America's biggest wine maker shuts down production in Napa Valley in huge blow to wine heartland

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 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. 

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. 

The percentage of American adults who say they consume alcohol has
fallen to 54%, according to an August 2025 Gallop poll. 

“GALLO is aligning parts of our operations with our long-term business
strategy to ensure we remain well-positioned for future success,” a
spokesperson for the company told The Post. 

“As part of this process, we made the difficult decision to reduce
certain Wine Country operations. These changes are driven by market
dynamics, evolving consumer demand, and available capacity across our
wineries.” 

According to the spokesperson, all employees who are being affected by
the closure are receiving “personalized support, transition packages,
and opportunities to explore other roles” within the company. 

According to a recent report from Wine Business Monthly, there were
4,727 wineries in California in 2025. As of February 2026, there are
4,646. 

https://nypost.com/2026/02/19/us-news/gallo-wine-closes-napa-winery-and-c
uts-jobs/