If you ever doubted France’s commitment to wine, just know that there was indeed a time when wine was on school menus too. As wild as it sounds, but up until the 1950s it was perfectly normal for students to sip on wine with their school lunch. In fact, in some cases, parents would even pack it in their lunchboxes!
Yep, that’s how deeply rooted wine is in French culture. It is safe to say that wine is far from just a drink in France – it’s a way of life. For centuries, wine wasn’t seen as anything harmful. On the contrary, many even vouched for its health benefits. Since clean water wasn’t always available back in the day, diluted wine or cider was often considered the safer option, even for children.
As per reports, schools had different rules when it came to wine in lunchboxes. While some offered wine in their cafeterias, others left the decision up to the parents. In regions where wine was a staple, it wasn’t unheard of for children to drink nearly half a liter during lunch. As shocking as it sounds at the moment, it is imperative to note that wine back then was much lighter, often just around 9-10% alcohol, and it was usually diluted.
Of course, things started switching up in the 1950s. A health committee flagged concerns about kids consuming alcohol during school hours, especially after studies showed it could lead to long-term issues, including a higher risk of alcoholism later in life.
Owing to new studies and rules, in 1956, France finally took a step forward and banned alcohol in schools—but only for kids under 14. Teenagers were still allowed a small glass, with their parents’ approval.
It took a whopping 25 years before wine was completely taken off the school menu. In 1981, following François Mitterrand’s election as President, France banned alcohol in schools altogether. Water was the official replacement for wine at the lunch table.
Teachers, for the most part, welcomed the decision, considering a post-lunch nap wasn’t uncommon when wine was involved, and focus was definitely an issue.
Looking back at France’s educational past, it’s almost hard to believe that this was ever the norm. But in a country that has long been celebrated as one of the finest wine producers in the world, in a weird way it does make sense. Even today wine an everyday part of life in France – though thankfully, not for school children!