With millions of Russians starving in the 1930s, Joseph Stalin embarked on a bizarre project: mass producing champagne.
By producing cheap sparkling wine, chocolate, and caviar, the Stalin regime wanted to show that workers and peasants under his reign live in luxury, says one author. The grocery shelves may be empty, but there’s always champagne for the masses.

Atlas Obscura
If you liked what you just read and want more of Our Brew, subscribe to get notified. Just enter your email below.
Related Posts
If You Can’t Beat Them, Join Them: Teachers Are Going All In on Generative AI
Sep 21, 2023
Universal Basic Income: A Game-Changer for Economic Security
Sep 19, 2023
Why the United States Will Have to Accept China’s Growing Influence and Strength
Sep 12, 2023