The Georgian government has opened Stalin's private wine cellar in Tbilisi to the public for the first time, featuring about 40,000 rare French and Georgian wines. Some bottles will be auctioned.
According to Reuters, the collection is stored in a dim-lit basement, some bottles dating back to the early 19th century. Proceeds will fund a winemaking school in Georgia.
The project was developed by Irakli Gilauri, owner of Gilauri Wines, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture.
Stalin, born in Georgia and leader of the USSR from 1924 to 1953, was a wine enthusiast. The collection includes wines once owned by Tsars Nicholas II and Alexander III.
