From Cork to Cuffs: The Captivating Tale of Florida’s Fine Wine Bandit

Hold on to your wine glasses because we've got a story with a twist of grape and a sprinkle of fizz. Meet Douglas Berdayes, the one and only "Fine Wine Bandit," who took  some wine and champagne heists to a whole new level. You see, his grand heist plan in Pinecrest involved strolling into a local grocery store and stealthily stuffing pricey bottles of wine and bubbly down his pants.

But it wasn't all smooth criminal moves for this "Champagne Thief." Oh no, he didn't get away with it like a smooth criminal moonwalking into the night. According to WPLG, thanks to the power of television, and a generous tip from a Local 10 viewer, the cork finally popped on the "Fine Wine Bandit" and his escapades. I can almost hear the dramatic music as he turned himself into the cops at the Pinecrest police headquarters. Bravo, Douglas, bravo!

It turns out this wasn't just a one-time grape-grabbing affair. No, our "Connoisseur of Crime" had a whole history of vino-related shenanigans across the state. He was like a fine wine lover, only instead of sipping and swirling, he was swiping and smuggling. I can only imagine the wine heist version of a tasting note: "This vintage has hints of blackberry, oak, and a dash of thievery."

According to supermarket owner Chad Milam, this wasn't just your average petty theft. Oh no, this was next-level stuff. It was "orchestrated theft" to fund a luxurious lifestyle. Forget Robin Hood, we've got "Merlot Man" on the loose, stealing from the rich (wine sellers) and maybe, just maybe, partying with the stolen goods like a king.

And let's give credit where credit is due – Channel 10 did an excellent job with their coverage. They rallied the community, and soon enough, the wine swindler was behind bars. Kudos to them for pulling off their own wine detective caper.

So, the "Fine Wine Bandit" may no longer be listed in the Miami-Dade jail records, but his legacy will live on, immortalized in the history of grape-infused crime.

This is the season that local restaurants tend to see a drop in patrons. We just don't have the same volume of people in Fort Myers, Naples and Cape Coral that we had in March for "season." Now is a great time to get a seat at summer wine dinners in Southwest Florida. For Wine Wednesday, I've put together a list of some dinners for you to put on your calendar for June and July. However, seats are limited at many of these restaurants. Call soon for a reservation if you see something that peaks your interest.

I love a good wine dinner. I not only attend them , but I also help organized them from time to time. This is a time where chefs really get to shine. They often take lots of creative liberties with ingredients and flavors. They make dishes that are often too complicated to execute nightly for their regular menu. In addition, chefs take great care to make sure the flavors and textures of the dishes compliment the wine. This way, diners can experience the best of both. It's a dream for foodies and wine geeks, as well as those who appreciate a unique dining experience.

Often times the winemakers and winery owners travel to Southwest Florida for these dinners. They bring a completely different perspective as well as educational element. In addition, they often ship in vintages of wines that are no longer available, or bottles that can only be found in their tasting rooms. These wines are some you would not normally have the chance to try.

Here is a list of a few summer wine dinners in Southwest Florida for Wine Wednesday. If you know of any to add to the list, please send details here. I will update this list so check back from time to time.

Harold's is in a strip mall on US in Fort Myers just south of Gladiolus.
15250 S Tamiami Trl Suite 107
(239) 849-0622

June 20 Southern Gothic Wines
July 20 Potent Canet

Naples Wine Collection shares space with The Cave Bistro and Wine Bar making it easy to host dinners in the retail space too.

2343 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. #604
(239) 513-0095
June 15th Mirror Napa Valley

Ruth's Chris is found in Coconut point Mall.
23151 Village Shops Way Suite 101
(239) 948-8888

July 17th J Vineyards & Winery

Seventh South is tucked off of the popular 5th Avenue South in Naples
849 7th Ave S, Naples
(239) 231-4553

June 20th, Hailstone Vineyards

Tarpon Lodge is on the end of Pine Island in Bokeelia. Rooms are available so you don't have to drive the dark roads after dinner
13771 Waterfront Dr, Bokeelia
(239) 283-3999

June 19th Grateful Palate. Southern. Gothic Wine
July 17, 18 Patent Wine

This Trattoria is in a shopping center at Daniels and Plantation in Fort Myers.
6631 Orion Dr #107
(239) 208-7300

Tuesday June 27  Trentadue Winery
Tuesday July 18 Wines around the world

Flock is a new wine bar tucked back off of Cypress Lake Drive in Fort Myers
9405 Cypress Lake Dr A
(239) 245-7105

Monday June 26  Trentadue Winery