WSET Level 3–qualified executive wine salesman and fifth generation Texan Eric D. Sanchez releases his debut crime novel in advance of Texas Wine Month in October. In Killer Vintage: A West Texas Wine Thriller (Brown Books Publishing Group; available now) Sanchez blends his authentic insider knowledge of the winemaking business with the pulse-pounding suspense of a drug cartel standoff with the federal government.

Killer Vintage is set in the dusty heart of West Texas, an area widely considered the Superbowl for illegal drug trafficking in the U.S. at the time: 1994. Perfect for fans of Smokin’ Aces, Breaking Bad, and Animal House, this novel has earned critical acclaim for its unique balance of wine production know-how, drug lord manhunt excitement and the campy, comedic relief of its college frat-house antics.

“Killer Vintage is a total vibe — sharp, moody, and dripping with old-school cool. Eric Sanchez channels Dashiell Hammett with a modern swagger, crafting a noir that’s equal parts grit and glam. Think trench coats, tough guys, and twisty plots, but with a fresh pour. It’s a killer read in every sense, and a slick new entry into the American noir canon.” —Marian Leitner-Waldman, Founder of Archer Roose Wines; 2025 Wine Industry Advisor Most Inspiring Person in Wine

SUMMARY:

Welcome to South Plains Cellars. Home to the largest, most decadent winery in West Texas — where wine experts cleverly pair palate to vine and tamale to wine. Tours are operated year-round, the most luxurious weddings and exclusive VIP parties are held after hours, and late at night, an 80-percent-pure “unicorn” heroin operation takes place.

When lifeguard Bud Garza signs up as a tour guide at South Plains Cellars, he stumbles into a mystery that leads all the way to Mexico’s criminal underworld. As Bud navigates fermentation tanks, his paths cross with DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian Harris, who is investigating the case of a missing agent. Together, they uncover a conspiracy that goes far deeper than grape juice. When footage surfaces of Bud taking incriminating pictures of illegal winery activities, it will take a search warrant, the DEA, the El Paso Police Department, and an ambush of fireworks from Bud’s fraternity brothers to take down the winery’s drug dealings for good.

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