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 ...
Ice cold!
Laughing so hard I had trouble getting through that page.
Too bad the old favorites like King Cotton Peach Wine and Wild Russian Vanya are not available. I remember the late night TV ads for them.
Not Boone’s Farm!
I’ve never had the stuff, but I remember all those “Strawberry Hill” commercials in the 70s.
As long as Rombauer isn’t affected, then I’m good.
“…with only 54% of adults reporting they drink…”
A statement that takes me back to my Alcohol Intake Evaluation days.
The problem with survey research is that quite often people LIE!
The survey is simply additional corroborating information. Decreased alcohol consumption is evidenced by declining sales such that the U.S. alcohol industry has seen over $830 billion in market value loss since 2021.
What’s the price?
Say thirty twice!
(Actual Thunderbird commercial)
That stuff has vintages like “Tuesday — A.M.”
The lack of tank car chardonnay and box zinfandel will drive the national cat lady population more nuts than usual.
The wine industry is saturated with many producers.
Cutbacks are inevitable.
Young adults are not drinking, but are smoking pot
When the big 3 did this because people quit buying their cars, media shamed them for destroying local economies.
Keep making whine until you go bankrupt, storing it everywhere. For the children.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.