Maybe They Just Need a Drink...

Decanter.com reported today that the anti-alcohol brigades have been stirring the lees, as it were, in France, too:

"The French wine industry is preparing for a tense weekend as the General Assembly in Paris continues to debate its controversial healthcare bill...

Of particular concern to winemakers is...an amendment to 'ban all free distribution of alcoholic drinks in a promotional capacity'. Aimed at stopping open bars for the under-25s, it doesn't distinguish among types of alcohol and it would effectively ban free wine tastings at chateaux, wine fairs and events such as 'en primeur' week."...

Decanter goes on to note that the chance of the General Assembly actually banning such free samplings is slim. But the fact remains that, regardless of how widely accepted wine may be in a particular culture, or how great its social and health benefits are, there will always be people who feel the need to pontificate on the evils of all things fermented. So while I'm holding my breath this weekend as I wait for the latest developments in France, I'll also be hoisting a number of glasses of good wine. Because no matter how hard the naysayers fight, one fact remains unarguably clear: There's nothing wrong with enjoying good wine responsibly. In fact, it's often one of the best ways to remind yourself of the good things in life.