Posted on 02/19/2026 2:43:05 PM PST by Libloather
Gallo, a major wine manufacturer, announced the closure of a large Napa Valley production facility and the elimination of nearly 100 jobs across Napa and Sonoma counties — a stark sign of the shifting landscape around alcohol consumption in America.
Considered the worlds largest winemaker by volume, Gallo filed a “warning” notice with the California Employment Development Department on Feb. 12, confirming it will permanently pull the cork on The Ranch Winery in St. Helena.
The closure will leave 56 workers high and dry by April 15.
Gallo is also slashing staff at some of its other prestigious labels, including the Louis M. Martini Winery and the Orin Swift Tasting Room in St. Helena, as well as J Vineyards and Frei Ranch in Healdsburg. The moves will impact a total of 93 jobs in a region synonymous with luxury wine and tourism.
The Modesto-based giant has been on a downsizing tear lately. In 2025, it closed Courtside Cellars in San Luis Obispo County, a 300,000-square-foot production facility, and let go of 47 workers.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
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Prime opportunity for another Napa wine maker.
“Louis M. Martini”
As good as it gets.
Not sure if this is true. Individual consumption of alcohol has been on a downtrend for decades, but wine producers still have managed to keep the dollar value of gross sales going up.
“Gallo sells “bum wine”, yes?”
Yes, and it made them filthy, stinkin’ rich.
So they bought up a bunch of PREMIUM Napa wineries.
Louis Martini is as good as it gets.
Might be the end of Boones Farm though, Gallo makes that in Cali.
Alcohol consumption in the U.S. has hit a record low, with only 54% of adults reporting they drink, the lowest percentage in nearly 90 years. This decline is driven by health concerns, shifting cultural norms, and a significant reduction in drinking among young adults and women.
-AI overview
I’m just thinking that the low-end consumers are switching over to cannabis.
Maybe part of the reason the percentage of drinkers has dropped is because invading muslimes are now part of the population
And people getting stoned.
I just responded similarly to spacebar’s quote post.
They’ve been trying to leave that image behind and rehabilitate the brand.
One of the best things on the internet.
Q: How do you make a small fortune in the wine business?
A: Start with a large fortune.
I’ve been boycotting anything from California for years now. It’s hard to find raisins from anywhere else. So I’ve been using dried cranberries instead.
That’s hilarious and sad as wel.
Sounds like Orson had sampled a good bit too much of the product.
One poster said that this was his first gig after he died. Impressed that the other two actors didn’t crack up.
Yep. Gallo is getting hit from both ends.
Shrinking demand and more taxes/regulations.
Maybe they will move to another state and thrive there.
“Considered the world’s largest winemaker by volume, Gallo filed a “warning” notice with the California Employment Development Department on Feb. 12, confirming it will permanently pull the cork on The Ranch Winery in St. Helena.”
To the author, Bianca, my love: You don’t have to insert cutesy phrasing into your writing. “Pull the cork” is a non sequitur in this usage. It metaphorically means the opposite of what you’re trying to convey
“Considered the world’s largest winemaker by volume, Gallo filed a “warning” notice with the California Employment Development Department on Feb. 12, confirming it will permanently pull the cork on The Ranch Winery in St. Helena.”
To the author, Bianca, my love: You don’t have to insert cutesy phrasing into your writing. “Pull the cork” is a non sequitur in this usage. It metaphorically means the opposite of what you’re trying to convey
It’ll probably be cheaper and safer to ship the grapes to Kentucky and process them there. California has totally effed up its business environment.
I know a guy who does business mostly in California but incorporated in Florida. He says only fools incorporate in Calif now.
Wine consumption has been on a downward spiral for at least a few years. Maaaaaay have something to do with the dispenseries.
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