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Jason Smith Shutters 51-Year Winery as U.S. Wine Sales Plummet

7/31/2026

30 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Jason Smith, a California winemaker, will sell his land and close his 51-year-old family winery after a tractor destroyed Pinot Noir grapes and a fire burned the vineyard’s wooden posts in Soledad.
Smith said he cannot make money because U.S. wine sales have hit a two-decade low.
The slump reflects health warnings about alcohol and younger drinkers shifting to canned cocktails, seltzers and non-alcoholic beers.

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Story summary

Jason Smith, a California winemaker, will sell his land and close his 51-year-old family winery after a tractor destroyed Pinot Noir grapes and a fire burned the vineyard’s wooden posts in Soledad.
Smith said he cannot make money because U.S. wine sales have hit a two-decade low.
The slump reflects health warnings about alcohol and younger drinkers shifting to canned cocktails, seltzers and non-alcoholic beers.