Wine and War

The riveting untold story of resistance in the French vineyards under Nazi occupation: a must-read for anyone interested in World War Two.

‘Entertainingly written, fascinating account of the ingenious efforts of French wine producers to keep their wines out of the hands of the invading force. I learned much and laughed loud at times, successfully given copies to wine-loving friends. Definitely recommended.’ – 5* READER REVIEW

‘Extremely well researched and well written book that provides a fascinating insight as to how some of the major French wine producers coped with the German occupation in WW2.’ – 5* READER REVIEW

‘A truly delightful book. I was completely hooked from the first page. I feel personally enriched after having read it as it is packed with an abundance of historical facts relating to WW2 as well as giving a fantastic insight into the plight of the winegrowers and their estates.’ – 5* READER REVIEW

In the vineyards, wine caves, and cellars of France as war and occupation came to the country winemakers acted heroically not only to save the best wines but to defend their way of life . . .

These are the true stories of vignerons who sheltered Jewish refugees in their cellars and of winemakers who risked their lives to aid the resistance. They made chemicals in secret laboratories to fuel the resistance and fled from the Gestapo when arrests became imminent. There were treacheries too, as some of the nation’s winemakers supported the Vichy regime or the Germans themselves and collaborated.