Story perspectives

California Wine Industry Faces Crisis: Major Closures and Layoffs

2/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

California's wine industry is experiencing significant challenges, with four major wineries announcing closures since early 2026.
Jackson Family Wines closed its Carneros Hill facility, resulting in over a dozen layoffs.
Gallo, the largest winemaker globally, shut its Ranch Winery in St. Helena, cutting nearly 100 jobs.
Constellation Brands also notified over 200 workers at Mission Bell Winery of layoffs.
The number of wineries in California fell from 4,727 in 2025 to 4,646 in February 2026, amid a decline in alcohol consumption among American adults to 54%.

1 of 1

Story summary

California's wine industry is experiencing significant challenges, with four major wineries announcing closures since early 2026.
Jackson Family Wines closed its Carneros Hill facility, resulting in over a dozen layoffs.
Gallo, the largest winemaker globally, shut its Ranch Winery in St. Helena, cutting nearly 100 jobs.
Constellation Brands also notified over 200 workers at Mission Bell Winery of layoffs.
The number of wineries in California fell from 4,727 in 2025 to 4,646 in February 2026, amid a decline in alcohol consumption among American adults to 54%.