In this crime lovers episode of Taste Toast Travel, we’re unpacking two shocking true crime stories from Northern California’s wine country in Napa.
First, we investigate the infamous French Laundry wine heist in Yountville, CA, where thieves made off with over $300,000 in rare, high-end wine—a burglary of a Thomas Keller restaurantthat rocked the food and wine world before unraveling in an unexpected twist.
Then, we turn to the murder-suicide of vintner Robert Dahl and businessman Emad Tawfilis, a wild tale of greed, fraud, and betrayal that shook Napa Valley to its core.
These real-life events reveal a side of wine country that rarely makes the tasting room brochure—one steeped in deception, desperation, and dark consequences. If you love true crime, wine culture, and behind-the-scenes drama, this episode delivers exactly that. Listener discretion is advised.
TRIGGER WARNING: One of these stories discuss murder and suicide.
Sources:
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/48-hours-investigates-a-tale-of-money-wine-and-murder-in-napa-valley/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/inside-napa-vineyard-murder-suicide/
- https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/podcasts/french-laundry-restaurant-napa-wine-heist/?srsltid=AfmBOor7oPVFlVAozRWi3hh66LCpc2s86JCS0WzNcUhrtHue3X0FHYJf
- https://www.winespectator.com/articles/two-men-indicted-in-french-laundry-wine-theft
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