Introducing: Blood Vines

Summary

Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD – Episode: Introducing: Blood Vines

In the premiere episode titled "Introducing: Blood Vines" of Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD, host Chenjerai Kumanyika delves into the intricate and shadowy world of California's wine industry. This episode serves as an introduction to a gripping true-crime narrative that intertwines corporate fraud, familial betrayal, and murder, all set against the backdrop of one of America's most iconic industries.

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1. Introduction to Blood Vines

[00:00] Chris Walker opens the episode with an enticing preview of the new podcast series, "Blood Vines," exclusively available on Wondery. He sets the stage for a tale steeped in deception and violence:

"Blood Vines is a full-bodied podcast that uncorks the never-before-told story of the Licciardi family, one of the most powerful wine dynasties in California history, who almost brought down the entire industry over a bloody battle for succession."
– Chris Walker [00:00]

[00:32] Margarita adds depth to the narrative by highlighting the elements of betrayal and murder that underpin the story:

"And betrayal capped off with a big murder."
– Margarita [00:32]

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2. Setting the Scene: San Joaquin County Superior Courthouse

The episode transports listeners to a pivotal moment on June 11, 2021, at the San Joaquin County Superior Courthouse in California's Central Valley. The oppressive heat contrasts sharply with the cold, clinical atmosphere inside the courthouse.

[00:36] Chris Walker introduces a clip from the first episode, immersing the audience in the unfolding drama.

[00:44] Margarita describes the oppressive environment and the meticulous handling of evidence:

"June 11, 2021. It's a stifling hot day in California's Central Valley. The air feels thick and heat shimmers above the ground, but the area I've just walked into is cold, clinical, bureaucratic."
– Margarita [00:44]

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3. The Evidence Room: Unveiling the Crime

An investigative journalist navigates the evidence room, meticulously documenting the grim artifacts of a violent crime.

[01:05] The journalist introduces the setting:

"Okay, so I just got to the San Joaquin County Superior Courthouse to view the case exhibits. We're going to go through them in the order that they were presented at trial and we'll see what comes up here."
– Investigative Journalist [01:05]

[02:09] Detailed observations of the evidence paint a vivid picture of the crime scene:

"So I'm looking at the pillowcase now, which has dried bodily fluid on it and looks kind of brown and crusty... Might be blood, might be other bodily fluid."
– Investigative Journalist [02:09]

[02:27] The discovery of the murder weapon heightens the tension:

"It's the body of a Colt.45, but it's a.22, so it doesn't look like a.22, even though it is a small caliber gun... with wooden grips on the side."
– Investigative Journalist [02:37]

Margarita, the legal clerk, enforces strict protocols, preventing any tampering or unauthorized documentation of the evidence.

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4. Unraveling the Mystery: From Fraud to Murder

[03:09] Margarita expresses her unease as unexpected evidence surfaces:

"And then, well, I'm not prepared for what comes next."
– Margarita [03:09]

[03:20] The narrative reveals a connection between the murder and a longstanding fraud investigation:

"My name is Chris Walker. I'm an investigative journalist... before his death, the victim was just one person under investigation for a multi-million dollar scam in the 1980s. It sent ripples through one of California's most iconic industries."
– Chris Walker [03:20]

A [04:32] Federal Investigator recounts the initial confusion surrounding the murder:

"I was sitting in my family room watching the evening news... a murder and he was murdered with a.22 caliber bullet to the head, which is a very mafia type way of doing it."
– Federal Investigator [04:32]

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5. The White Zinfandel Scandal

The heart of the story lies in the fraudulent activities surrounding White Zinfandel, a deceptively sweet wine that became a cultural phenomenon.

[05:14] Wine Expert dismisses the quality of the wine involved in the scandal:

"This is what I call an eye roll drink."
– Wine Expert [05:14]

[05:16] Margarita critiques the wine's authenticity:

"It's not even really wine."
– Margarita [05:16]

[05:22] A Wine Critic reflects on White Zinfandel's role in the wine industry:

"Actually didn't like it as a wine. But I think white Zinfandel was kind of a gateway drug to better wines in some ways."
– Wine Critic [05:22]

Despite its low esteem among connoisseurs, White Zinfandel's widespread popularity masked the underlying fraud that threatened to dismantle the industry.

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6. The Domino Effect: From Scandal to Dynasty's Fall

[05:31] Margarita outlines the federal investigation's focus and its underestimation of the wine industry's vulnerabilities:

"White Zinfandel, the Fed's case centered around a pink drink with notes of jolly Ranchers... While they could see fraud developing all around White Zinn, they didn't think the stakes were all that high."
– Margarita [05:31]

The unexpected success of White Zinfandel led to rampant fraud and ultimately, violent consequences that reverberated through the industry.

[07:35] The Federal Investigator reveals suspicions about the mafia's involvement:

"We all felt that the family, being the mafia, were covering up something big."
– Federal Investigator [07:35]

This revelation points to a deeper conspiracy that intertwined organized crime with the wine industry's operations.

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7. Personal Ambitions and Unanswered Questions

[07:22] Margarita hints at personal motivations and the quest for truth:

"About a family and its secrets."
– Margarita [07:22]

[07:38] Wine Expert and others express disillusionment and the personal toll of the scandal:

"They both totally disappointed him. They broke his heart. They broke his spirit."
– Wine Expert [07:38]

These personal narratives add emotional depth to the overarching tale of corporate malfeasance and familial discord.

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8. Conclusion: The Unveiling of a Dark History

As the episode draws to a close, Margarita encapsulates the essence of the story:

"It's a parable of greed that hardly anyone knows about, and the wine industry would prefer to keep it that way."
– Margarita [07:58]

[08:11] Chris Walker encourages listeners to follow "Blood Vines" for an in-depth exploration of this hidden history:

"Thirsty for more. Follow Blood Vines wherever you listen to your podcasts and binge all episodes right now exclusively on Wondery."
– Chris Walker [08:11]

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Key Takeaways and Insights

• Intersection of Fraud and Violence: The episode highlights how financial deceit within the wine industry escalated into lethal violence, showcasing the precarious balance between corporate ambitions and ethical boundaries.

• Underestimation of Risks: Federal investigators initially underestimated the severity and potential for violence within the White Zinfandel scandal, revealing gaps in oversight and understanding of the industry's dynamics.

• Organized Crime Influence: The suspected involvement of mafia elements underscores the vulnerabilities within large industries to external criminal influences, raising questions about regulation and accountability.

• Personal Narratives: Through personal accounts and emotional testimonies, the podcast brings to light the human cost of corporate scandals, emphasizing betrayal, lost trust, and shattered lives.

• Hidden Histories: "Blood Vines" serves as a reminder of the untold stories lurking behind seemingly benign industries, urging listeners to look beyond the surface and seek deeper truths.

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Conclusion

"Introducing: Blood Vines" sets the stage for a compelling exploration of California's wine industry's dark underbelly. Through meticulous storytelling, rich character portrayals, and engaging dialogues, the episode promises a riveting journey into themes of power, greed, and redemption. For those intrigued by the convergence of true crime and corporate intrigue, "Blood Vines" offers a sophisticated narrative that unearths the untold origins and consequences of one of America's beloved beverages.

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and follow the "Blood Vines" podcast on Wondery to uncover the full story behind the Licciardi family's rise and fall, and the profound impact their actions had on an entire industry.

Transcript

[Chris Walker]

Get ready for a whole new vintage of true crime. I'm Chris Walker, host of the new podcast Blood Vines. Available exclusively on Wondery. Blood Vines is a full bodied podcast that uncorks the never before told story of the Licciardi family, one of the most powerful wine dynasties in California history, who almost brought down the entire industry over a bloody battle for succession. Grab a glass of your favorite wine and join me as we dive into a story that has notes of fraud.

[Margarita]

And betrayal capped off with a big murder.

[Chris Walker]

I'm about to play you a clip from the first episode of Blood Vines. You can listen to all episodes right now on wondery.

[Margarita]

Cheers. June 11, 2021 It's a stifling hot day in California's Central Valley. The air feels thick and heat shimmers above the ground, but the area I've just walked into is cold, clinical, bureaucratic. I pull out my phone to record a voice memo.

[Investigative Journalist]

Okay, so I just got to the San Joaquin County Superior Courthouse to view the case exhibits. We're going to go through them in the order that they were presented at trial and we'll see what comes up here.

[Margarita]

I'm in a private room off the courthouse's second floor lobby and spread out before me on tables are envelopes, bags and boxes. A legal clerk named Margarita stands among them, wearing gloves. She doesn't want me to record her while she gives instructions, but they are as follows. I'm not to touch anything. I'm not to take photos. She will handle each piece of evidence so I can observe it. And yes, she says, I can record voice memos as I view the items. I'm nervous and excited. While I've read a lot about the evidence presented in this room, I've never seen any of it for myself. We start going through the case exhibits and Margarita looks a little grossed out. I can't blame her.

[Investigative Journalist]

So I'm looking at the pillowcase now, which has dried bodily fluid on it and looks kind of brown and crusty. And there's a floral print pattern with some dried brown stuff in the corner. Might be blood, might be other bodily fluid.

[Margarita]

Next comes a cotton sweater, its backside definitely dark with blood. There's a towel, a spent bullet casing, the murder weapon.

[Investigative Journalist]

It's the body of a Colt.45, but it's a.22, so it doesn't look like a.22, even though it is a small caliber gun, but yeah, kind of like a blue steel with wooden grips on the side.

[Margarita]

So far, most everything matches the police reports. There are a few Surprises like when the clerk produces a paper lunch bag full of audio cassette tapes. I'm going to need copies of those. And then, well, I'm not prepared for what comes next.

[Investigative Journalist]

Quick recording here. So I'm being presented with some of the photos, which is really quite striking to see for the first time. Having only read lots of descriptions of.

[Margarita]

This, it's the murder scene. And as I take in the details, it's the little things that get me. The crooked angle of the victim's neck. The way the man lies backwards, one leg straight, the other knee bent on a sofa. The expression on his face, peaceful, relaxed, unsuspecting. The photograph's grainy quality only adds to the eeriness. But I am also unsettled for a different reason. After years of searching, I think I finally know who killed him. My name is Chris Walker. I'm an investigative journalist. And for almost half a decade now I've been researching how the man in the photograph was connected to an entirely different case. A fraud case. You see, before his death, the victim was just one person under investigation for a multi million dollar scam in the 1980s. It sent ripples through one of California's most iconic industries. But no one thought that case would turn violent. The murder caught everyone off guard, including, as I was learning, federal investigators.

[Federal Investigator]

I was sitting in my family room watching the evening news. A spot came on about a murder and he was murdered with a.22 caliber bullet to the head, which is a very mafia type way of doing it.

[Margarita]

But the feds weren't looking into the mafia, or at least they didn't think they were. No, they'd been looking into a case involving wine. Lots and lots of wine sent from the heart of grape country to living rooms across America. We're talking about one of the largest scams in California history, affecting millions of bottles. But here's the thing. It's not like these bottles were top shelf wine.

[Wine Expert]

This is what I call an eye roll drink.

[Margarita]

It's not even really wine.

[Federal Investigator]

It's just pop drink with alcohol. When you're talking about white Zin, I.

[Wine Critic]

Actually didn't like it as a wine. But I think white Zinfandel was kind of a gateway drug to better wines in some ways.

[Margarita]

White Zinfandel, the Fed's case centered around a pink drink with notes of jolly Ranchers that once was, to the embarrassment of many, America's top selling wine. This is the sugary sensation that birthed Americans obsession with turning countless drinkers onto pink wines. Even though from the get go, snobs saw the drink as kitsch in federal investigators. While they could see fraud developing all around White Zinn, they didn't think the stakes were all that high. Some went so far as to call the investigation a joke. But what they couldn't anticipate is that this sweet drink would develop a sour history. Its unexpected success led the wine industry down a dark path, because fraud is one thing, but murder? What might have been a pop culture scam set in the fast and frivolous 80s turned into something shocking. Many stones were left unturned, questions unanswered. But I've been on the hunt for those answers and am about to reveal the full story for the very first time. It's a parable of greed that hardly anyone knows about, and the wine industry would prefer to keep it that way.

[Wine Critic]

There was always the sense that you couldn't really trust what was in the field.

[Margarita]

As time went on, you heard stories about a lot of different people and wineries involved in it. People have fought over it and died over it and made lots of wine over it. So pour yourself a glass and join me because I'm going to tell you a story.

[Wine Expert]

It's quite a curious story of that crazy deal with the grapes and all that stuff they were saying they stashed the money and I mean, there's just all these theories that went around, man.

[Margarita]

About stuff like that, about a family and its secrets.

[Federal Investigator]

We all felt that the family, being the mafia, were covering up something big.

[Margarita]

About deception and betrayal.

[Wine Expert]

They both totally disappointed him. They broke his heart. They broke his spirit.

[Margarita]

And a scandal that threatened the integrity of an entire industry.

[Federal Investigator]

This is a big fraud, multimillion dollar.

[Margarita]

Fraud before it brought down a wine dynasty.

[Wine Expert]

I mean, the scandal takes on its own life.

[Margarita]

From Foxapus Inc. This is Blood Vines.

[Chris Walker]

Thirsty for more. Follow bloodvines wherever you listen to your podcasts and binge all episodes right now exclusively on Wondery. Start your free trial now by joining Wondery in the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

[Podcast Announcer]

Follow Empire City on the Wonder App, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad free right now by joining Wondry plus in the Wondry app or on Apple Podcasts. Before you go, tell us about yourself by completing a short [e-mail] survey if you have a tip about a story you think we should investigate, please write to [e-mail] tips.