Grape Thieves Target Vineyards Across the Globe

Brazen grape heists reported in the U.S., France, and Germany

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A recent rash of grape thefts has hit vineyards in several countries, with thieves making off with thousands of pounds of premium grapes. The incidents, described as professional-level operations, have left winemakers and industry experts puzzled about how the criminals are able to pull off such large-scale heists without being detected.

Why it matters

These thefts represent a growing problem for the wine industry, as the stolen grapes can be used to produce counterfeit wines or sold on the black market. The lack of solidarity among grape growers also raises concerns about the industry's vulnerability to organized crime.

The details

In Kirkland, Washington, an estimated 1.25 tons of Bushvine Mourvèdre grapes were taken from the Grand Reve Vineyard, with the thieves leaving the outer row untouched to conceal the theft. In Villeneuve-les-Beziers, France, illegal harvesters used a full moon and a harvesting machine to strip a 30-ton crop of Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyard. A German vineyard near Hamburg was also hit, losing nearly its entire premium grape crop intended for VIP gifts.

  • In July, the Kirkland, Washington theft occurred.
  • A few days later, the Villeneuve-les-Beziers, France incident took place.
  • The German vineyard near Hamburg was targeted in late summer.

The players

Grand Reve Vineyard

A vineyard in Kirkland, Washington that was the target of a 1.25-ton grape theft.

Villeneuve-les-Beziers

A French town where a 30-ton crop of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes was stolen from a local vineyard.

German Vineyard near Hamburg

A German vineyard that lost nearly its entire premium grape crop intended for VIP gifts.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

These brazen grape thefts highlight the growing problem of organized crime targeting the wine industry. Winemakers and industry experts are concerned about the lack of solidarity among grape growers and the potential for these stolen grapes to be used to produce counterfeit wines or sold on the black market. As the wine industry continues to grapple with this issue, increased security measures and collaboration between growers may be necessary to protect their valuable crops.