This study is both a history of the American wine industry and an examination of its current structure and performance. In analysing market formation, Taplin focuses on a complex network of winery owners, winemakers and grape growers to see how relationships have shaped the evolution of this sector.North Carolina has seen some of the fastest growth in the American wine industry over recent years. In an area experiencing a general downturn in employment, the wine industry has created a new entrepreneurial spirit. Taplin looks at the importance of networks in this development, drawing conclusions of wider socio-economic significance.