It's not every wine story that comes with lashings of guns and cash and enforcers and heart-rending breakages - plus the odd death threat. Not to mention unicorn wines aplenty. But this one does! Which is why it's a must-listen.

John Baker was a Sydney wine merchant with a sideline in fine and rare wine when opportunity came knocking in the form of a mysterious wine cellar in Tbilisi, Georgia, apparently chock full of the greatest wines in the world, some more than a hundred years old.

It was, in his words, 'a potential wine goldmine.' And that was even before you took into account the eye-opening story about where the wine had come from...

What happens next is the subject of his best-selling book, Stalin's Wine Cellar. It's a fantastic story, full of intrigue and mystery and surprise and suspense. Not to mention the odd bit of nudity. John tells us the story in his own words, adding extra detail, context and humour, plus some exciting latest news.

This is a narrative two-parter - the second and concluding part is available for Wine Blast PLUS subscribers now. To subscribe to Wine Blast PLUS, head to wineblast.co.uk - you'll also get subscriber-only bonus content as well as early access to all episodes plus full archive access. And of course you'll be supporting the show.

We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe. Or you can find all details from this episode, including photos, on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S7 E21 - The Story of Stalin's Wine Cellar PART ONE

Instagram: @susieandpeter

SUBSCRIBER-ONLY BONUS CONTENT (short taster): What makes a successful medical inventor develop a parallel life aiming to fundamentally change the way we drink wine? How does frustration + a needle + some spare argon = a business that's sold more than 2 million units and is involved in pouring a glass of wine every second of every day?!

Welcome to the world of Coravin - and its inventor, Greg Lambrecht. This episode follows on from our previous show, where we touched on how Coravin is changing wine as we know it.

But here we get to hear the full story from the horse's mouth. It's in turn fascinating and funny. A great human story of serendipity and determination. With plenty of useful tips, great anecdotes, and surprising detail.

NB: This is a short taster of the full episode, which is available exclusively for Wine Blast PLUS subscribers. Use this link to find out more or subscribe to Wine Blast PLUS. Wine Blast PLUS subscribers also get a 15% discount on the Coravin website.

Thanks for tuning in. We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe. Or you can find all details from this episode on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S7 E20 - Greg Lambrecht UNCUT

Instagram: @susieandpeter

In which we get over-excited by not only announcing the winners (and sharing the best entries) from our epic Wine Blast One Million Giveaway - but also by exploring the world of Coravin: a potential game-changer for wine.

To understand just how Coravin is changing the world of wine, we're joined by Coravin inventor Greg Lambrecht and Tiny Wine co-founder Harry Crowther. The implications are far-reaching.

This leads neatly onto our big giveaway to celebrate topping one million unique downloads in 2025 - and for which the prizes include a Coravin Timeless 6+ (£400), a set of Jancis Robinson/Richard Brendon glasses and decanter (£408), an Academie du Vin Library book bundle (£270+), a case of grower champagnes from iDealwine (€400) and a year's subscription to Decanter (£183) plus VIP tickets to the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter in London (£310) or New York ($450).

As well as announcing our five lucky winners drawn at random, we're also sharing the best entries we received - which range from the intriguing to the inspiring via the hilarious and touching.

By way of reminder, Wine Blast PLUS subscribers currently get 15% off Coravin, Jancis Robinson/Richard Brendon glassware and Academie du Vin Library books.

To subscribe to Wine Blast PLUS, head to wineblast.co.uk - you'll also get subscriber-only bonus content as well as early access to all episodes plus full archive access. And of course you'll be supporting the show.

We love to hear from you so please do get in touch! Send us a voice message via Speakpipe. Or you can find all details from this episode on our website: Show notes for Wine Blast S7 E19 - Giveaway EXTRAVAGANZA + Game-changer Coravin

Instagram: @susieandpeter