Silicon Valley Bank’s Collapse Threatens California Winemakers

Silicon Valley Bank rode the growth of California’s wine business, starting in the 1990s.

California’s wine industry is facing a potential short-term cash crunch and long-term loss of funding from the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, which was a significant lender to vineyards and winemakers.

Hundreds of wine producers borrowed from the bank and deposited their cash there, including some small, midsize and privately held businesses that are trying to make payroll or loan payments.