Blood Vines: The House of Licciardi - Episode 3 Summary

Blood Vines, hosted by investigative journalist Chris Walker, delves deep into one of the largest wine scams in U.S. history, centered around the Licciardi family. In Episode 3, "The House of Licciardi," Walker unpacks the escalating tensions within the family and the burgeoning legal troubles that threaten to dismantle their wine empire.

Recap of Previous Events

The episode opens with a brief recap of the Licciardi family's involvement in grape fraud. Michael Licciardi, the eldest son, played a pivotal role in manipulating grape shipments, using shell companies like VK and Efriana Enterprises to deceive wineries about the origin of their Zinfandel grapes. This deceit was instrumental in fueling America's love for White Zinfandel during the 1980s.

Chris Walker [00:00]: "Previously on Bloodvines. Jack was a linchpin. Everybody that had any vineyards knew that if they didn't have a contract, Jack could sell their grape."

Michael's Desperation and Deception

At 25, Michael was eager to inherit his father Jack's multimillion-dollar business. His impatience led him to orchestrate fraudulent grape deals, believing that the booming White Zinfandel market provided ample cover for his schemes.

Michael Licciardi [00:14]: "Well, I was 26, 25 at the time."

When the California Department of Food and Agriculture questioned Delicato Vineyards about potential mislabeling of grape shipments, Michael scrambled to maintain the facade. To the state agents, he presented fabricated maps and contracts, masking the true origins of the grapes.

Chris Walker [00:54]: "Michael Licciardi was due to inherit a multi-million dollar a year business. So he's impatient, I think, to inherit the business and start living the good life."

Suspicion Within the Family

Jack Licciardi began to notice discrepancies, especially Michael's sudden acquisition of a lavish mansion in Stockton's affluent La Mirada neighborhood—a stark contrast to the modest 1,400 square-foot family home he shared with his wife Mary and their five children.

Joanna Licciardi [07:54]: "The grandeur of this house that his son was living in compared to what he was living in for, you know, 40, 50 years."

This opulent display raised red flags for Jack, making him question the source of Michael's newfound wealth. Despite his suspicions, Jack struggled to confront Michael directly, relying instead on external contacts like Anthony Scotto Jr. for assistance—an approach that ultimately proved futile.

Legal Challenges and Business Fallout

In 1989, California filed six civil lawsuits targeting grape fraud, significantly impacting the Licciardi family's business. Mark Lucchese, the Bavaros company accountant, revealed that the wineries were hesitant to pay for the mislabeled grapes, leading to substantial cash flow issues for Jack's brokerage.

Mark Lucchese: "The wineries didn't want to pay for the grapes because no one could trust them."

As lawsuits mounted, Michael remained untouched initially, but the Bavaros leaders were thrust into legal jeopardy, shaking the foundation of Jack's trusted associates.

Federal Investigation Intensifies

Jack's attempts to control the damage faltered when he reached out to federal prosecutor Steve Lapham. In a tense meeting at Jack's grimy, dimly lit home, surrounded by his sons Michael and Robert, as well as lawyer Jay Gill, the cracks began to show.

Michael Licciardi [18:03]: "The word was out that we were investigating this fraud involving Corvette Co. And he basically said, come talk to me."

During the interrogation, Michael falsely claimed to have visited VK Vineyards and met Robert Klein, a fabricated individual. This lie provided substantial grounds for his indictment on charges including conspiracy, mail fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion.

Michael Licciardi [24:14]: "So that was the basis for one of our counts in the indictment for a false statement."

Restructuring the Business Amidst Crisis

Facing mounting evidence and the threat of legal ruin, Jack made the difficult decision to strip Michael of his role in the family business. Robert Licciardi, the younger son with a tumultuous past, was appointed as Michael's successor, leading to the formation of a new entity, Corvette Company One, to shield the family fortune.

Robert Licciardi [25:18]: "What we wanted to do was try to protect our interests and separate ourselves from Michael."

This restructuring was met with skepticism and resentment from other family members, who doubted Robert's capability to manage the crisis effectively.

Strained Family Ties and Suspicion

The growing tensions led to a fractured family dynamic. Michael, feeling betrayed and marginalized, distanced himself from family gatherings, notably avoiding the once joyous Christmas celebrations. Joanna Licciardi poignantly describes the pain and isolation that ensued.

Joanna Licciardi [22:51]: "Broke his heart. I mean, there's no other way to say it."

Jack's Commitment to Truth and His Mysterious Death

Determined to salvage his reputation and the family's legacy, Jack agreed to testify in a civil deposition against Michael. However, this decision marked a turning point. On January 19, 1991, amidst the mounting pressures, Jack Licciardi was found dead with a bullet hole near his left temple, suggesting foul play rather than a heart attack.

Robert Licciardi [32:20]: "He was murdered with a .22 caliber bullet. To the head, which is a very mafia type way of doing it."

Conclusion

Episode 3 of Blood Vines: The House of Licciardi masterfully intertwines the complexities of family loyalty, greed, and deception. As legal battles intensify and familial bonds fracture, the Licciardi family's empire teeters on the brink of collapse. Jack's untimely death adds a chilling twist, setting the stage for further revelations and confrontations in the ensuing episodes.

Stay tuned for Episode 4, where the investigation into Jack's murder unravels deeper layers of the Licciardi family's dark saga.