Wineries don’t need another barrier to keep people from enjoying their products. Nevertheless, in California’s Napa Valley, there are a number of little-known, Byzantine laws in place that make it hard for wineries to adapt to the shifting tides in the industry.
In the past, the fine-wine region has capitalized on exclusivity-centric business models, but these models are proving to be more of a hindrance than a boon as we venture further into the 21st century. And with the fact that there are regulations preventing wineries from actually welcoming more visitors into their tasting rooms, many businesses are sitting on growing stocks of wine they’re struggling to sell.
On this episode of the “VinePair Podcast,” Adam, Joanna, and Zach are joined by friend of VinePair (and Chateau Montelena winemaker) Matt Crafton to discuss some of the most hot-button topics in Napa Valley, including the hidden reason why more wineries can’t take walk-ins, why companies and brands pivoting shouldn’t be a source of shame, and why the “doom and gloom” mindset hurts everyone. Tune in for more.
Joanna is reading: Do You Know the ‘20 Minute Rule’ for Serving Wine?
Zach is reading: The 30 Best Chardonnays for 2025
Adam is reading: The 25 Most Important Tequilas of the Last 25 Years
