"Tangled Vines: Greed, Murder, Obsession, and an Arsonist in the Vineyards of California" by Frances Dinkelspiel

Tangled Vines: Greed, Murder, Obsession, and an Arsonist in the Vineyards of California by Frances Dinkelspiel is a compelling New York Times Bestseller that delves into the shadowy history of the California wine industry. This meticulously researched narrative reveals the underbelly of an industry often perceived as idyllic and sophisticated.

On October 12, 2005, a massive fire erupted in the Wines Central wine warehouse in Vallejo, California. The flames, set intentionally by Mark Anderson, a wine enthusiast with a history of conning and theft, obliterated 4.5 million bottles of some of California's most prestigious wines, valued at over $250 million. This tragic event marked the most extensive destruction of wine in history. Anderson used a propane torch and gasoline-soaked rags to carry out the arson, annihilating entire vineyard libraries and some of the world's most coveted wines. Among the lost treasures were 175 bottles of Port and Angelica produced by the author's great-great-grandfather, Isaias Hellman, in 1875.

Dinkelspiel's book uncovers that Anderson was not the first to inflict damage upon this storied industry. The history of California's wine trade, dating back to the 19th century, is rife with tales of greed, violence, and obsession. The narrative is populated with rich men who established monopolies, brutalized vineyard workers, and even committed murder. A series of five murders, including that of John Rains, who was brutally killed and left for coyotes in Rancho Cucamonga, is linked to Hellman's vineyard.

In Tangled Vines, Frances Dinkelspiel peels back the genteel veneer of California's wine regions to expose the darker elements that have shaped their history. Few wine enthusiasts sipping a fine California Cabernet today can fathom the tangled and often bloody roots from which their favorite wines originate.

This gripping tale not only recounts the catastrophic fire set by Mark Anderson but also delves into the lives of those entwined with California's wine history. From the early vineyard pioneers to modern-day wine moguls, Dinkelspiel provides a comprehensive view of the obsession, greed, and violence that have influenced the industry.

Published by St. Martin's Griffin, this 336-page paperback provides an enthralling read for both wine lovers and true crime aficionados. The book's ISBN is 9781250113894, and it was published on October 18, 2016. The physical dimensions are 208 x 5.50 mm, and it weighs 313 grams.

Tangled Vines offers a captivating glimpse into the complex world of wine production and the dramatic events that have punctuated its history. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or simply intrigued by true crime stories, this book promises to reveal the hidden stories behind every bottle of California wine.

• Format: Paperback
  
• Pages: 336 pages
  
• Imprint: St. Martin's Griffin
  
• ISBN: 9781250113894
  
• Published: 18 Oct 2016
  
• Weight: 313g
  
• Dimensions: 208 x 5.50 (mm)
  
• Language: English

Explore the gripping history and dark secrets of the California wine industry with Tangled Vines by Frances Dinkelspiel. Order your copy today and uncover the true stories of greed, murder, and obsession that have shaped the vineyards of California.