Stalin’s Wine Cellar

Stalin's Wine Cellar is the true-story book by John Baker and Nick Place about the search for a remarkable wine collection in Tbilisi, Georgia. This page brings together the book's publication details, buying links, interviews and the original 1999 investigation described on this website.

Book details and editions

• Authors: John Baker and Nick Place

• First published: 18 August 2020

• Australian paperback: Penguin, 20 July 2021

• Paperback ISBN: 9781761043666

• Paperback length: 336 pages

Penguin lists paperback, ebook and audiobook editions. Edition dates, availability and prices differ, so check the publisher or your local bookseller for the format you want.

Buy the book — publisher and bookseller links

The true story behind the book

In 1999, wine merchants John Baker and Kevin Hopko travelled to Georgia to examine the cellar. Their work included inspecting bottles, assessing authenticity and recording the collection. The wines included historic Bordeaux, Burgundy and Château d'Yquem, alongside Georgian wines and spirits.

Kevin Hopko's photographs and first-hand account on this website provide context for that visit. The book follows the wider adventure; the website also records subsequent developments at the cellar.

Explore the original 1999 photographs and cellar history

Reviews, interviews and the authors

For published review excerpts, see Penguin's book page. For recorded interviews and coverage, visit our Media page. These sources let you explore the story before choosing a copy.

Read more from John Baker and Nick Place on their own websites.

Television development

On 17 September 2026, Nick Place announced that the book had been optioned by Beyond Productions and IPG Media for development as a potential television series. An option does not confirm a commissioned series or a release date.

Read Nick Place's development announcement

Book and media enquiries

For interviews about the 1999 investigation, original photographs and the historic collection, contact us at media@stalinswinecellar.com.

Publication details checked against Penguin Books Australia; television development information sourced from co-author Nick Place. Updated 27 October 2026.

International editions — six covers, one extraordinary story

Explore the English, French, Estonian, Hungarian, Romanian and Simplified Chinese editions on this page. Each cover is matched to its ISBN. Follow the edition links for publisher or bookseller details.