AP photo
The French Wine Industry vs Parisian Bureaucrats
While the French wine industry is reeling from same economic downturn as the rest of the world, members have had to defend themselves in the National Assembly against Bachelot’s Law, which would have forced wine writers to state a warning that “the consumption of alcohol is detrimental to your health.”. In addition, wine tastings at chateux would require the growers to have a liquor license.
“The visit and tasting at the chateau is fundamental to the wine tourism experience,” explained Sophie Gaillard at the Bordeaux Tourist Office.
“Winegrowers cannot charge for a tasting because they would need a liquor license.”
The ban on advertising on the Internet was also turned down.
The one measure that was not dismissed by the French Health Minister, Roselyn Bachelot, was the drinking age that was upped from 16 to 18. Not such a bad idea.
While all this was going on it was announced that the Wine Tourism Council will now be officially under the control of the French Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Culture and Communication, and the Ministry of Tourism.
“How credible are we in promoting Bordeaux wine if it is condemned in its own country?” said Allan Sichel, owner of Chateau Palmer and head of his family’s wine export firm, Maison Sichel.
Once less paradox for the French.
Tags: Add new tag, economy, france, wine
