Napa Valley, California is practically synonymous with good American wine, and for decades it’s been a destination of choice for people who love a good glass, good weather, and a nice vacation away.
But all good times come to an end, and even California wineries aren’t immune to the enormous pressures on the US alcohol market.
Perhaps chief among them is the massive Canadian boycott of US alcohol in the wake of the Trump administration launching a trade war with most of the world.
Exports have always been a critical piece of US alcohol resiliency, especially when domestic demand dips and the economy slows down.
And, well, if the factory closures all over California weren’t enough of a sign that the economy is suffering…
Then the fact that even grocery stores are shutting down should probably be solid confirmation that the economy is wobbly at best.
Combine all of that with what’s arguably been an oversupply of wine – and it’s no wonder that California wineries are closing left and right. Here are five that have recently closed their doors:
- Newton Vineyard (Napa Valley)
- Brian Arden Wines (Calistoga in Napa)
- Twomey (Calistoga and Anderson Valley)
- Courtside Winery (operated by Gallo in San Miguel)
- Prima Materia (Oakland) – the brand is still alive, but the tasting room is gone
Add it all together, and things are getting pretty grim for the alcohol market and California’s broader economy.
What other wineries have I missed? Leave a comment and share!
Links on this page may be affiliate links, for which the site earns a small commission, but the price for you is the same
Leave a Comment