Business Wars Gallo: Godfathers of Wine | Violence in the Vineyard | 2
Oct 7, 2020
Ernest Gallo, one of the legendary Gallo brothers, discusses his family's rise in the wine industry during the tumultuous 1920s and 30s. He shares thrilling tales of navigating bootlegging operations and negotiating with Al Capone while coping with his father's violent tendencies. The conversation delves into the impact of the Great Depression on their business and the tragic events that would forever change their lives. Listeners will get a gripping look at the intersections of family loyalty, ambition, and the darker side of entrepreneurship.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Ernest's Chicago Dealings
- Ernest Gallo, at 18, skillfully negotiates grape sales in Chicago, outsmarting a seasoned middleman trying to con him.
- He secures a higher price than anticipated and buys a revolver for protection, foreshadowing future family conflict.
Gallo and Capone
- Ernest Gallo successfully sells grapes to Al Capone, earning a substantial profit for his family.
- He witnesses the gangster's lavish lifestyle and the rough environment, reinforcing his cautious nature.
Financial Ruin and its Aftermath
- Joe Gallo Sr. makes risky investments in the stock market and real estate against Ernest's advice.
- The 1929 stock market crash devastates the family's finances, leading to Joe Sr.'s erratic behavior and destructive actions.