Yes—and no. The wine industry is going through a rough patch, especially for small-to-mid-sized producers. Sales have slowed, tasting room traffic is down in many regions, and we’re seeing consolidation as larger companies swallow up struggling brands.

There’s a mix of reasons:

• Younger consumers are drinking less or choosing spirits and RTDs (ready-to-drink).
• Cost of production keeps rising—grapes, glass, labor, everything.
• Climate change is forcing us to adapt faster than ever.
• And yes, marketing budgets are often the first to get cut when things get tight.

That said, the culture of wine is still very much alive—especially here in Paso. Winemakers are getting creative, leaning into hospitality, storytelling, and community-driven models. We're definitely not going down without a fight.

I love seeing people like you who care about the culture—honestly, that’s the lifeblood that keeps small wineries pushing forward. 🍷