In seven countries across three continents, the family succession saga of Napa Valley power brokers weaves together with the bitter rivalry of two aristocratic Florentine dynasties, and the inter-generational struggle of a Burgundian family trying to preserve its few acres of vineyards. It also connects to the exploits of a gleeful “flying winemaker” from Bordeaux who preaches the gospel of modernity and globalization from the hills of Tuscany to the pampas of Argentina. For thousands of years, wine has been a symbol of Western Civilization. But never has the fight for its soul been as desperate and defining as it is today. Never has so much pride--and money--been at stake. And, never have the battle lines been so clearly drawn between old world and new, between simple peasants and billionaires, and between the local and artisanal styles of wine production and the multinational and mass-produced ones. With wine sold at local supermarkets throughout the world, one can certainly argue that a greater number of consumers have a greater taste for wine than ever before. What that wine tastes like is another matter.