California wineries revamp tastings and explore agave as wine falls

The 126‑year‑old Beaulieu Vineyard in Napa Valley has completed a two‑year renovation of its 1885 Rutherford winery building, creating seven new indoor and outdoor tasting spaces, a mini‑museum of historic artifacts and a two‑hour “Time Traveler” tasting experience that blends historic vintages with curated bites. The redesign includes restored architectural details, repurposed wine barrels, and a 1925 Cadillac displayed in a glass‑walled atrium.

Facing declining demand for traditional grape wine, California growers such as Joy Merrilees of Castilleja Farms and Shannon Family of Wines are converting portions of their vineyards to agave. With roughly 100 agave growers now cultivating about 1,000 acres across 38 counties, the shift aims to produce agave spirits that require less water and lower labor costs. Merrilees’ half‑acre pilot will yield a new agave spirit in two to three years, reflecting a broader industry pivot to sustain farm profitability.

Both innovations illustrate how California’s historic wine region is experimenting with new visitor experiences and alternative crops to counter a market slump.