In this episode of Grown in Napa Valley, NVG tackles the economic headwinds facing the wine industry through an in-depth conversation with wine economist Dr. Chris Bitter of Terrain. Bitter breaks down the latest insights from Winescape, Terrain’s quarterly market report, revealing a shift in U.S. alcohol consumption trends. He explains how demographic changes, evolving health attitudes, and a rise in cannabis and GLP-1 drug usage are contributing to a measurable decline in per capita alcohol use—particularly among younger consumers. While all beverage categories are impacted, Bitter notes that wine is facing steeper challenges, with premium pricing and oversupply adding to the pressure. Still, he emphasizes Napa Valley’s long-term strength, citing its reputation for quality as a key advantage in weathering this downturn.
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Later in the episode, Caleb shares a glass of 2016 Heimark Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with veteran vineyard manager Mike Wolf, in a conversation that spans mentorship, humility, and the philosophy of farming. From early lessons learned under the guidance of instinctive farmers in Mendocino to decades spent managing top-tier vineyards in Napa, Wolf reflects on the value of hands-on experience and the importance of staying true to the land. He speaks candidly about the tension between aesthetics and economics, and the quiet pride that comes from getting the work done right—often before anyone notices. Through stories of resilience, collaboration, and a commitment to the next generation of farmworkers, Wolf embodies the spirit of Napa Valley viticulture: rooted in history, shaped by community, and always looking ahead.

• "After decades of growth, we’re now seeing a decline in alcohol consumption—and wine is feeling it more than the rest." - Dr, Chris Bitter 
  
• "Wine isn’t just a beverage—it’s a cultural product. But right now, we’re being challenged to prove that value all over again." - Dr. Chris Bitter
  
• "I’ve never owned a commercial grapevine in my life—but I’ve cared for some of the valley’s most iconic vineyards like they were my own." - Mike Wolf
  
• "If I’m true to the vineyard, then I can sleep at night. That’s how I’ve always measured whether I’m doing the job right." - Mike Wolf 
  
• "You’re not just hopping onto a vintage—you’re stepping into a legacy. This isn’t a straight line, it’s a slinky through time." - Caleb Mosley 
• "You're not just farming grapes—you're stewarding a story that started long before you and will continue long after." - Caleb Mosley 
  

In this special episode of Grown in Napa Valley, host Caleb Mosley visits Ridge Monte Bello to sit down with two influential voices in California wine: Paul Draper and David Gates. Draper reflects on the collaborative tasting culture and experimental spirit that defined his winemaking career, including Napa’s role in his legendary 1971 Eisele Vineyard Cabernet. Gates shares insights on mountain viticulture, Napa's evolution in the 1980s, and the long-term conservation efforts that helped preserve agriculture on Monte Bello Ridge. Together, their stories highlight the enduring power of mentorship, land stewardship, and wines of place. ​

• “What matters most is the wine in the bottle, and that comes from the vineyard, the site, and how you handle it. That’s what Ridge has always stood for.” - Paul Draper 
• “We didn’t know the rules—we were just trying to make the best wine we could, from the best site we could find. And Napa taught us that.” - Paul Draper 
• “I carry Napa with me everywhere, even up here on the mountain. It's not just where I started—it's part of how I see the land.” - Caleb Mosley 
• “What I learned from both of you—and what I hope we’re passing on—is that stewardship isn’t just about farming. It’s about people, mentorship, and memory.” - Caleb Mosley 
• “When you grow grapes on a mountain like this, it humbles you. The vines will tell you what they want—you just have to listen.” - David Gates 
• “We protected this land not just to make wine, but so future generations could feel what we feel standing here.” - David gates