On October 1, 2010, a significant theft occurred in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, where thieves stole approximately 30 tons of ripe Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. This audacious heist involved using two harvesting machines, which allowed the criminals to efficiently gather the entire crop from a secluded two-hectare vineyard. The stolen grapes, considered some of the best in France, were estimated to be worth around €15,000. Authorities speculated that the grapes were taken directly to a specialist to produce a fine vintage wine, possibly indicating the involvement of organized crime, often referred to as the “wine mafia.”
The theft underscored the vulnerability of vineyards, even those producing high-quality grapes. Despite the rare occurrence of such large-scale vineyard thefts, this incident highlighted the ease with which well-equipped thieves could target valuable crops. The stolen grapes, capable of producing around 27,000 liters of wine, drew considerable media attention and raised concerns about the security measures in place to protect vineyards across the region. This event disrupted local wine production and stirred discussions on the measures necessary to safeguard agricultural assets.