More Than 200 Jobs Lost as Mission Bell Winery Ends Century-Long Run in Madera

Mission Bell Winery, a longstanding presence in Madera, California, will lay off more than 200 employees as its contract with E. & J. Gallo Winery comes to an end. The announcement was made to staff earlier this week, following the expiration of a key distributor agreement that has supported operations at the facility for several years.

The layoffs are expected to take effect by March 31, when the contract officially concludes. Mission Bell Winery, owned by Constellation Brands, has operated in Madera for over a century and is considered a significant employer in the region. The company’s relationship with Gallo began after Constellation sold several wine and spirits brands to Gallo in 2020. With the end of this agreement, Constellation has stated it will wind down related operations at the Mission Bell site.

In an internal email shared with employees, Constellation explained that the decision was part of broader efforts to optimize production needs at the facility. “We are taking necessary steps to optimize our operations to support our future production needs at this facility. This will, unfortunately, impact a number of roles within our Mission Bell operations,” the statement read.

The news has caused concern among local officials and former employees. Donald Holey, a retired Mission Bell worker and former Madera City Councilmember, described the announcement as devastating for both workers and the local economy. “Anytime you lose a big company like that, it hurts the economy in Madera,” Holey said.

Madera County Supervisor David Rogers addressed the situation in a public statement, noting that approximately 300 jobs will be lost across two major business closures in the area. Rogers encouraged affected workers to seek assistance from the Madera County Workforce Assistance Center, which offers job search support, resume help, interview preparation, career counseling, and skills training.

Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria also responded to the layoffs, expressing disappointment and emphasizing her office’s readiness to help displaced workers access transition assistance and state employment benefits. She highlighted the importance of agricultural workers to both the Central Valley and the nation’s food supply.

Mission Bell Winery’s closure marks a significant change for Madera’s economy and workforce. The winery has been a fixture in the community for generations, providing jobs and supporting local agriculture. As operations wind down over the coming months, local agencies and officials are working to connect affected employees with resources and new opportunities.

Constellation Brands has not provided further details about future plans for the Mission Bell facility beyond March 31. The company’s statement focused on operational adjustments rather than long-term strategy for the site. Local economic development officials have not yet commented on potential new uses for the property or efforts to attract replacement employers.

The layoffs come at a time when Madera County is also seeing new business activity, such as the recent opening of a large AutoZone distribution center. However, community leaders acknowledge that replacing jobs lost at Mission Bell will be challenging given its historic role in local industry.

Employees impacted by the closure are being directed to contact workforce assistance services for support during this transition period. The Madera County Workforce Assistance Center is located at 2037 W. Cleveland Avenue in Madera and can be reached by phone or through its website for those seeking help with re-employment or retraining options.