Described by the author as an anti-social history of the wine-trade, this is a somewhat tongue-in-cheek, anecdotal account of the trade in which the author has worked for thirty years. He gives detailed explanations of the causes and effects of some of the most famous examples of fraud, involving Burgundy, Bordeaux, Port, Sherry and German wines. He calls upon the experience of many friends who contribute their own anecdotes and includes the sugaring and plastering of wine and recipes dating back as far as the 17th century for making artificial wines. He also surveys the history of winemaking from the eighth century to the present day. The author has contributed to Burgundy Vines and Wines, Alsace Wine and White Burgundy.