Up in Smoke

When the French Laundry closed its doors for renovations on Christmas Day in the quiet town of Yountville, thieves saw an opportunity to break in. However, these criminals didn’t go for the cash register at the three Michelin starred restaurant: they pried open the wine cellar, stealing $550,000 worth of the world’s most expensive wines. The investigation revealed a crime ring that spread coast to coast. Thank you for listening to season one of Vinfamous. If you like what you heard this season, leave us a rating and review. Follow the show so you’re notified of new episodes or bonus content. Keep in touch with Wine Enthusiast at winemag.com.

In 2012, news rocketed around the world about the destruction of Gianfranco Soldera’s wine. More than 16 thousand gallons—or the equivalent of 80,000 bottles—of his world class Brunello di Montalcino was found in puddles at the Case Basse cellar in Montalcino, Italy. Days later, police would make a surprising arrest. Follow the podcast and join us every other week as we delve into the twists and turns behind the all-time most shocking wine crimes. For more content from Wine Enthusiast, visit winemag.com.

For many years, the California Central Warehouse was considered a safe place for winemakers and collectors to store wine. With its sturdy three-foot concrete walls, it was thought to be safe from earthquakes, forest fires, and other natural disasters. Until, one day, it all went up in smoke. A fire destroyed 250 million dollars worth of wine, including entire wine libraries, vintages in transit to restaurants, and bottles filled with California history. What sparked this fire? That’s a story of fraud, embezzlement, and deception… with a convicted criminal going to his grave saying he was innocent. Follow the podcast and join us every other week as we delve into the twists and turns behind the all-time most shocking wine crimes. For more content from Wine Enthusiast, visit winemag.com.

In the mid-1980s, misguided choices from a select few Austrian wine producers turned an industry upside down. We explore the reasons why someone would be compelled to make such risky decisions and what it has to do with ancient Rome. Follow the podcast and join us every other week as we delve into the twists and turns behind the all-time most shocking wine crimes. For more content from Wine Enthusiast, visit winemag.com.

In this week’s episode, we uncork what’s potentially the most famous wine scandal of all. Rudy Kurniawan, purported to be a wine broker of fine and rare wines. Rudy was once known for having “The Greatest Cellar on Earth.” However, his millions in sales turned into years in prison after law enforcement caught him manufacturing labels and creating fraudulent wines. As many as 10,000 counterfeit bottles created by Kurniawan may still be in private collections. Follow the podcast and join us every other week as we delve into the twists and turns behind the all-time most shocking wine crimes. For more content from Wine Enthusiast, visit winemag.com.

In 2015, bullets flew through a Napa Valley winery in a business dealing gone bad. Only a few years prior, investor Emad Tawfilis gave Robert Dahl $1.4 million to finance his winery. But when a private investigator reveals Robert’s shady past, a legal battle quickly turns into a deadly negotiation. Follow the podcast and join us every other week as we delve into the twists and turns behind the all-time most shocking wine crimes.  For more content from Wine Enthusiast, visit winemag.com.

Every glass of wine tells a story. These stories reveal hidden histories and techniques, flavors and passions. And sometimes they unravel our darkest desires. In Vinfamous, Wine Enthusiast dissects the underbelly of the wine world and what it means when the product of love and care becomes the source of greed, arson, and even murder.  Follow the podcast and join us every other week as we delve into the twists and turns behind the all-time most shocking wine crimes. For more content from Wine Enthusiast, visit winemag.com.