MADERA, CA — Mission Bell Winery will permanently close its facility on March 31, 2026, a move expected to leave more than 200 employees without work.
The winery has been a fixture in the Madera community for more than 100 years. On Tuesday, Jan. 13, management notified staff that the closing process had begun.
According to Fox26 News, the decision follows the end of a 2020 business deal between the winery’s owner, Constellation Brands, and E. & J. Gallo Winery. That agreement focused on shipping and selling specific brands of wine and liquor. While the winery will stop making wine by the spring of 2026, Constellation Brands said it is looking for a new use for the site.
Regional Economic Impact
The closure represents a major change for local farms and factories. Madera County Supervisor David Rogers said that the loss of Mission Bell, combined with another local business closing, will bring the total job losses in his district to about 300. Rogers said these changes will hit the local economy and working families hard.
Support for Workers
State and local officials are organizing help for those affected by the closure. California Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria said her office is prepared to help workers apply for state unemployment benefits and find new work.
The Madera County Workforce Assistance Center is also providing free services to help employees find new jobs. These resources include:
- Skills training
- Resume assistance
- Career counseling
- Job search support
The assistance center is located at 2037 W. Cleveland Avenue in Madera. Local leaders encourage anyone affected by the layoffs to visit the center for help during this time. Officials hope these resources provide a safety net for families as the historic winery prepares to close.
