It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Migliavacca Mansion gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Napa, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“This place is great! I highly recommend for family care and employment”
“I have worked for Always Best care for over 7 years! I have always been”
“Great company! They care about their clients & their caregivers better than I've seen any”
“I am a current client of this provider They take me to appointments and shopping. I like”
“I first had contact with Always Best Care in October of 2023, needing help for”
“I did not know a service like this even existed! Taking care of a parent with”
“Stephanie DeMartile has been an absolute pleasure to work with! She's very kind, knowledgeable and”
“Our sister was under the care of Stephanie DeMartile and her team and received superb”
“Always Best Care is such an amazing company. Helping meet our seniors needs and guiding”
“I am a past client of this provider The agency did all the leg work. Stephanie made”
“It was Christmas day when my In laws had fallen and both were in”
“I am a current client of this provider I have someone to walk with since I”
“After my Dad came to live with us rather suddenly it became clear that we”
“I am a past client of this provider She bathed and washed her up. She took”
“I am a current client of this provider It helps me because I can't be there”
“I am a current client of this provider They work really hard for me because my”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver only comes in once a week,”
“I am a past client of this provider They could have put their rates down a”
“I am a current client of this provider They help by readjusting the schedule if needed. I”
“I am a current client of this provider The interaction has been helping her the most. I”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me more than they help my”
“I am a current client of this provider They look for things to do when everything”
“I am a past client of this provider The therapist was very positive and encouraging to”
“I am a current client of this provider They have made my life a lot easier.”
“I am a current client of this provider The care is helping, and the client is”
“This place is great! I highly recommend for family care and employment”
“I have worked for Always Best care for over 7 years! I have always been happy with the professionalism provided by Management & staff! The flexibility and compassion has been exceptional, consistent and friendly. The manager really works hard to match the caregiver’s skills to the client! If you are someone wanting to be a compassionate & a quality caregiver, Always Best Care- Vacaville is a great place to work!”
“Great company! They care about their clients & their caregivers better than I've seen any other companies. The staff is amazing!”
“I am a current client of this provider They take me to appointments and shopping. I like the quality of the caregivers.”
“I first had contact with Always Best Care in October of 2023, needing help for my dear friend who needed a Board & Care after a hospital stay. I had the pleasure of working with Stephanie DeMartile who did an outstanding job helping me through every decision and stayed so organized. She was always calm and informative and many times went out of her way for me. She really is an asset to Always care. She found the perfect place for my friend, she was very well taken care of, which was a huge comfort to me. Even after she was at the Board & Care Stephanie stayed in touch with me & even visited my friend while she was there. Sadly my dear friend passed away, and again Stephanie was there to help me through it. I’d gladly work with Stephanie & Always Best Care anytime. Patti D.”
“I did not know a service like this even existed! Taking care of a parent with dementia is extremely difficult. My father has reached the point that he needs 24 hour care. Thankfully Stephanie stepped in and guided me through it all. I had so many questions, but yet didn’t know what to ask. I was lost. She took me to a few Board and Cares, explained all the differences between all the options out there. Stephanie even stepped in at the hospital, (with my permission ), to be sure my Dad wasn’t released too soon and all appropriate paperwork was completed. Stephanie is worth her wait in gold!!”
“Stephanie DeMartile has been an absolute pleasure to work with! She's very kind, knowledgeable and patient. Her experience makes for a smooth process. If you're thinking of choosing Always Best Care, let this be your sign to move forward! Highly recommend.”
“Our sister was under the care of Stephanie DeMartile and her team and received superb service. We couldn’t have asked for better care during her last days. We would highly recommend ABC to anyone seeking professional and loving care for themselves or their loved ones. We had our sister in several other facilities and she received very poor care until we got her home. The home care was wonderful! When it came time for her to enter the hospice part of the program, we were amazed at how loving and caring Stephanie’s team treated her. She was allowed to die pain free and with dignity. We were sad but grateful she had such great care and support in her end days.”
“Always Best Care is such an amazing company. Helping meet our seniors needs and guiding families through this exhausting process of needing care, finding care at home and then even helping finding long term solutions once things escalate past home needs! Stephanie DeMartile is very responsive, knowledgeable & helpful. Thank goodness for her experience to guide us through this process. She is a jewel. I can honestly say she is the main reason I keep coming back to Always Best Care!”
“I am a past client of this provider The agency did all the leg work. Stephanie made all the phone calls, and the first one she showed us we chose. She took the initiative and took a huge burden off of me and my mother.”
“It was Christmas day when my In laws had fallen and both were in the hospital. There was alot on problems with their care and services available but the one thing the hospital did right was by giving us Always Best Care. Stephanie DeMartile let me know what the costs and options were available. She made all the calls to find a care home that was affordable clean and could accommodate a couple. . She took a huge weight off my shoulders. Her service was the best, other services just gave me places to call. Thank you!”
“I am a current client of this provider I have someone to walk with since I was in the hospital because I fell when walking. I like the fact that I have someone to walk with me. There are little things that would not happen without the caregiver. In the beginning, several people came out, and then it settled on two providers. I think they needed more consistency at the beginning.”
“After my Dad came to live with us rather suddenly it became clear that we would need some help in the home. I was very apprehensive about having "strangers" in my home while my husband and I went to work. Trusting anyone else to care for my Dad was a huge leap for me. Lori came and did the intake evaluation and I immediately felt comfortable with her. She met Dad and was so gracious and personable with him. We needed help right away and Always Best Care did their very best to fill our time slots quickly. This was where there were a few bumps but I would encourage anyone to be patient with the process. We got a great rhythm of care going for Dad and he would daily ask "who's coming today?" Jessica would pop bye and check on him. Always so attentive to REALLY knowing how he was doing. He loved their chats. Tenesha and Carolyn became like family in our home. My fears of in home care, trusting others with my home and Dad quickly faded away with the dedicated and genuine care giving he received. We are forever grateful.”
“I am a past client of this provider She bathed and washed her up. She took care of her hygiene. The home care provider Shelby was proficient and well-trained.”
“I am a current client of this provider It helps me because I can't be there for my mom every day, and it helps her with cleaning. I would recommend them because they are very organized and professional. They are flexible and compassionate.”
“I am a current client of this provider They work really hard for me because my life is very hectic and crazy. They are very professional, hardworking individuals.”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver only comes in once a week, but she provides excellent care. She is like part of the family when she is here. They're dependable, reliable, and have excellent customer service and care. They've been outstanding in every aspect and they've never let me down.”
“I am a past client of this provider They could have put their rates down a little bit. I used them for 2 days, but it was too expensive.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help by readjusting the schedule if needed. I would recommend them because they are helpful, and they know exactly what I need.”
“I am a current client of this provider The interaction has been helping her the most. I like that we can make a list of what we need and that is what we are provided.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me more than they help my husband, it gives me some relief. I'd recommend them because they always follow up, the follow-up in the office is good.”
“I am a current client of this provider They look for things to do when everything else is done. They do a good job of getting the caregivers here, and they are excellent caregivers.”
“I am a past client of this provider The therapist was very positive and encouraging to get me moving. I liked the nurses and physical therapists.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have made my life a lot easier. I don't have to do everything for myself now. I would like to see them improve at getting a caregiver who will be able to physically take care of me. My caregiver is a little lady, and I am a bigger lady so I think it would be better if they matched me with a bigger caregiver.”
“I am a current client of this provider The care is helping, and the client is happy. It has let me get the rest I need and peace of mind. The training for the caregiver could be better, she was not as knowledgeable as they said she was.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Kennedy Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local La Toque or visit Trancas Street Historic Bridge, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Napa, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Napa, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Napa, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
NAPA VALLEY, CA — Skywatchers in Napa may catch a fireball while they’re outside for the Sunday through Tuesday morning peak of the Eta Aquariids meteor shower, an annual favorite because the fast-moving meteors can leave long, glowing trains in the sky.The weather has to cooperate to see these beauties, though. The National Weather Service calls for clear skies during the May 4-6 peak, b...
NAPA VALLEY, CA — Skywatchers in Napa may catch a fireball while they’re outside for the Sunday through Tuesday morning peak of the Eta Aquariids meteor shower, an annual favorite because the fast-moving meteors can leave long, glowing trains in the sky.
The weather has to cooperate to see these beauties, though. The National Weather Service calls for clear skies during the May 4-6 peak, but the marine layer could produce spotty interference.
The Eta Aquariids — sometimes spelled Aquarids with a single “i” — are usually a good show because they’re fast, traveling through the sky at around 148,000 miles an hour. Under clear, dark skies in the Northern Hemisphere, the Eta Aquariids produce about 30 shooting stars an hour, including some fireballs with glowing trains that NASA says can last for several seconds to minutes.
Like most meteor showers, the Eta Aquariids are best viewed in the pre-dawn hours. You’ll need to work around the moon, which will be more than half full during the peak and will set later each morning. Moonset times in Northern California are:
Sunday: 2:24 a.m.Monday: 3:14 a.m.Tuesday: 3:55 a.m.
Also, find the darkest sky you can with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky. Take along some sleeping bags or reclining lawn chairs and take in as much of the sky as possible. Be sure to give your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the dark.
After 2024’s “outburst,” which saw meteor rates of about one per minute reported in the Southern Hemisphere and a better-than-usual show elsewhere, 2025 should be a normal year for this meteor shower created by the famous Halley’s Comet around 390 B.C.
The Eta Aquariids appear to radiate from the constellation Aquarius the Water Bearer, the 10th largest in the sky but still difficult to find with the naked eye because none of its stars are especially bright. The brightest one, Sadalsuud, or Beta Aquarii, is a rare yellow supergiant with a mass almost five times that of the sun.
Don’t get hung up on trying to find the constellation, though. Meteors can come from any direction. Dress warmly, fill a Thermos with coffee or some other warm beverage, and take a reclining lawn chair and blankets to your dark sky location. Give your eyes at least 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness, then sit back and enjoy.
The Eta Aquariids are the last chance to look for meteors until the Delta Aquariid meteor shower in late July. It runs for more than a month and intersects with the summer favorite, the Perseids.
About a year ago, one prominent Napa vintner told me, “A lot of brands are dead, but they don’t even know it right now.”At that point, last spring, it was becoming clear that the American wine industry was facing a major reckoning. It just wasn’t clear how intense that reckoning would become.One of the clearest ways to understand this moment for Ame...
About a year ago, one prominent Napa vintner told me, “A lot of brands are dead, but they don’t even know it right now.”
At that point, last spring, it was becoming clear that the American wine industry was facing a major reckoning. It just wasn’t clear how intense that reckoning would become.
One of the clearest ways to understand this moment for American wine is in looking at winery closures: For the first time in a generation, the number of U.S. wineries declined in 2024. The West Coast’s winery count dropped by 4.3%, according to Wine Business Analytics.
In the Bay Area, we began to see notable wineries announcing closures in the middle of last year (Edmunds St. John, Carlisle, Brendel, Tarpon, Sbragia). The first three months of 2025 have delivered even more fallen soldiers, notably Napa’s Newton Vineyards. A slate of others — Brian Arden, Arista — have sold off their facilities while hoping to keep the brands alive in a different form.
“It’s going to be a slow decline,” said Dale Stratton, managing director at Napa consulting firm Azur Associates. “The 20-year run that we had as a wine category was phenomenal. As all of that consumption growth was happening, infrastructure was growing along with it to support it. As we see consumption moderate, we’re going to see some of that infrastructure” — vineyards, production facilities, tasting rooms — “go away too.”
In other words, there are too many wineries in the U.S. for the amount of wine that Americans currently want to drink. And just as vineyards across California are now being ripped out in an attempt to achieve market equilibrium, many wine producers will need to shut their doors too.
Some distressed wineries won’t close; they’ll sell. There’s been plenty of merger-and-acquisition activity in the wine industry in the past year, though Azur estimates that the total value of it, at $2.6 billion, was down in 2024 from the previous year’s $3 billion. Some of that was skewed, Stratton said, by the extremely discounted assets of Vintage Wine Estates, a major conglomerate that filed for bankruptcy in the summer.
Stratton expects to see a flurry of acquisitions in the coming year. He addressed the widely circulating rumor that Constellation, the country’s fifth-largest wine company, is trying to sell off all of its wine brands, which include Robert Mondavi, the Prisoner, Woodbridge and Domaine Curry, as reported by leading wine trade publication Wine Business. If true, Stratton said, it wouldn’t surprise him: “When you look at financial results, their beer business seems to be in a much stronger position,” he said. (Constellation sells Modelo and Corona.) “There have been analysts suggesting that maybe the wine business isn’t a great place for Constellation.”
Beer now represents nearly 82% of Constellation’s sales, according to the company’s annual earnings report, compared with wine’s 15.6%, a divide that has widened: Beer sales grew by 3% year-over-year in the third quarter of last year, while wine dropped by 14%. Strong as the beer business may have looked, however, Constellation was just dealt a blow by President Donald Trump’s tariff announcement. All of its beer that is produced in Mexico will now be subject to a 25% tax.
There is historical precedent for a diversified beverage company exiting the wine business. Coca-Cola and Nestle both invested in wine in the 1970s when they acquired wineries including Napa’s Sterling and Beringer, respectively. Both got out of wine in the following decades. Diageo, once a formidable wine corporation, sold off all of its wine brands in 2016 to focus on spirits.
How much worse can it get? “I would say that we seem to have leveled out in negative territory,” said Stratton. “As long as conditions stay where they are, we’ll continue to see activity in the M&A market and, more than likely, some people just shuttering facilities.”
You’re reading the Drinking with Esther newsletter. Reach Esther Mobley: [email protected]
March 6, 2025
Flights will operate four days a week between Napa and two Southern California airports.Maggie Fusek, Patch StaffNAPA COUNTY, CA—Public charter jet service JSX is set to begin seasonally scheduled flights at the Napa County Airport, marking a significant milestone in expanding travel options for residents, visitors and the broader Bay Area community, the cou...
Maggie Fusek, Patch Staff
NAPA COUNTY, CA—Public charter jet service JSX is set to begin seasonally scheduled flights at the Napa County Airport, marking a significant milestone in expanding travel options for residents, visitors and the broader Bay Area community, the county announced Wednesday.
The Napa County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to approve a space license agreement with fixed-based operator Skyservice Napa. As part of the agreement, JSX will temporarily operate out of the county’s General Aviation Terminal until Skyservice completes construction on its new facility and hangar.
Starting July 3, JSX will offer non-stop flights to Napa between Burbank and Orange County. Flights will operate four days a week—Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday—with one flight per day through November 2025. Fares start at $189 one-way, based on round-trip fares.
"The introduction of the new public charter jet service marks an exciting step forward, offering travelers to and from the region a convenient, elevated option," said Anne Cottrell, chair of the Napa County Board of Supervisors. “It’s a smart and strategic use of the airport space, reflecting our ongoing commitment to enhancing the experience and expanding the services available to our community."
JSX jets have 30 seats and exclusively serve smaller, secondary airports such as Napa. Customers enjoy a streamlined, simplified travel experience, like checking in 20 minutes before departure in private hangars with advanced frictionless security. They also enjoy business class legroom with no middle seats, high-speed free in-flight Starlink Wi-Fi, in-seat power and complimentary gourmet inflight snacks and beverages.
"JSX and Napa are a perfect pairing," Alex Wilcox, CEO of JSX, said. "Napa is one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions and deserves an equally refined travel experience to match. Our flights to Napa will give customers the opportunity to arrive closer, faster, and in-style—all at an attainable price."
Through Skyservice, JSX’s expansion to Napa County adds to its Northern California footprint, with current operations in Concord and Oakland. The new service also complements ongoing efforts to enhance the Napa County Airport's role in supporting general aviation and expanding air service options for the region. In December 2022, the Napa County Board of Supervisors voted to approve new 30-year FBO agreements as part of a major renovation estimated to bring $130 million in benefits to the county.
"We appreciate the partnership with JSX and their vision that made this possible," said Mark Witsoe, Napa County Airport Manager. "This launch is not just about new service—it’s part of a broader effort to modernize and elevate the airport experience for our community and visitors alike."
Let's be honest: California is not short on wine regions. While the most famous (and crowded) is undoubtedly Napa Valley, just north of San Francisco, it's far from the only option for a wine weekend in the Golden State.Whether you spend time around Napa Valley's "Yellowstone" with ...
Let's be honest: California is not short on wine regions. While the most famous (and crowded) is undoubtedly Napa Valley, just north of San Francisco, it's far from the only option for a wine weekend in the Golden State.
Whether you spend time around Napa Valley's "Yellowstone" with its geysers and hot springs or head to the stunning beach-filled wine regions around Paso Robles, California has plenty of vineyards that every wine aficionado should check out.
However, while Napa Valley and its famous vineyards are undeniably bucket list-worthy, this iconic region is never short on tourists. Instead, one of the state's most scenic but underrated wine regions is the Santa Lucia Highlands, located along the main road-tripping route around Big Sur and complete with ocean views, rolling hills, and great wine.
Do you want the wine country experience without the crowds or Napa? Well, Colorado has its own Napa Valley and it's right in the Rockies.
Located inland of "The Cotswolds of America", Carmel-by-the-Sea, between the Salinas Valley and the Santa Lucia Mountains, lies the small AVA of the Santa Lucia Highlands. It only spans around 18 miles long, and it's relatively new in terms of a formal AVA appellation, only being an official wine region since 1991. This is despite the fact that Spanish missionaries have been planting vines in this fertile area since the 1700s.
As it's nestled inland from Monterrey and Big Sur, it's the perfect place to visit as part of a wider road trip. Surprisingly, the Santa Lucia Highlands are only a two-hour drive south of San Francisco, making it just as easy to come here as it is to visit Napa, given the traffic and crowds.
Thanks to the mountain altitude and coastal winds, this area specializes in cool-climate wines, predominantly producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In fact, Wine Spectator has consistently ranked this region's Pinot Noir as some of the best in California. This makes the output and terroir similar to some of the major wine regions in Oregon, where the climate is naturally cool due to the latitude.
| California Wine Region | County | Wine Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Napa Valley | Napa County | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot |
| Santa Lucia Highlands | Monterey County | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay |
If you're looking for a weekend away that has great wineries, amazing music, and beautiful scenery, this Blue Ridge Mountain spot is for you.
So, if you're planning a weekend or so in the Santa Lucia Highlands, what should you do? Well, of course, you need to go for a few tastings. There are 47 different vineyards within the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, covering around 5700 acres of grapevines. Given that this is a relatively small wine region, there's a lot to tick off here.
Some of the vineyards you might want to check out include:
Of course, you can't really go wrong with any of the 47 vineyards, and many of them have wine-growing heritages as far back as the 1800s, showing a love for viticulture in this region. Aside from visiting vineyards and cellar doors, it's worth carving out time to visit Big Sur, Monterrey, and the cobblestone streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
You can explore the beauty of the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, hit the hiking trails and campgrounds at the Pinnacles, or visit other boutique wineries in Carmel and Monterrey to try multiple local wines in one sitting.
Okay, so if you're settled on visiting the Santa Lucia Highlands for a weekend or so, what's the best way to get there? This beautiful part of California is best seen by car, with so many iconic road trip routes around this area. From San Francisco, it's around 2 hours and 10 minutes on the 101 South via San Jose.
If you're coming up from San Luis Obispo for even more wine and Spanish culture, the fastest route is going to take you on the 101 North and takes around an hour and 40 minutes. However, if you want the iconic California road trip scenery, you have to spend the extra time and take Highway 1. Cutting inland after Plaskett from San Luis Obispo to rejoin the 101 North takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes, so it is a fair bit longer, but it's a beautiful stretch.
Of course, one of the most popular US road trips is up around Big Sur. From here, you'll go north on Highway 1 through Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterrey before heading inland and back down around the top of the Carmel Valley. It takes around an hour and 20 minutes, and it's a stunning route.
So, if you're looking for a new California wine trip destination, check out the Santa Lucia Highlands. Filled with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and rolling hills, it's the perfect place to spend a couple of days.
April 5, 20254K fan-filmed video of Y&T's April 4 performance at Uptown Theatre in Napa, California can be seen below (courtesy of Walter Morgan).In a March 2024 interview with SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", Y&T frontman Dave Meniketti was asked if he would like to make a follow-up to 2010's "Facemelter" album. He responded: "Yes." But then he clarif...
April 5, 2025
4K fan-filmed video of Y&T's April 4 performance at Uptown Theatre in Napa, California can be seen below (courtesy of Walter Morgan).
In a March 2024 interview with SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", Y&T frontman Dave Meniketti was asked if he would like to make a follow-up to 2010's "Facemelter" album. He responded: "Yes." But then he clarified: "It's not in production [yet]. You can slap my face, and I'm sorry, but, no, I have not written it yet, no. We will write together as a band, hopefully, because that's the way I like to write generally. I do like writing on my own as well, but I like getting the whole band involved because that creates a different sound than you coming up with everything and saying, 'Okay, now, you play this.'"
In February 2023, Meniketti, who went public with his prostate cancer battle a year earlier, said that he was in complete remission after receiving radiation.
In July 2022, Y&T was forced to cancel its previously announced European tour in order to allow Meniketti more time to recover from the radiation treatments.
Meniketti discussed his diagnosis and treatment during an appearance on an April 2022 episode of SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk". Dave said that while prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men, with one in eight men getting it, it is also one of the most treatable, with a survival rate of over 90 percent after 10 years. "This is one of those cancers, if you catch 'em early, you can be one hundred percent fixed — it's over; it's done; you're sorted," he said. "I mean, sure, it could come back at some point, but even if it does, they can treat it again. You usually outlive this cancer, if you get it early enough. So, luckily, I have gotten it early enough."
Meniketti is the only surviving member of the Y&T lineup — then known as YESTERDAY AND TODAY — that recorded the band's self-titled debut album.
Original Y&T rhythm guitarist Joey Alves died in March 2017 at the age of 63. Two founding Y&T musicians — Haze, 61, and Kennemore, 57, who both had left the lineup — died from complications of lung cancer: Kennemore on January 7, 2011, and Haze on September 11, 2016.
Y&T's current lineup is rounded out by guitarist John Nymann, drummer Mike Vanderhule and bassist Aaron Leigh.
"Facemelter" came out in May 2010 via Frontiers.
???? Get ready to rock! Y&T is hitting the Uptown stage on Friday, April 4, 2025! ???????? With over four decades of iconic hard...
Posted by Uptown Theatre Napa on Tuesday, December 10, 2024
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