Book

"Fine Wine Confidential chronicles my more than 40 years behind the scenes in the wine industry. An insider memoir, untold history and, mostly, a tell-all, it exposes the frauds, spotlights the sometime brilliant personalities and explains the convoluted laws that make up much of the industry. From Organized Crime to today's Organized Monopoly of Liquor Distributors and their strangle hold on the wine producer, this book is replete with revelations that will make your next bottle of wine, and the ones that follow, experiences that go beyond price, taste and aroma.  Cheers!" 

All the excerpts that I will post have been edited and condensed from many more extensive chapters in the book. I relied on numerous notes, email transcripts, and documents I have saved during the past forty years to support my memory and recollections.

Fred Reno

EXCERPT 1 Clicquot: The Earthquake Hits California

This excerpt describes my almost fatal meeting in May of 2005 with the powers to be at Moet-Hennessy USA. I detail the encounter and the brush I had with death shortly after that. It is still hard for me to believe this happened.

Enjoy the read.

EXCERPT 2 THE BIZARRE WORLD OF FRANCHISE LAWS, POLITICS, BUREAUCRACY, & ORGANIZED CRIME

EXCERPT 3, THE NEW YORK TIMES FRANK PRIAL SAGA.

This excerpt is from my chapter, The William Hill Days: Learning Lessons in Brand Building.

EXCERPT 4, SHOWDOWN IN CALIFORNIA

This excerpt is from my chapter Politics, Bureaucracy, & ORGANIZED CRIME.

EXCERPT 5, INSIDE THE SUPREME COURT ORAL ARGUMENT, DECEMBER 7, 2004.

THE DAY THAT CHANGED THE WINE MARKET!

Excerpt 6, PASSION & AMBITION.

INTRODUCTION TO MY BOOK.

Excerpt 7, CALIFORNIA DREAMING

This excerpt details my experience visiting several well-regarded wineries in 1981

Excerpt 8, CHARDONNAY THE COMMODITY

Excerpt 9, Union Challenge

Excerpt 10, WINE FAIR TRADE COALITION

Excerpt @11 Beginnings, Don't Be Afraid of the Dark

Excerpt # 12 How & Why I joined the ranks of Podcasters