California Governor Gavin Newsom's extensive wine and hospitality business generated at least $410,000 in income last year, according to an analysis of his latest economic disclosures. These filings detail a broad network of wineries, hotels, and beverage-related businesses across exclusive areas of San Francisco, Napa Valley, and Lake Tahoe. Newsom has placed many of these holdings into a blind trust valued at over $1 million, which includes investments in wine companies such as Arielle Wines.
The governor's wine empire is largely anchored by PlumpJack, a Napa-based company he co-founded. PlumpJack Estate encompasses a 42-acre vineyard with a tasting room and production facilities, alongside other winery operations in Angwin and Napa. These estates, held by associated investment companies, contributed more than $100,000 to his income. His portfolio also includes Odette Estate Winery and CADE Estate Winery, known for selling luxury wines often priced at $100 or more per bottle.
Beyond wine production, Newsom's ventures extend to hospitality management. He earned over $10,000 from a hospital management company invested in the Plumpjack Inn, a ski resort near Lake Tahoe. Additional hospital management companies, which collectively yielded over $100,000, operate establishments like the Mission District cocktail bar WildHawk and the upscale Balboa Cafe in San Francisco. A retail wine operation linked to Plumpjack also reported over $100,000 in earnings.
Furthermore, Newsom reported more than $100,000 from wine sales to Benchmark Wine Group, a broker specializing in fine and rare wines. Plumpjack wines sold through Benchmark range in price from $47 for a 2018 Merlot to nearly $1,200 for a 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon magnum. In 2020, Newsom reported a gross income of approximately $1.5 million from these business activities.
Newsom has stated that federal Department of Justice probes involving his wife and family tax matters are politically motivated. He has previously pledged to release his tax returns to the public. Upon becoming governor, Newsom signed an order to prevent state agencies from conducting business with his wine firms.