EPISODE 17
The Grape Pretenders: A history of Wine Fraud
We are back to escort you on a rollicking journey through the world of wine fraud in “The Grape Pretenders.” In this episode, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles invite you to join us as we unravel the outrageous schemes of the past, where fraudsters concocting “authentic” vintages by blending turnip juice, wild fruit, and even a dash of lead oxide—ingredients that would make any sommelier’s head spin. Our adventure begins with the exploits of Charles Palmer, an English officer whose fateful carriage encounter changed a chateau’s fate, sparking a series of misadventures in wine imitation.
We explore recipes that include bizarre additions like almond shells and gum benzone, and we hear about the infamous “Holy Palmer’s kiss” that left high society baffled and amused. We examine the art of disguise practiced by dubious wine merchants and celebrate the wild ingenuity that once ruled the vine. So, pour yourself a glass and join us as we raise our spirits, laugh at history’s oddities, and toast to the enduring legacy of fake wine.
Brought to you in association with Taylor’s Port
SOURCES
How fakes, fraudsters, and grape crusaders have shaped the world of wine.
As we mention in the podcast, we leaned heavily on Rebecca Gibb's thoughtfully researched and well-crafted book. Full of fantastic insights and invaluable context. Her comprehensive exploration of the topic brought to light many different aspects that we cover in this episode. The depth of her research is terrific, making it all the more compelling and enjoyable.
“Gibb writes with authority and nuance, pointing out that one oenophile’s adulteration could well be another’s amelioration, and she widens her aperture to provide an engaging history of restaurants and menus.”– “Airmail”
“This exceptionally well-researched and engaging exploration of wine fraud through the ages shook me to my core.”– “Australian Financial Review”
“[An] entertaining gallop through wine fraud down the ages.”– “Daily Mail”
“Takes the reader on a highly entertaining tour of wine fraud from ancient times up to the present day. . . . The book is full of brilliant details.”– “The Spectator UK”
“The British master of wine Rebecca Gibb has great fun picking through the skulduggery in an entertaining read that romps around the vineyards of the world.” – Best Cookbooks and Food Writing of 2023– “The Times”
“This slim yet insightful and entertaining volume documents the many instances where wine drinkers did not get what they paid for, sometimes with deadly consequences.” – Best Wine Books of 2023– “The New York Times”
“Triumphs in the way in which it combines a history of wine and the wine trade with some very detailed and well-researched examples of cunning crookery. Gibb writes well and can weave together convincing and authoritative tales of wine concoctions that would even make the three witches in Macbeth opt to go on the wagon.”– “Business Day”
“What a brilliant idea this is for a book. . . . No wine lover should be without a copy of Vintage Crime, though in future it might make you sniff a little more suspiciously when handed a glass of fine wine.” – Best Wine Books for Christmas– “Club Oenologique”
“What’s most impressive is that Gibb has managed to maintain a lively, well-paced, humorous, deliciously gossipy, slyly acerbic narrative. While she’s got a good grip on the events and is adept at teasing out the threads that come together to shape the course of history, it’s her ability to bring people to life that underpins her storytelling.”– “JancisRobinson.com”