Wine consumption has declined, particularly among younger generations who favor beer. Yet a quiet, informal force continues to fuel the passion for the country's vineyards: the wine tasting club. Across France, residents of neighborhoods and cities regularly gather to share bottles of wine, discover new flavors and discuss their favorites, all while enjoying each other's company.

How many clubs are there in France? How many members do they have? No official statistics exist, making it difficult to quantify. The fact that individuals come together to taste wine, outside of any official institution and without seeking public support, is both a strength and a weakness for these clubs. Some fade away or become dormant due to a lack of participants or organizers, while others spring up just as quickly. This vulnerability meant that the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic disrupted many groups that were accustomed to gathering for tastings. Some company-based clubs also disappeared, sometimes due to internal health restrictions.

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