new AVA status. See attached for full comment.