VinePair Podcast Recapping a News-y February: Four Roses Sells, Wineries Close, and Napa NIMBYism Continues
Feb 23, 2026
They recap Thomas Keller's public opposition to a Yountville affordable housing project and the ongoing local resistance to development in Napa. They cover Gallo's purchase of Four Roses bourbon and what that could mean for marketing, trade, and tourism. They discuss recent layoffs and consolidation across wine companies and wholesale distributors.
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Corked Special Occasion Wine Turned Into Negronis
- Adam shared a corked 2013 Napa Cab on Valentine's Day after holding it for years, swapping to a Negroni and a Ridge instead.
- He regretted saving the bottle too long and noted Ridge's unexpected 22 months new‑oak aging.
Keller's Yountville Backlash Reveals Napa NIMBYism
- Thomas Keller publicly opposed a Yountville affordable housing project, framing the units as unsuitable for his staff and out of touch with broader community needs.
- Adam Teeter argued the Valley needs diverse worker housing (not just elite staff), and Keller's stance reinforced Napa's NIMBY perception.
Local Housing Reduces Napa Commute Strain
- Hosts highlighted daily-commute unsustainability for Napa workers and traffic impacts from employees living far outside the valley.
- Zach Geballe emphasized reducing road congestion by housing workers locally to sustain tourism and service jobs.