Wine is not recession-proof

The Associated Press reported Thursday, Aug. 27, that French wine exports are off 25 percent in the first half of this year.

According to the AP, the Federation of French Exporters of Wines and Spirits, which represents 85 percent of all France's wines and spirits exporters, said "luxury products such as Champagne and Cognac fell 45 percent and 27 percent respectively. Exports of less expensive table wines fell only 1 percent."

The Federation spokesman was hopeful the holidays would turn things around some.