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.

Farmhouse Artisan Market opened Petaluma’s first in-person cannabis storefront last week, converting a seven-year delivery service into a visible shop on North McDowell. The opening follows a 2024 City Council vote to allow three storefront dispensaries.

Dave & Buster's will open a 43,000-sq-ft entertainment center at Santa Rosa Plaza on January 26, 2026, promising arcade games, a WOW wall and about 170 jobs.

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.

Arista Winery, a Russian River favorite, will stop producing wine after its 2024 vintage. The family sold the Westside Road estate in 2025 and is releasing the last bottles while supplies last.

BoDean agreed to a $1.28M settlement after regulators said emissions from its Santa Rosa and Windsor sites produced weeks of foul odors and visible smoke.

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

Jackson Family Wines closed its Carneros Hill facility in Sonoma and cut 13 jobs, the latest in a string of major industry consolidations. The moves reflect weaker demand and distribution shifts.

Paris Baguette announced two new North Bay cafés in Novato and Vallejo, with work already underway at the Novato site as the chain expands in the U.S. market.

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.

Santa Rosa maker Orbis Electric says its HaloDrive Cooling Engine can cut data‑center energy use and scale local manufacturing as AI demand grows. The company is lining up pilots and space in Sonoma County.

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.

The Barlow in Sebastopol is adding new shops and eateries this spring — from an enlarged Rust Boutique to a Wild Poppy location with on-site tofu production. Permits and events are lining up to bring more visitors this summer.

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.

Supervisors approved extra well‑monitoring conditions tied to a confidential settlement over Arrow&Branch’s expansion while demanding the county review the full agreement first.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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