wine and spirits education trust

WSET is the world’s leading provider of drinks qualifications.

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Our qualifications, level 1 award in beer (coming soon), level 2 award in beer (coming soon), level 1 award in wines, level 2 award in wines, level 3 award in wines, level 4 diploma in wines, level 1 award in spirits, level 2 award in spirits, level 3 award in spirits, level 1 award in sake, level 2 award in sake (coming soon), level 3 award in sake.

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Welcome to The Wine House – Los Angeles A Wine & Spirit Education Trust Provider

Fostering Wine & Spirits Education Since 1982

International Wine Center

International Wine Center is one of the most established, reputable and prestigious wine and spirits educational centers in the country.

Over its 35-plus years as a wine and spirits school, IWC has helped many thousands of professionals and wine lovers increase their knowledge and discover the pleasures of spirits and wine.

History & Mission

• 1982 International Wine Center opened its doors in New York City.
• 1994 IWC becomes the first school in the U.S. to offer WSET courses.
• 2007 IWC is awarded The Riedel Trophy as WSET Educator of the Year.
• 2019 Mary Ewing-Mulligan is honored with the WSET Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2022 IWC celebrates its 40th anniversary

Our courses are designed for members of the wine trade and are also appropriate for consumers who want to greatly expand their knowledge of wine.

Spirits & Sake

The spirits and sake courses are designed to provide a thorough knowledge of spirits and liqueurs. Ideal for people working in the spirits field or the hospitality sector.

Featured Courses

WSET Level 1 Spirits Course

Who It’s For: This foundational course is ideal for anyone who wishes to obtain a sound introduction to spirits. It will appeal to wine lovers who …

WSET Level 3 Wines Course

Who It’s For: Wine professionals and consumers who have a broad foundation of wine knowledge — including appellation systems, major wine-produc…

WSET Level 4 Overview

Who It’s For: The WSET® Level 4 Courses in Wines are a program of study for wine professionals and consumers who are serious about pursuing a hi…

WSET Level 1 Wines Course

Who It’s For: Wine lovers, both consumer-level and those entering the wine or hospitality trade who have limited wine knowledge. Level 1 is op…

WSET Level 4, Wine Production, D1

This course covers, at a specialist level, the anatomy and growing cycle of the vine, influencing factors relating to the growing of wine grapes aroun…

WSET Level 1 Wines Online Course

Who It’s For: Wine lovers, both consumer-level and those entering the wine or hospitality trade who have limited wine knowledge. Level 1 is opti…

Affiliations

Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET®)

Through affiliated schools such as IWC, WSET® instructs members of the wine and spirit trade as well as consumers internationally; its highest qualification, Diploma, is the traditional pre-requisite necessary for those who wish to become Master of Wine students.

International Wine Center was the first wine school in the U.S. to offer WSET programs, in 1994, and has been instrumental in building the growth of WSET’s programs across the U.S.

26th & 27th International Wine Center Diploma Graduating Class

MY SUMMER OF SAKE

Make Mezcal Your Summer Spirit

Iwc’s 40th anniversary & new diploma graduates featured in may issue of beverage media.

INTERNATIONAL WINE CENTER (IWC) ANNOUNCES NEW LEVEL 4 DIPLOMA GRADUATES

IWC Announces LDNY Linda Lawry Memorial Scholarship

2022 SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR IWC FEMALE STUDENTS NOW OPEN!

INTERNATIONAL WINE CENTER (IWC) ANNOUNCES ITS 25th GRADUATING CLASS

2020 SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR IWC FEMALE STUDENTS NOW OPEN!

INTERNATIONAL WINE CENTER (IWC) ANNOUNCES 24 NEW DIPLOMA GRADS IN THEIR 24th GRADUATING CLASS

The democratization of sparkling wine, what i’m looking forward to in 2020.

Buy a GIFT CARD! The BEST GIFT EVER!

WSET Approved Programme Provider. "Wine Education Through Exploration"

WSET Level 1 & 2 - Columbus, OH

 WSET Level 1 - Covington, KY

WSET Level 1 - Port Orange, FL  

WSET Online

Up to $100 Discounts! Book NOW!!! You can take the Class anytime in 2024!

Anne gabriel - owner annie's wine cottage, the #1 choice on columbus dispatch, wine bar/ shop:.

"Daniel is the best...extremely knowledgeable.  I highly recommend to anyone seeking to further their wine education!"

Silvia Silver - Refectory Restaurant and Wine Shop :

"A wonderful learning opportunity ...  I had the pleasure of taking WSET 1 and 2 classes with Gizela & Daniel in December& January 2019. What a great couple- extremely knowledgeable ( and yet so humble) and passionate about learning and teaching others!   I love wine industry -working in restaurants & retail since 2006  and prior to that working in my family vineyard - and appreciate any opportunity I have to learn... and trust me ... I learned quite a few new things taking the classes !  If you are serious about your carrier in the wine industry or just want to take your wine knowledge to the next level you owe to yourself to sign up for at least one of the classes!"

Kathleen& Matt Haws, owners Ripple Wine Bar, Convington, KY :

"My husband (Matt Haws) and I really enjoyed this hands-on class! Perfect for wine enthusiasts who just want to learn more or for those who work in the industry that want to expand their knowledge. We are looking forward to continuing onto the next course (after we pass the test in January)!"

Running a holiday sale or weekly special? Definitely promote it here to get customers excited about getting a sweet deal.

Brandon Snell, owner Soroca Imports (Wine Importer and Distributor) :

"Excellent course. Daniel has a vast knowledge of wines."

Antique Vines Wine Academy - Ohio, USA

“Wine exploration through education” by Antique Vines Wine Academy

Our services are:

· WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) classes

· Wine & Food pairing classes

· Wine Masterclasses / Workshops

· Educational wine tastings “Wine around the world”

· Wine consultancy for wine importers, wine distributors, wine shops, private persons

· Wine trips

Wine & Spirit Education Trust

Antique vines llc.

We, at Antique Vines LLC, are proud to be the only W.S.E.T.- Wine and Spirit Education Trust- Approved Programme Provider based  in the great state of Ohio, USA. (A.P.P. 2077)

What is W.S.E.T. ?

Wine and Spirit Education Trust is the international leader of Wine Education. The Wine and  Spirit Education Trust provides globally recognised education, qualifications and certifications in wines, spirits and sake,  for professionals and enthusiasts.

WSET provides best-in-class education and qualifications to inspire and empower the world’s wine and  spirits professionals and enthusiasts. We offer a comprehensive suite of qualifications covering wines,  spirits and sake.

WSET qualifications are globally recognised as the international standard in wine and spirit knowledge.  They are designed for those who are just starting out in their careers, as well as established  professionals, and the many enthusiasts who have a passion for wines and spirits.

Dedicated Educators

We know that learning is easier when you have an excellent teacher. That's why most of our educators have achieved an advanced degree in their field. Our faculty are passionate about the subjects they teach and bring this enthusiasm into their lessons.

Cheers, I'm Gizela!

I am Gizela Natalia Duica, WSET Level 3 Wines Certified 

I graduated “Lucian Blaga University with a degree in Psychopedagogy in 1999, in Sibiu, Romania (Transylvania area). In 2013 I and my husband founded, built and managed Vampire's Wine Company, in Transylvania, bottling wine from different producers and Research Wine Institutes, under our registered trade marks and selling them on the market. In October 2014 I've started with WSET Level 1 Award in Wines,   WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits in January 2015 and WSET Level 3 Award in Wines in March 2019. I am extremely passionate about learning and tasting wines and I'd love to share these with you, beginning my career as a Wine Educator at Antique Vines LLC. I love the wine universe in all its aspects and I have the knowledge to help people to understand the styles of wines, label terminology, food pairing, wine principles and to evaluate/understand wine beyond their own taste and probably what is most important, to enjoy it! One of the things I like most are those gatherings of people where everybody speaks and laughs, clinging glasses of wine and bursting of joy. That means people relish their lives. Come to our wine classes to cling together, become a pro in wines and enjoy! Cheers! My e-mail : [email protected]

Cheers, I'm Daniel!

I am Daniel DUICA, WSET Level 3 Wines Certified 

 I have also European Certifications as Chef de Cuisine and Sommelier and I am currently a WSET Diploma(Level 4) student.

 I write about wine on my blog and Wine Magazines. I am passionate about wine from prephylloxera vines, Pie Franco, ungrafted vines (this is the origin of our company name :  Antique Vines LLC) 

I've graduated Romanian-German University of LAW, Sibiu, Transylvania with a  degree in International Law. 

I am the Consul of the #winelover community in the state of OHIO, USA.

I was Juror in national and International Wine Contests in European Union and in 2019 I am honored to be appointed the U.S.A. Ambassador for IWCB.  IWCB is one of the most important Wine Contests in the European Union and for sure the most important one in Eastern Europe. IWCB is organized under the Patronage of OIV (the International Organization of Vine and Wine) and VINOFED (the World Federation of Major International Wine and Spirits competitions). This year marks the 16th edition of the IWCB.

In USA I was Juror at the Cincinnati International Wine Festival Contest in 2019 and 2020.

My e-mail : wset [email protected]

IWCB Ambassador in The USA

Do you have a gift card or you have friends with you at our wset classes.

Send us an e-mail with your GIFT CARD code or your friends details and we will send you the Discounted Invoice! 

Online Masterclass

Online Broadcast from: Antique Vines LLC, 565 Metro Place South, Suite 300, Dublin

Italian Wines:

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The 15 Best Cocktail Glasses, According to Bartenders

Our list of expert-recommended glassware includes brands like Riedel, Schott Zwiesel, and Viski.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Factors to Consider

Our expertise.

Food & Wine / Amazon

Making cocktails at home can be as simple or as complex as you’d like. For some, a small spirits collection with a few staple mixers and a versatile cocktail glass will do. For others, a proud collection of fine spirits, liqueurs, unique mixers, syrups, garnishes, and a wide selection of glassware is the only way to go. This mixologist-recommended roundup of glassware is for home bartenders who love complex cocktails and fine glassware. With everything from classic rocks glasses to more specific glassware like the elegant Nick and Nora, this list covers all of the best cocktail glasses.

With holiday hosting and entertaining in full swing, now is the time to break out the cocktail shaker and mix up your favorite festive cocktail recipes . With our comprehensive and expert-recommended list of the best cocktail glasses, your bar cart will be equipped with only the essentials. 

Best Nick and Nora Glass

Riedel nick and nora cocktail glasses.

There’s just something magical about a cocktail served in a dainty and sophisticated Nick and Nora glass. Whatever it is, the Riedel Nick and Nora glass will make your cocktail night at home feel like an outing at a swanky bar, and they are one of our favorites. The thin nature of the egg-shaped bowl and the slight curve inwards at the top of the glass are two subtle but exceptional features that make this glass feel so good on the lips.

Nick and Nora glasses are also extremely versatile. Christian Almonte is the co-owner of Republic Latin Fusion in Brooklyn, New York, and he is in charge of creating new cocktails and specialty beverages at the restaurant. Almonte says, “The upside to a Nick and Nora glass is they can also function as the perfect glass to enjoy cold aperitifs, or chilled spirits neat. The smaller opening allows for one to receive a more direct punch of aroma and also removes the hand from direct contact, in turn, keeping your neat pour colder for longer, cold Sake is perfect for this.”

• Capacity: 5 ounces
• Material: Crystal
• Number of glasses: 2

Riedel Veritas Coupe Glasses, Set of 2

Bed Bath & Beyond

The coupe glass was once only used to serve Champagne, but this stylish cup gained popularity in France in the mid-16th century as a multipurpose cocktail vessel. This lovely set from Riedel has all the charm and grace one expects from a set of coupes: a wide bowl with a tall, elegant stem and a durable base. They’re perfect for serving cosmopolitans, Manhattans, and espresso martinis — but no need to limit your options, as there’s a plethora of cocktails fitting for the coupe.

“I am familiar with the Riedel brand, and am a big fan of their pieces,” says Bob Moore, general manager at Miller & Lux , Chef Tyler Florence’s dining destination in San Francisco. Moore is starting to incorporate Riedel glassware at Miller & Lux, in addition to his current favorites.

• Capacity: 8.5 ounces

Best Martini Glass

Schott zwiesel martini glass.

Pottery Barn

To find the best martini glasses , we searched high and low to narrow down our favorites. The Universal Classico Martini glass is made by Schott Zwiesel, a well-known glassware maker in the food and drink industry and whose glassware can be found in restaurants and wineries worldwide. As the name suggests, this glass offers classic features with some bonuses. It has a quintessential martini glass shape with a robust stem and durable base; plus, it’s made from chip- and break-resistant crystal.

Cocktail glass shape matters, “especially for drinks like martinis and Manhattans,” says Shiva Thapa, experienced mixologist and head bartender at Miller & Lux. As the head of the cocktail program at Miller & Lux, Thapa also says glassware like this is “important for presentation, too.”

• Capacity: 9 ounces
• Number of glasses: Sold individually

Best Collins Glass

Rona classic mix drink glass.

Almonte says, “Rona, just like Riedel, is seen in many upscale dining establishments.” And the clean, sleek design of the glass allows the cocktail to do all the talking. These glasses are simple, sophisticated, and sturdy—everything you need in a Collins glass, which is suitable for favorites like the mojito, Tom Collins, gin & tonic, and Long Island iced tea. The tall, thin style feels great in the hand and its weighty bottom makes it very stable.

These glasses can also be used as beer glasses . Almonte says you can “keep a few in the fridge or freezer, as these can also act as the perfect glass to enjoy a nice cold beer.” And Moore says, “We use Rona glassware at Miller & Lux for all of our cocktails.”

• Capacity: 11 ounces
• Number of glasses: 6

Best Highball Glass

Riedel drink specific glassware highball glass.

These lanky glasses hold 11 ounces and feature a slightly wider mouth than others in its category; this makes room to use large-format or spherical ice — always a plus in our book. There’s also a 2-ounce pour line feature, which makes crafting carbonated mix drinks a breeze; simply add your chosen spirit to the 2-ounce pour line, fill ice to the top, then top with your carbonated beverage to complete the perfect ratio every time.

This duo of glasses also features the elegant, etched style for which many of Riedel’s cocktail glasses are known. They are sophisticated, well-made, and loved by bartenders across the country. In our long-term testing of the Riedel highball glasses , we liked their weight and overall versatility.

“The highball is one of my personal favorites,” Almonte says. “They're a workhorse behind any bar. The benefit to every highball glass is the tall and narrow design, this allows for any carbonated beverages such as club soda or ginger beer to keep their carbonation for longer as the gas has less room to escape — nothing worse than getting a drink with flat soda.”

• Capacity : 11 ounces

Best Rocks Glass

Spiegelau perfect serve glass set of 4.

For versatile cocktail glasses, the rocks glass wins every time. Form and function combine with a balanced size and weight. The best part about rocks glasses is that “any cocktail looks great it in and it is easy to garnish,” Thapa says. Moore agrees: “The rocks glass is the most versatile. It is a ubiquitous vessel.”

From the Old Fashioned to the ever-popular Negroni , this glass fits the bill with its sleek design and wide mouth for aeration and large-format ice. Almonte says, “The heavy base and elegant design Spiegelau went with here just elevates the entire drinking experience making sipping even the finest of whiskeys even better.”

• Capacity: 10 ounces
• Material: Glass
• Number of glasses: 4

Best Margarita Glass

West elm recycled mexican drinking glass sets.

Thick walls, wide rims, and slight curves make these recycled glass vessels perfect for classic margarita recipes . They are thick in design and offer quite a bit of insulation. They are hand-crafted in Mexico in collaboration with Diego Olivero, a Guatemalan-born industrial designer, and they are made from sustainably sourced, recycled glass. For this reason, each set of margarita glasses is unique and offers an artistic component that most glassware lacks. We have also found that they are a versatile glassware option for everyday pours such as water, juice, iced coffee, and tea.

• Capacity: 12 ounces
• Material: Recycled glass

Best Double Rocks Glass

Riedel drink specific glassware double rocks glass.

The glassware-specific line from Riedel is tried and true, and we reach for these sets often from our home glassware collection. Their crystal construction and etched design give them an elevated look for cocktails at home and their capacity is significant for larger cocktails. The heavy weighted bottom makes them sturdy and very well-made, which should give them a long life in your growing collection of drinking glasses .

"These glasses are ideal for large-format ice,” says Thapa. Large-format ice has been a growing cocktail trend for good reason. “The ice melts at a slower rate and stays colder for a longer period,” Thapa says. And that means less dilution of your carefully crafted cocktail. Almonte adds, “The double rocks can serve so many classic drinks,” making this pick a staple in any barware collection or a great gift for cocktail lovers .

• Capacity: 13 ounces

Best Whiskey Glass

Glencairn whisky glass set.

Grab your whiskey decanter — filled with your finest whiskey, of course — and get ready to fill these fashionable whiskey glasses for an evening of fine sipping. The Glencairn whiskey glass was crafted with whiskey connoisseurs in mind; while the size of the mouth is small, the base is wide, giving this glass excellent aeration and bringing that to the imbiber’s attention when sipping. The size allows for neat sipping only and in small volumes, as should always be the case when enjoying your finest whiskey.

“For all the whiskey heads out there this glass is perfect!” says Almonte. Pro tip: “You never want to pour past the curvature of the glass as the long body keeps the whiskey away from your nose. If you pour too high, you'll get more ethanol fumes from the alcohol than the rich enticing aromas whiskey is known for,” Almonte adds.

• Capacity: 6 ounces

Best Tumbler

Rona handy tumbler glass.

If you’re just getting started with your glassware collection, take Almonte’s advice. He says, “Out of all the glasses, this should be a priority as it acts as a jack of all trades.” These glasses are simply designed and highly functional for all kinds of purposes, whether you are making craft cocktails at home or looking for a reliable collection of all-purpose cups.

Their simplicity makes them ideal for dinner and cocktail parties where other decorations are going to be front and center — think holiday feasts with beautiful wintery centerpieces and elegant holiday serveware . You can’t go wrong with these affordable, well-made tumblers. “You can use it for everything,” Almonte says.

Best Moscow Mule Mug

Advanced mixology moscow mule copper mugs.

This is a great starter set of four Moscow Mule mugs and accessories if you’re a fan of the cocktail. With the cups, straws, a shot glass for measuring, coasters, and a copper-cleaning brush, this set has everything you need to throw that Moscow mule party about which you’ve been dreaming. They’re sturdy and stylish with their dappled design. Copper tarnishes, so you’ll want to hand wash and dry these cups after use, and clean them frequently to keep the copper shining.

“The copper helps conduct the cold and keep the Mule extremely cold and that in turn helps mellow out that pungency of the ginger,” Almonte says. “You can't go wrong with what advanced mixology has done with their design, a classic through and through.”

• Capacity: 19 ounces
• Material: Copper

Viski Angled Crystal Hurricane Glasses

This hurricane glass is a must-have for every tropical cocktail lover. Because tropical cocktails include a ton of ingredients (just take a look at the namesake hurricane or zombie cocktails), hurricane glasses have a large liquid capacity. They have plenty of room for multiple spirits, juices, and syrups. Their slim design and flared-lip style give the shape a desirable edge, and they’re tall enough to add a lengthy straw from which to sip — always a plus when you’re sipping a delicious, fruity cocktail.

“I like how Viski designed the top lip here, giving you more room to go all out on garnish as most tropical drinks are known for,” Almonte says. Classic garnishes for tropical cocktails are typically over-the-top with pineapple fronds, orange wheels, edible flowers, and paper umbrellas.

• Capacity: 14 ounces

Best Julep Cup

Barfly julep cup.

Simply put, this Julep cup is fun. It’s a completely different shape and material than most other glassware, and because of its stainless steel construction, it’s highly unbreakable. “Barfly makes some of the best bar tools known today,” Almonte says. The ribbon-style design at the top and bottom of the cup, as well as the subtly tiered base, are nice touches, giving this Julep cup an overall chic look.

“In a world where most cocktails are typically presented in glassware, this cup adds a unique touch to the drink's presentation,” says Jon Bamonte, head bartender at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia's Vernick Fish . “I believe that cocktails with a larger volume shine when served in this cup, especially when paired with crushed ice and a fresh garnish as a julep should be served.”

• Material: Stainless steel

Best Shot Glass

Joyjolt 10-pack heavy base shot glass set.

These are the kind of shot glasses that can take a hard set down after a robust shot of your favorite spirit—they’re strong with a heavily weighted bottom and thick walls. The design here is simple and classic. These shot glasses are dishwasher safe and are sure to jumpstart your fete.

“What would a party be without shots?” Almonte asks. “The 2oz square-base design of this one gives you just enough room to leave a lime on edge for those doing tequila shots. Or even better a mixed shot like a green tea shot or lemon drop. This 2-ounce shot glass has all the room you need to get the party started.”

• Capacity : 2 ounces

Best Punch Cup

Falcon enamelware tumbler.

Falconenamelware

Who can resist a party punch ? And there’s no better way to serve punch than in large volumes. Forget the old-school plastic cups and reach for these enamelware tumblers from Falcon Enamelware instead. When ready to enjoy, fill the tumblers about halfway, then add ice cubes — it makes serving 10 guests at once fashionable and uncomplicated. The enamelware is smooth to the touch, highly durable, and keeps drinks cold.

We recommend purchasing the matching jug , too. This set nicely balances sophistication and playfulness, as it’s well-made, sleek, and comes in an impressive rainbow of 16 vibrant colors. “I find these to be a playful and quirky choice for presenting punch, with the jug making it ideal for a charming table-side cocktail pour,” Bamonte says. (It's definitely hard to resist colorful glassware of any kind!)

• Capacity: 10.5 ounces
• Material: Enamelware
• Number of glasses: Tumblers sold individually

Don’t overthink the material. Most glassware is either glass or crystal and both are suitable. Crystal tends to have more decorative elements and etching, and looks clearer than glass — but the two are equally well made and comparably hold cocktails with ease. There are a couple of very specific glasses on this list made with stainless steel (julep cup) and copper (Moscow mule cup), but otherwise, there’s not a ton of material variation in the glassware world.

Versatility

For those with smaller kitchen cupboards or less kitchen space overall, versatility matters because you aren’t going to want to purchase sets of multiple glasses. In that case, opt for a more versatile glass like the rocks glass. If space permits, you can get more granular with drink-specific glassware.

Some of the best cocktail glasses are made from delicate crystal or rust-prone copper; two materials that should be handled carefully, hand-washed, and gently towel-dried. Most glass, plastic, and stainless steel cocktail glasses can usually be placed in the dishwasher. Our advice is to err on the side of caution. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions to properly clean and care for your new cocktail glasses.

Frequently Asked Questions

“Hands down, the rocks glass. Any cocktail looks great in it, and it is easy to garnish,” says Thapa. Moore also agrees: “The rocks glass is the most versatile. It is a ubiquitous vessel.”

It's so easy to use the wrong glass; it's one of the most common cocktail mistakes. “I think so, yes. Especially for drinks like martinis and Manhattans,” says Thapa. “It is important for presentation, too.”

“We do not freeze any glasses at Miller & Lux. I know that at other bars they freeze rocks glasses for Sazeracs,” Thapa says. Moore agrees, “Chilled is as far as you should take a glass.”

Years of tasting and writing about food, wine, and spirits guide Melissa Vogt's research. As a tourist, Vogt seeks out local bars, and she's well acquainted with where to find good libations in her hometown of Santa Rosa, CA. Read more of her writing on her website and in Napa Valley Life, and Wine Country This Month. As part of her research, Melissa connected with several expert mixologists to get their top glassware picks: Christian Almonte of Republic Latin Fusion in New York, Jon Bamonte of the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia's Vernick Fish, and Bob Moore and Shiva Thapa — both of Miller & Lux in San Francisco.

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For Moscow, the war in Ukraine is a rerun of World War II

• Deep Read ( 4 Min. )
• By Fred Weir Special correspondent

May 8, 2024 | Moscow

May 9, Victory Day in Russia celebrating the anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat, has always been a moment of intense pride for Russians, recalling their grandparents’ resilience and heroism. Sometimes it feels as if the war ended just the other day.

This year, it seems even more immediate, as the Kremlin’s messaging seeks to conflate World War II with its invasion of Ukraine, blending them into one struggle against “Nazism.”

Why We Wrote This

In 2010, NATO soldiers marched in Red Square alongside Russian troops to celebrate Victory Day, recalling the end of World War II. This year, Moscow is staging a triumphant exhibition of NATO weaponry its forces captured in Ukraine.

Once upon a time, the narrative runs, Napoleon tried and failed to defeat Russia; then the Germans followed suit; and now it is NATO’s turn to be humiliated.

That message is displayed at a major exhibition, currently showing in Moscow’s Victory Park, where some 40 armored vehicles captured from Ukrainian forces are on show. Star exhibits seem to be a U.S. Bradley Fighting Vehicle and an M1 Abrams tank, but hardware made in Britain, Turkey, and Australia, among other countries, also attracts attention from the crowds of visitors.

“The display of these defeated weapons will have a tonic effect on the Russian public,” says Sergei Markov, a former Kremlin adviser. “There is still a great deal of respect among Russians for Western technology, so seeing these smashed weapons up close will temper that.”

The atmosphere around Victory Day on May 9, a holiday celebrating the anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, is always charged with martial fervor and a sense of Russia’s enduring resilience. The intensity almost makes it feel as though the war ended only recently.

This year, it seems even more immediate.

With Moscow’s “special military operation,” as its invasion of Ukraine is still officially known, well into its third year, there is a distinct note in official messaging that suggests that World War II never really ended. Victory is a concept that has morphed from the past to future tense.

Since the war in Ukraine started, the Kremlin has sought to conflate the Soviet Union’s 20th-century struggle against Nazi Germany with today’s campaign to “denazify” Ukraine – a claim most in the West find incomprehensible. But the Kremlin appears to have convinced most Russians that they are not fighting a war for territory and regional control in Ukraine, but facing a recurring effort by the united West to subdue Russia.

In this reading, Ukraine is merely acting as the West’s battering ram.

“From the Russian point of view this is an existential challenge that we face every century,” says Sergei Markov, a former Kremlin adviser. “United Europe turns and attacks Russia.

“In the 19th century, it was Napoleon. In the 20th century, it was Hitler. We see NATO threatening in the same way today. We always won in the past, and we shall win again.”

Built in the West, captured in Ukraine

That idea has been made explicit in a major exhibition of captured Ukrainian military equipment, in Moscow’s central Victory Park, timed to coincide with Victory Day.

On display, in a square adjacent to a major war memorial, are around 40 tanks, fighting vehicles, and armored personnel carriers. Russian soldiers attend each piece, explaining to visitors which country built and donated it to Ukraine – most of them are NATO members – and the circumstances under which it was captured by Russian forces.

Huge crowds have thronged the exhibition since it opened on May 1, in a mood of excitement and intense interest. Visitors, many of them on a family outing, enter past a huge placard that reads “Our Victory is Inevitable!” and one of the first items on show is a World War II-era German self-propelled gun, displayed under a sign reading “History Repeats Itself.”

The stars of the show appear to be a U.S. Bradley Fighting Vehicle, and a badly-battered M1 Abrams tank, whose progress from the battlefield in eastern Ukraine to Moscow was avidly detailed by Russian military video bloggers.

Other vehicles lined up in the open air include tanks, armored personnel carriers, and suchlike made in countries ranging from Britain to Turkey to Australia.

“The display of these defeated weapons will have a tonic effect on the Russian public,” says Mr. Markov. “There is still a great deal of respect among Russians for Western technology, so seeing these smashed weapons up close will temper that.”

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova urged foreign diplomats to visit the exhibition to see how “the West destroys peace on the planet.” Russian TV later broadcast a visit by dozens of emissaries from countries of the Global South, escorted through the exhibition by Russian military brass.

NATO and Russian troops once marched in step

The Soviet Union used to celebrate Victory Day with a massive military parade only on key anniversaries, usually giving war veterans pride of place. Boris Yeltsin revived the tradition on the 50th anniversary in 1995, and Vladimir Putin has made it an annual event, involving huge Red Square reviews of troops and weaponry.

Also on display are features such as the “immortal legion,” in which average citizens come out into the streets bearing photos of ancestors who fought in World War II.

Early in the Putin era the Kremlin tried to emphasize the shared victory of Russia and the West over Nazism, and it was common to see Western military attachés in Red Square reviewing stands along with Russian officials on May 9.

In 2010, NATO troops actually took part in the Red Square parade, marching under the gaze of then-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Chinese leader Hu Jintao. But following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, Western leaders boycotted the event , though the Kremlin still tried to find ways to stress the element of common victory over fascism.

The war in Ukraine has banished any hope of reconciliation with the West, perhaps irrevocably. Russian leaders have been surprised by the extent and depth of Western support for Kyiv, and the Kremlin narrative has shifted from a limited “special military operation” in Ukraine toward the notion of a new chapter in Russia’s historic confrontation with the West.

Thursday’s big military parade will be opened by a contingent of Ukraine war veterans, marching through Red Square under the eyes of Mr. Putin and other top leaders, according to the Defense Ministry. Very few World War II veterans are still alive, though they will doubtless also be honored.

“The cult of victory has long ago turned into the cult of war, and the celebration of May 9th in the Putin manner should confirm this symbiosis over and over,” says Andrei Kolesnikov, a Carnegie fellow who lives and works in Russia.

Dmitry Oreshkin, an independent political analyst, notes that wars have contributed much to President Putin’s popularity.

“For an average Western person it might seem a bit strange that people who don’t live all that well would put a stress on victory and high fighting spirit,” he says. “But remember that the events that have consistently strengthened Putin’s rating have all been military operations – Chechnya, Georgia, Crimea, Syria, and now the present war.”

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Winner of the Develop Prize: Alex Preston

Our graduation ceremony boasted a new award this year. The WSET Develop Prize, presented in collaboration between WSET and The Drinks Trust, recognises a student who has demonstrated their commitment to their educational progression within the drinks industry.

This year's winner, Alex Preston, is the co-owner of The Bottle Top , a small business based in Nottingham. She has worked in the drinks and hospitality industry for more than 15 years, gaining a number of accolades including being selected as the Top 100 Female entrepreneurs in the country. 

Alex recently passed the WSET Level 3 Award in Wine, and we caught up with her to learn more about her career journey into wine.

You can follow Alex on Instagram at @theprestonpatch .

How has your career path led you to completing the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines?

I have worked in the industry for more than 20 years at varying levels and have undertaken a vast amount of training in a variety of subjects. However, I have very little in the way of certifications to substantiate the work I have done so I felt it was time to brush up in the classroom and gain some more in-depth knowledge - and wine was the most exciting place for me to start. Wine is such a beautiful product and I find myself talking for hours to customers and other industry professionals about this wonderful drink. It has the potential to take you to so many places and meet so many brilliant people. After completing the WSET Levels 1 and 2 Awards in Wines, I just had the biggest appetite to move forward to the Level 3 Award in Wine. It has been just what I needed to boost my confidence.

Who or what inspired you to start learning about wine?

I have worked for many years in the industry and always felt a little inferior when it came to talking about wine confidently. In the course of my own business I would ask the fabulous people from our wine suppliers to host tastings at my bar and every event had such a lovely atmosphere. The customers and the wine professionals were the best people you could meet and I was in awe of their knowledge and stories that connected them to wine. When new products came in, it always felt like a present just for me. Meeting so many people from all over the world and hearing where wine has taken them is what inspired me to learn about wine. 

What are the most valuable lessons you learnt while completing your qualification?

The most valuable lesson for me as a woman in the industry is that I very much do have a place here and I can stand up alongside the rest. Determination and hard work goes a long way but the people around you and those who support you are equally as important as the work you put in. Massive thank you to Katie at the Birmingham Wine School who has been the best supporter and teacher, and the lovely group of candidates who studied alongside me. 

How did you feel when you heard that you were being awarded this prize?

I was a little surprised and for a moment questioned if I deserved it. I still feel like everyone else in the room knows way more and has more experience than I do. Eventually, about the time I got my boots on the ground in London on the way to the award ceremony, I was absolutely thrilled. It was very much a "this is my life" moment. It's given me a little push to be surrounded by so much beauty in the Guildhall and so much talent from around the globe. I feel invigorated and brave enough  to continue what I'm doing and I'm very excited to see how I can capitalise on this and move my career forward. At my age it can be easy to think that it's too late to make moves.

Do you have any advice for people who are thinking about signing up for a WSET qualification?

Just do it. It's worth the investment and can open so many doors for you. When you do finally do it, jump in with both feet and make the most of it. it's not just studying; it can be a huge amount of pleasure and fun. It's a great excuse to eat wonderful food and drink lots of wine.

Any study tips for future students of our Level 3 Award in Wines?

Give yourself plenty of time. It's not easy alongside full-time jobs and other commitments so taking the time to absorb and apply your new knowledge is hugely important. For me the main thing was switching up learning styles. It doesn't have to be all books and maps. Go out for dinner and pour over the wine menu, host a wine tasting or mini masterclass with your friends and find fun and exciting ways to back up your classroom learning. If you don't have fun while doing it, you wont dedicate the time needed.

Will you be registering for the Level 4 Diploma in Wines any time soon?

At this point, completing the Diploma feels like a bit of a dream. I absolutely want to carry on learning and progressing my career. The Diploma could open so many opportunities for me to move along in my career and I'm a little jealous of those who are on that journey already. I'm looking for ways I may be able to fund this as it's a little out of my reach at the moment. But watch this space: I haven't given up on it just yet!

Ready to level up from the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines ? Click here to find out more about our WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines .