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.

A Santa Rosa maker and national data show small Bay Area firms are pausing hiring as investor caution and new benefit work rules collide.

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.

Seagate Properties refinanced Montecito Plaza in San Rafael with a $45M loan originated by John Hancock, keeping the grocery‑anchored center under local ownership.

County inspectors found glassy‑winged sharpshooters on grapevines sold at Costco; officials warn buyers to isolate plants and contact county agricultural offices.

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.

Straus Family Creamery has recalled select pints and quarts after possible metal fragments were found. The company is offering replacement vouchers to affected customers.

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.

Medtronic will wind down most work at its Fountaingrove campus in Santa Rosa, affecting about 370 jobs as operations shift to larger hubs over a phased exit through spring 2028.

Constellation Brands will close the Quarry Lake winery in Sonoma on June 25, 2026, and seven staff will be laid off, according to a state filing.

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.

After eight years at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Hall of Flowers is shifting its NorCal trade show to Sacramento for Nov. 4–5, 2026. Organizers say better access for buyers and brands motivated the move.

Westerville-based Marzetti closed a $400M deal to buy Bachan’s, adding the Sebastopol-born Japanese barbecue sauce to its portfolio. The purchase brings a fast-growing, clean-label brand with about $87M in trailing sales.