DEFENDANT: Vampire Wine

EVIDENCE: Vampire Pinot Noir

SCENE OF THE CRIME: Napa, CA

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Hey friend — welcome to our cozy, slightly spooky corner where we pair pop-culture deep dives with a glass of something fun. In this episode Judge Topher and Judge Rachel uncork a California Pinot Noir called "Vampire" and take a gleeful, rambling tour through vampire lore, wine bottle capes, 80s rock-star winemakers (hello Lisa Dominique), and all the ways the undead have stalked global storytelling. Expect laughs, awkward confessions, ridiculous quizzes, and a whole lot of wine-fueled speculation about bats, fae, garlic, and whether Oprah might secretly be nocturnal.

We sip, sniff, and debate tasting notes (raisinettes, anyone?), wardrobe vibes (leather pants + vampire choker = mood), and the many cultural versions of vampires from Transylvania to the Americas. Along the way: surprisingly sweet wine history, bizarre World Market shopping antics, the best vampire media to binge, and a spirited quiz that will test your knowledge of garlic, running water, and thorny roses.

Pour yourself something nice, tuck under a blanket, and join us for a chat that’s equal parts spooky folklore class, wine tasting, and late-night friends’ gossip. Whether you’re a vampire scholar, a True Blood stan, or just here for the bottle with a cape, we promise chills, chuckles, and maybe a little bite of mystery.

Hey friend—grab a glass and let's talk Halloween candy and wine like this is just us on the couch. This episode of True Crimes Against Wine dives into fun, easy pairings for those classic treats parents (and secret candy-stealers) might sip while handing out goodies. We cover gummy sweets like Swedish Fish and gummy bears with a light, fruity Gamay; chocolatey-carameled bars like Snickers with a friendly Chardonnay; and icebox favorites like Three Musketeers with a soft, earthy Pinot Noir. For tart, chalky Smarties, try a zippy New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc; candy corn? Just drink whatever you love—no rules. Caramel apples get a nuanced pick (Chablis-style Chardonnay or a cozy Chenin Blanc depending on apple type), Reese’s calls for a bold Malbec, and surprisingly, rosé makes a playful companion for Tootsie Pops. There’s also nostalgic chat, sticky-finger confessions, and the kind of banter that makes you hungry—so maybe keep a snack handy. Hit us up with your candy dilemmas at TrueCrimesAgainstWine@gmail.com and we’ll send swag. Cheers and happy Halloween!

DEFENDANT: Hannibal Lecter

EVIDENCE: Frescobaldi Castiglione Chianti DOCG

SCENE OF THE CRIME: Chianti, Tuscany, IT

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Hey friend — grab a glass and pull up a chair. In this cozy, spooky episode of True Crimes Against Wine, Judge Topher and Judge Rachel uncork a breezy Chianti (Frescobaldi’s Castiglione DOCG) and take you on a trip through vineyards, vintage trivia, and one of cinema’s creepiest minds: Hannibal Lecter.

We wander through Italian wine regions, decode what “Chianti” really means (it’s a place, not a grape), and chat about Sangiovese — the grape whose name literally translates to “blood of Jove.” We taste pomegranate, raspberry, and gentle tannins, debate decanting, and marvel at how much character can come from a $15–$20 bottle.

Then the episode pivots into pop-culture mode: an affectionate, spoiler-rich deep dive into The Silence of the Lambs — Jodie Foster’s Clarice, Anthony Hopkins’ unnerving Hannibal, the iconic Buffalo Bill scene, and why the film still gives us chills. We toss in juicy behind-the-scenes bits (the director charming a singer in drag, casting what-ifs, and Ted Levine’s dance-prep), a playful Hannibal wardrobe breakdown, and a trivia quiz filled with booze-fueled misfires.

It’s intimate, funny, and a little bit creepy — like a perfect Halloween hangout with old friends who love wine and true crime-adjacent pop culture. Come for the Chianti, stay for the chilling movie talk (and the questionable life choices). Cheers — and maybe don’t let strange men into your hatchback.