An Indonesian man of Chinese descent known as "the California man who makes bogus wine" was sentenced to 10 years of jail time after he was caught selling phony wine.

Rudy Kurniawan, 37, was convicted of selling bogus vintage wine that he made in his kitchen in California.

U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman announced Kurniawan's sentencing on Thursday. Besides his 10-year jail sentence, Kurniawan was also ordered to forfeit US$20 million and pay US$28.4 million in restitution.

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In his ruling, Berman said Kurniawan's attempt to sell his bogus wines was a "bold, grandiose, unscrupulous but destined-to-fail con."

Prosecutors said Kurniawan turned his home in Arcadia into a laboratory, where he poured wine into vintage bottles which had fake labels adhered to them. The businessman then sold the bottles of wine to at least seven people and made off with close to US$30 million.

One of the victims was William Koch, a billionaire wine investor and entrepreneur.

During his sentencing, Kurniawan apologized twice and told the court that he wants to take care of his mother, who lives in California.

Kurniawan moved to the United States when he was 16 years old. His request for political asylum was turned down and he was deported in 2001.

However, even after his appeal was rejected in 2003, the businessman continued to live in the country. Authorities said he will be deported after serving his 10-year sentence.

Defense lawyer Jerome H. Mooney described Kurniawan as an "insecure" man who was swept away with the excitement of mingling with the wealthy residents of California.

Mooney said Kurniawan bought US$40 million worth of wine using his family's fortune. He sold about $36 million of it before getting the idea that he could create mixtures that tasted like the world's greatest wines.

Tagscalifornia wine scam, california wine conman, california bogus wine, Rudy Kurniawan