The 98,000-acre "Gabilan Mountains" viticultural area in Monterey and San Benito counties, Calif., is entirely within the existing Central Coast AVA and encompasses the existing Mt. Harlan and Chalone AVAs.

Alcohol & Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau's action was in response to a petition from Parker Allen of Coastview Vineyards.  The AVA contains six commercial vineyards, which cover a total of approximately 436 acres, as well as four wineries.

According to the petition, the average elevation within the proposed AVA is 2,370 feet. By contrast, all surrounding regions have lower elevations. According to the petition, the proposed AVA's higher elevations place it above the heavy fog and marine layer. As a result, the proposed AVA has a cool air climate without the humidity from the fog and low-lying clouds. The petition claims that the lower humidity levels significantly reduce mildew pressure in the proposed AVA, which allows growers to use less fungicide and pursue more organic practices during the growing season.