Boutique Wine Country hotspot is latest victim of Napa crisis as it shuts after a decade: ‘This is a big one’

Another business in California’s wine country is shuttering operations, one of many closures sweeping through the Napa Valley area as the wine industry faces pressure.

Petaluma-based Barber Cellars announced recently that it’s closing its downtown tasting room and cheese shop on June 5, citing “the financial struggles and headwinds of the current wine and tourism industry.”

Health issues and stress also contributed, the owners said on social media.

“This is a big one… It is with a heavy heart, and after many sad conversations and deliberations, that we have decided to close,” the owners, Lorraine and Michael Barber, said.

“For 11 years, our tasting room at the Hotel Petaluma has been filled with your laughter, stories, and so many shared toasts.”

As a farewell, the tasting room is offering a 25% off sale until the closure.

The Barbers are now looking to focus on other parts of their portfolio, particularly their distillery Barber Lee Spirits founded in 2017 that’s located on the same street.

Elements of the closed business will now consolidate with the distillery, the owners announced. “Consolidating makes sense for the longevity of both businesses (and our health!)” the owners said.

The new combined space will offer cheeses, wines, spirits and desserts. Local chocolate shop Mad Chocolates is also joining the space, they said.

Unfortunately, some items like the fondue will no longer be offered.

The wine industry in northern California is facing broader economic pressures as businesses choose to consolidate or pursue other options.

Some local owners are selling their wineries to large companies or closing entirely, seeking to leave the down-trending sector. The wine industry is in an economic downturn as boomers, a critical demographic for wine, die out.

Local government leaders are trying to salvage the declining industry, recently rolling out a new tourism model to increase engagement with wineries and other businesses.

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