In October 2013, the Smithsonian Institution invited Michael Martini, grandson of pioneering winemaker Louis M. Martini, along with several other members of legendary California winemaking families, to the American History Museum in Washington, D.C. to participate in a discussion on the impact of Prohibition on the American wine industry. While Michael and his wife Jacque were in town we met for dinner, which is how and when the idea for The Champagne Conspiracy got its start.
I owe thanks to many people for research help with this book, especially Michael Martini for recounting his memories of growing up working for his father and grandfather. Rick Tagg, winemaker at Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane, Virginia, answered questions about making champagne, as well as what happens at a vineyard in the dead of winter. (A lot more than I thought). Detective Jim Smith from the Crime Scene Unit of the Fairfax County (Virginia) Police Department answered law enforcement questions and my cousin Victor Thuronyi answered questions about estate law. As always, any mistakes are on me, not them.
Two books, Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition by Daniel Okrent (Scribner, 2011) and Florence Harding: The First Lady, the Jazz Age, and the Death of America’s Most Scandalous President by Carl Sferrazza Anthony (William Morrow, 1998) were especially helpful while researching this book. The love letters of Warren Harding and his longtime mistress Carrie Fulton Phillips, which were released to the public by the Library of Congress while I was writing this book, were a serendipitous resource.
Donna Andrews, John Gilstrap, Alan Orloff, and Art Taylor, affectionately known as the Rumpus Writers, read and commented on early drafts of the manuscript; André de Nesnera also read it and, as always, provided unstinting and loving support, in addition to making dinner. A lot.
At Minotaur Books, special thanks to Hannah Braaten, my sharp-eyed editor, whose suggestions and guidance helped make this book so much better, as well as to Keith Kahla, Shailyn Tavella, and Allison Ziegler.
Last but not least, thanks and love to Dominick Abel, my agent, who makes it all possible.