Strong sterling and cheaper crossings mean it can once again make sense to buy large quantities of wine and beer in France. But the question of quality remainsThe cross-channel booze cruise,which virtually disappeared five years ago, has come roaring back. The sharp rise in the pound means Brits are returning in large numbers to Calais to snap up £1.29 bottles of wine that cost 5 or more back domestic.
Calais Wine Superstore had to shut its two stores for six months during 2010 as trade evaporated – a victim of the recession and the collapse in the value of sterling. But this year sales are up 25%, or it expects to shift 4m bottles. Owner Simon Delannoy says: “Cheap cross-channel fares and a much better rate of exchange are driving a massive increase in trade for us.”Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com