A Taste for Wine and Murder

This mystery is set in the wine region of Napa Valley, California. Five years ago, Barry Underwood, owner of the prestigious Underwood Wine Estates, mysteriously disappeared during the valley's annual wine festival. A massive search at the time failed to turn up any clues and the case has been in the FBI's unsolved files since then.

Now, five years later, it is once again the annual wine festival in Napa Valley. Last night, family and friends gathered at the stately Underwood mansion to celebrate. At midnight, a minor earthquake shook the mansion, causing an old wooden floor in the wine cellar to buckle. Barry’s well-preserved body was discovered under the cedar planks. It is a clear case of murder!

CHARACTERS (Suspects)

Tiny Bubbles
Barry's fiancée at the time of his death. Perky and pretty, Tiny has an effervescent personality and razor-sharp mind. She is now married to the new winery owner, Ralph.

Otto Von Schnapps
A German wine merchant. Boisterous and fun loving Otto attends wine festivals around the glove, buying the best vintages for distribution in Europe. It is said Otto's preference for red or white can be influenced by green.

Marilyn Merlot
Marilyn was crowned Wine Princess at the festival five year ago, then went on to become a Hollywood movie star. She's returned to Napa Valley for the Wine Festival and to gloat over her success.

Ralph Rottingrape
Barry's first cousin and heir-apparent to the Underwood Win Estates. Long considered the black sheep of the family, Ralph took over as manager after Barry's disappearance and has been running things his way ever since.

Hedy Shablee
The owner of the neighboring vineyard and a fierce competitor of the Underwood's. Barry's disappearance has uncorked a new vintage of troubles for unhappy Hedy.

Papa Vito
Brought over from Italy sixty years ago by Barry's grandfather to develop Underwood Wine Estates, Papa Vito has devoted his life to the vineyards. Now he just wants to retire and drink a little vino in the afternoon...Salute.

CHARACTERS (Non-Suspects)

Bud Wizer
The FBI Agent assigned to investigate Barry's murder. Bud is a beer-drinking man with no appetite for wine. He's determined to put a cap on this unsolved mystery.

Bonny Lass
A Scottish tourist who has attended the wine festival while vacationing in California. A mystery writer and best-selling novelist, she knows a thing or two about hidden bodies and old wine cellars.

Pina Noir
The Napa Valley drunk.
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We had three separate dinner parties in spring, summer and fall.... so here we are!