# Ep 607: Wine Legends - The People Who Solved the Great French Wine Blight

An episode of [Wine for Normal People](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/413879919), 20 May 2026, 37 min.

Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/winefornormalpeople/Ep_607__Wine_Legends_-_The_People_Who_Solved_the_Great_French_Wine_BlightFINAL.mp3?dest-id=1472927

In this show rather than one wine legend, I talk about a team of people who saved the wine world from The Great French Wine Blight of the 1860s – 1890s, which turned out to be caused a destructive, insect called phylloxera that came to Europe on American grapevines. I discuss the contributions of eight people who worked together and across continents to collectively save the European grapevine, Vitis vinifera, from extinction. Today, we drink Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Syrah all because of the efforts of these people. This podcast is the story of what they did and how they did it. I discuss the contributions of: • Jules-Émile Planchon • Gaston Bazille • CV Riley • Hermann Jaeger • George Hussman • TV Munson • Leo Laliman • Pierra Viala All played key roles in identifying the cause of vine death in France, and finding the solutions that would work best. This is an important story of wine legends all wine lovers should know about! Enjoy! Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. Become a member today! www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople _______________________________________________________________ Check out my exclusive sponsor, Wine Access. They have an amazing selection -- once you get hooked on their wines, they will be your go-to! To register for an AWESOME, LIVE WFNP class with Elizabeth or get a class gift certificate for the wine lover in your life go to: www.winefornormalpeople.com/classes

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