You Might Call This Story Sour Grapes

Published July 24, 2014 at 1:35 PM EDT

Wine fraud has existed as long as wine has been made, but Rudy Kurniawan is the first person to be tried and convicted for selling fake wine in the United States. (Alessio Maffeis/Flickr)

It was an elaborate con involving wine and some of America’s wealthiest collectors.

Rudy Kurniawan is the first person to be tried and convicted for selling fake wine in the United States. He manufactured phony vintages in his kitchen and sold more than $35 million worth in 2006 alone.

The BBC’s business correspondent, Michelle Fleury, reports on the case as it moves towards sentencing.

Note: Please subscribe to the Here & Now podcast or use the WBUR mobile app to hear this BBC interview.

Reporter

Michelle Fleury, business correspondent for the BBC. She tweets @BizFleury.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Donate