BBC News : French children 'need wine class'
Do you think that teaching about wine (which most probably involves wine tasting) to primary school children is a good idea ? I personally took a one-year wine-tasting class when I was 11 years old, but that was outside school in evening classes for adults. Yet my primary school teacher, who also joined the class, encouraged me to do so, despite that I was the only child in the class. I learnt about varietals, vinification, the regions of French wines, the appellations, the good and bad years by region, as well as how to taste wine, how to properly open a bottle, and which glasses to use for which type of wine.
I think it may be interesting to have such classes at school, but I feel like the French government is just trying to boost its national wine industry.
BBC said:French schools should teach children the virtues of drinking wine, a report by France's governing party says.
The report says children who learn how wines are "cultivated and transformed to acquire their taste" are more likely to stay healthy and respect nature.
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The wine industry employs some 75,000 people in France.
Per capita consumption in the country has fallen to 55 litres per year from 100 litres per year in 1970, the report says.
"To hold a forceful position in the world, French wine must first assume a strong position at home," the report says.
It calls for young people to be taught the history and qualities of various types of French wine.
"Learning about healthy living starts from childhood and primary school," the report says, citing studies that have indicated drinking red wine can stave off diseases.
The report also says children should be warned off the dangers of drinking too much alcohol.
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Do you think that teaching about wine (which most probably involves wine tasting) to primary school children is a good idea ? I personally took a one-year wine-tasting class when I was 11 years old, but that was outside school in evening classes for adults. Yet my primary school teacher, who also joined the class, encouraged me to do so, despite that I was the only child in the class. I learnt about varietals, vinification, the regions of French wines, the appellations, the good and bad years by region, as well as how to taste wine, how to properly open a bottle, and which glasses to use for which type of wine.
I think it may be interesting to have such classes at school, but I feel like the French government is just trying to boost its national wine industry.