Drinking Etiquette

Wine Culture

Appreciation vs. Intoxication: - Wine accompanies food, not precedes it - Drunkenness deeply frowned upon - Quality over quantity always - Knowledge appreciated but snobbery mocked - Everyone's palate respected

Aperitifs and Digestifs

Pre-Dinner Drinks: - Light and appetite-stimulating - Kir, champagne, pastis popular - Not for getting drunk - One or two maximum

After-Dinner Drinks: - Aid digestion supposedly - Cognac, armagnac, calvados typical - Small servings - Sipped slowly - Often refused politely