What is required for wine to be labeled as "Estate Bottled"?

For a wine to be labeled as "Estate Bottled," it must meet specific criteria set by regulatory authorities. The key requirement is that the winery must own or control the vineyard where the grapes are grown. This ensures that the grapes are sourced exclusively from the estate and reflects the characteristics of that specific location. As a result, "Estate Bottled" wines typically represent a higher quality and a stronger connection to their terroir, as they are produced from grapes that have been farmed by the winery itself.

This designation underscores the commitment of the winery to both viticulture and winemaking practices, aligning the cultivation of grapes, the processing, and the bottling all at the estate. Having everything under one ownership or control allows for greater oversight and quality management throughout the entire process.

The other options do not align with the requirements for "Estate Bottled;" they involve various conditions that would contradict the essence of what "Estate Bottled" signifies. For instance, if the winery were in a different AVA or if the grapes came from outside the vineyard, it would not accurately represent the estate's production philosophy. Thus, owning or controlling the vineyard is the cornerstone of this labeling.