EPISODE 8
WW2 Part 2: From Vines to Victory
The Nazis are retreating, the Allies are advancing, and the fate of France’s most prized vineyards hangs in the balance. What happens when a desperate army turns to scorched earth tactics? Could centuries of winemaking history be wiped out in an instant?
In this gripping follow-up to our deep dive into wine and war, Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles uncover the high-stakes battle to save France’s greatest vintages. From the Champagne Campaign to daring acts of resistance in Bordeaux, they reveal the hidden stories of courage, collaboration, and sabotage that shaped the future of French wine.
Join us as we explore the extraordinary role of wine in World War II—how it was looted, hidden, fought over, and ultimately preserved. With secret cellars, last-minute betrayals, and even a German soldier saving Bordeaux’s port from destruction, this is history at its most intoxicating.
Supported by Taylor’s Port
SOURCES
Wine & War by Don and Petie Kladstrup is a compelling exploration of the intertwining destinies of wine and the tumult of World War II, particularly in France. Through a tapestry of poignant anecdotes and meticulous research, the authors reveal how the French wine industry endured and adapted under the harsh realities of war, including stories of clandestine efforts to preserve cherished vineyards from Nazi appropriation. The narrative has garnered praise for its vivid storytelling and insightful observations, with critics lauding the Kladstrups' ability to weave personal experiences of the winemakers with the broader historical context. Such reviews highlight the book not only as a history but as a testament to resilience and ingenuity in the face of adversity, illustrating how the spirit of France’s wine culture prevailed against the backdrop of chaos.