March 17, 2025 – Constellation Brands Quitting Wine? What This Means for the Industry

Wine News Round-Up

Wine Business (Press Release) – First District Court of Appeal Issues Stay of Napa County’s Injunction in Napa County vs. Hoopes

Score one for the little guy! The First District Court of Appeal has issued a stay against Napa County.  From the press release: 

The stay indicates the Court found strong showing of a likelihood of reversal on appeal, and irreparable harm to Hoopes if the order stayed in place pending any appeal. The injunction currently cannot be enforced as to any of its terms.

Napa County’s injunction shuttered Hoopes, a property entitled for “winery” and licensed by the ABC as a winery, by prohibiting critical winery activities otherwise allowed throughout the zoning district.

And a nice Quote from Lindsay Hoopes:

“A winery is a state license. Our position is that what a “winery” is and does is defined by the ABC because they are the only entity that can issue a winery license. A County can say where it can operate, and if it is a permitted use. But as to “how” it sells alcohol, or what a “sale” looks like, that’s up to the state. Once the license issues, only the ABC or Supreme Court can take it away.”

Wine Business – Constellation Eyeing Exit from Wine Business

Well, when the times get tough, the tough get going.  Yet another interesting article about the downturn in the wine industry.  From the article by Wine Business’  Sarah Brown:

The purported deal would break up Constellation’s wine portfolio between Delicato Family Wines and Duckhorn, which was acquired by Butterfly Equity in December 2024. Coastal brands and assets would go to Duckhorn while Delicato would acquire Constellation’s Central Valley wine business.

This past summer, the New York-based beer, wine and spirits company disclosed in an earnings call it was considering selling some of its less premium, non-core brands and vineyards to help offset deficits from overall industry downturns as well as its recent acquisition of Sea Smoke in Santa Barbara County.  At the time, CEO Bill Newlands expressed a belief that the wine industry would make a turn around by the end of 2024.

That turnaround never came, however, and in the three months ended Nov. 30, 2024, Constellation reported wine sales had fallen 16.4% to 5.1 million cases, netting $431.4 million in sales, down 14% versus 2023. In the same period, beer shipments were up 1.6% to 102.7 million equivalent cases while net sales had increased 3% to $2.03 billion.

San Francisco Chronicle – Here’s How Trump’s Tariffs Could Crush California Wineries

Esther Mobley and Jess Lander from the Chronicle discuss how the tariffs could make things very bad for the California Wine Industry.  From the Article:

 On Tuesday, Quebec Premier François Legault announced that all American alcohol products would be removed from the province’s shelves, in retaliation for the 25% tariffs that President Trump has imposed on all Canadian products entering the U.S. The Quebecois prohibition on American booze mirrors those instated in Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. It wasn’t immediately clear whether that ban would be lifted after Trump put a pause on the tariffs.

The impact on U.S. alcohol would be major, as Canada is its largest export market, responsible for over $1 billion in annual sales. It comes as the American wine industry is experiencing a sharp decline in sales, and wineries of all sizes are struggling to remain solvent.

Non-Paywall Link

Wine-Searcher – Chianti Classico Still a Value Bet

Wine-Searcher’s W. Blake Gray digs deep to find some great value wines in the $20 range.  With a tip of the hat to the New York Times wine critic Eric Asimov, and his famous 20 Bottles Under $20 articles.  Get these wines while you can. From the article:

This year, inspired by Asimov, I decided to do what newspaper folks call “reader service”. I made a list of every Chianti Classico that is available somewhere in the US for $20 or less. Then I tasted all of them. Now I am going to recommend the best of them, all of which I personally gave 90 points or more.

Don’t @ me if the wine is $23 in your local store: these were available somewhere for $20 in February. This method forced me to ignore many of my favorite brands, while getting me to taste the big brands that give Asimov the hives. But I think if he tries these wines, he’ll like them, because another thing we agree on is the greatness of the good. In other words, a wine that goes with dinner need not punch you in the face with its awesomeness, but instead is best judged by whether or not the bottle is empty at the end of the night.

Thanks for the inspiration Eric, and keep up the slog so I don’t have to.

VinePair – Why Wine Service Sucks Right Now (but Doesn’t Have To)

VinePair’s Dave Foss on how sometimes, not all the time, but often, more that he would like, well… wine service can really suck.  Not mentioned in the article, but a big one for me is sometime, I have to grab the bottle and open it myself, because I can’t bare to watch the waiter struggle so badly.  From the article, the last part, how to fix the issue:

Here’s the game plan for better wine service:

• Train the entire staff, not just the somm. Servers should have a few go-to wines they love and can confidently recommend.
• Teach staff to read the room. Not every guest wants the entire backstory of a wine. Some people love hearing about the volcanic soil and the winemaker’s near-death experience with pesticides. Others? They just want a glass of red.
• Empower staff to sell. One server at LaLou had three light reds at different price points that she adored — and she sold them constantly because she had the knowledge and confidence to do so. And because she genuinely loved the wines, the guests would perk up at her enthusiasm.

Wine & Winery of the Week

Vintner’s Collective – Napa, CA

Housed in a historic stone building that dates back to the late 1800s, the space has a rich history that mirrors the old-world charm of Napa itself. Over the years, it has served various purposes, but today, it stands as a hub for independent wineries that might not otherwise have a dedicated tasting room. Instead of traveling from winery to winery, guests can sample a diverse range of wines in one intimate, welcoming space.

The Collective represents 21 boutique wineries, each known for producing limited-production, high-quality wines. It’s a great place for those looking to taste something beyond the big-name Napa brands, offering a deep dive into the craftsmanship of some of the region’s most passionate winemakers.

2017 Casta de Vinos Casta Tinta Syrah – 93 Points // $33.00

The 2017 Casta de Vinos Casta Tinta Syrah is a compelling example of Valle de Guadalupe’s ability to produce serious, age-worthy wines. This isn’t just a big, bold red—it’s a Syrah with layers of flavor, structure, and a sense of place.

At $33, it offers great value, delivering depth and balance that rivals more expensive Syrahs from traditional wine regions. With a 93-point rating from the Cork and Journey panel, it’s clear that this wine has left an impression. While it’s drinking beautifully now, a little time in the glass (or a short decant) makes all the difference, revealing even more complexity.

If you’re looking for a Syrah that’s both powerful and refined, this one is worth a spot in your glass. Whether paired with grilled meats, aged cheeses, or simply enjoyed on its own, it’s a wine that delivers a truly satisfying experience.

Restaurant and Corkage of the Week

Della Santina’s – Sonoma, CA

Della Santina’s is everything you want in an Italian trattoria—warm, welcoming, and filled with delicious homemade food. With its charming courtyard, exceptional wine selection, and generous corkage policy, it’s a must-visit when you’re in Sonoma.

If you love authentic Tuscan flavors, family-run restaurants, and great wine, book a table ASAP. You won’t regret it.

Corkage: $25 Per Bottle/ No Limit