The Verde Valley Wine Consortium, on behalf of the local grape growers and winemakers, prepared the petition to establish the approximately 200 square-mile Verde Valley AVA in Yavapai County, Arizona. The entire geological feature known as the ‘‘Verde Valley’’ encompasses approximately 714 square miles, most of which is National Forest land. In addition, there are 11 wineries located within the AVA and 25 winery-operated tasting rooms.