Grape Pretenders, Part 2

Explicit content warning

04/24/25 • 42 min

In this second part of a two-part special, Tom and Henry delve into the scandalous world of wine fraud that shook the fine wine establishment to its core. We unveil the extraordinary tale of Hardy Rodenstock, the mysterious German who claimed to have discovered Thomas Jefferson’s lost wine collection, and Rudy Kurniawan, the Indonesian fraudster whose LA mansion was a factory for fake vintages. Along the way, we’ll take you inside the testosterone-fuelled world of “The Angry Men” – millionaire collectors who mixed misogyny with their Mouton Rothschild. From Michael Broadbent’s poetic wine descriptions comparing vintages to Sophia Loren, to bottles selling for $156,000 only to have the cork drop in, this episode uncorks a delicious blend of greed, deception and the absurdity of what one wine expert calls “a drinkable penis extension”; So pour yourself something you actually fancy drinking, and join us for these intoxicating tales of grape pretenders.

Brought to you in association with Taylor’s Port.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brought to you in association with Taylor’s Port.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

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 Bowlesinvite 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.