I n France, scientific networks have managed to get a monopoly on vine and wine know-how by pushing for nationalized control over authorized wine-making techniques. In 1998, the French government made the most of their assessments to counter the European Commission's efforts to encroach on that sector. Meanwhile, international scientific networks based on new kinds of exper- tise were formed at about the same time. Some French scientists got involved and, in those net- works, found arguments to challenge the esta- blished academic hierarchy. They emphasized the rise of the “ new consumer ” , whose tastes would bring about a change in existing oenological prac- tices. In order to gain control over policymaking in this sector, the Commission appropriated their fin- dings. This concatenation of knowledge transfers shows how scientists are involved in legitimizing European policies.