AB 1246 opens California to qualifying out‑of‑state craft distillers in 2026, but new permits, taxes and a one‑year pilot will shape how far that access goes.

November brought modest job gains to the Bay Area and California, but year‑to‑date totals through November still show net losses. The rebound is tentative.

Pacific Legal Foundation asked a judge to vacate a nearly $4 million judgment against Hoopes Vineyard, arguing the fines and fees are unconstitutionally excessive. The move adds a national legal voice to a years‑long Napa enforcement fight.

Gallo will shutter its St. Helena Ranch Winery and eliminate 93 positions across Napa and Sonoma, according to WARN filings and local reporting.

Tens of thousands of acres of California vineyards have been ripped out and industry experts warn another wave of pullouts is coming as demand slumps and imports rise. Analysts say the correction could last into 2026.

Kenwood Vineyards' tasting room is closed after the 33‑acre Sonoma property was bought by an LLC tied to Korbel owner Gary Heck. A WARN filing says 14 employees could be laid off.

Charlie Palmer Steak at the Archer Hotel will close April 12, ending the chef's only Napa outpost. The hotel plans to rework the space into a downtown 'living room' lounge while Palmer eyes a new wine-country location.

Chanel-backed St. Supéry has purchased Rudd Estate’s Oakville vineyards and Crossroads label; Samantha Rudd says Press Restaurant will continue operating. The purchase price was not disclosed.

Constellation Brands warned U.S. high‑end wine demand is soft as Bill Newlands exits and Robert Mondavi prepares to reopen, raising pressure on Napa tasting rooms.

Forge Pizza Napa has closed its South Napa Century Center location after roughly ten years, leaving a popular wood‑fired pizzeria dark as the center shifts toward temporary recreation uses.

Clos Pegase has reopened in Calistoga after a yearlong restoration under Jay and Tammi Adair, who repainted the Michael Graves landmark and revived its art program. Tastings resume with a $50 signature flight and new gallery programming.

A Napa nonprofit that rescued the Yountville Sun and Calistoga Tribune is shutting down next Friday, leaving roughly a dozen staff without work and the papers without an owner.

Santa Rosas Poppy Bank opened a Novato branch and says it will reach 50 California locations by yearend 2026 while adding staff and competitive shortterm CDs.

As wine demand softens, Napa and North Bay family wineries are adding RV sites, chef tables and farm stays to steady income. New state rules make small, regulated camping easier.

Researchers at a June smoke summit said new screening tools and sensory work are closing the gap between lab numbers and what drinkers taste as Napa braces for an active fire season.

E. & J. Gallo suspended crush operations at its Turner Road West plant in Lodi and laid off 20 workers as it shifts capacity across California. The company says impacted employees will get transition support.