Get Your Cork Out

Until 1956, French children attending school were served wine on their lunch breaks. Each pupil was entitled to four glasses a day. In the past, wine, beer, and cider used to be sold in school cafeterias, although it was up to each school's discretion whether to allow it or not. Some parents would even include an alcoholic drink of their choice – typically 500 mL of wine, cider, or beer, depending on the region – in their child's lunch to take to school. In instances where schools did not permit this practice, some parents would encourage their children to have wine with breakfast before going to school. Typically, these beverages were available in the school cafeteria, where students were encouraged to purchase and consume about half a liter daily.