Thread regarding United States Layoffs layoffs

A major wine producer is set to lay off dozens of employees in the Central Valley, citing a downturn in business revenues.

Bronco Wine Company is the 10th largest wine business in the U.S. and a vintner with an extensive portfolio, including a number of major wine brands. One of the most recognizable is Charles Shaw, commonly known by Trader Joe's shoppers as "Two Buck Chuck."

The company filed a worker adjustment and retraining notification, or WARN notice, with the state last week, laying off 146 employees from its facility on Bystrum Road in Ceres.

"This action is necessary due to a significant downturn in business revenues, necessitating a major reorganization in operations and workforce," the company's notice to the state read.

KCRA 3 reached out to the company for a statement.

Bronco Wine Co. said the decision to make the layoffs "is part of the company’s continued efforts and strategic restructuring plan to align operations with the evolving dynamics of the wine industry and broader economic pressures."

"This decision was not made lightly. We deeply appreciate the valuable contributions of every employee affected, and we are committed to providing support and resources to help ease the transition," said President and CEO Dom Engels in a statement. "We stand at a critical juncture – not just responding to current challenges, but making bold moves to build a resilient, more focused organization for the future."

The company said it would be providing the affected employees with severance packages and transition support.

It's not the first sign of a downturn in California's wine industry.

Last year, the California Association of Winegrape Growers estimated that 30,000 acres of wine grapes were being removed throughout the state as winemakers saw fewer sales.

More recently, smaller winemakers also noted that tariffs from the Trump administration negatively impacted their business.

The layoffs are set to go into effect on June 16.