Italian kids to learn 'how to drink wine' in weekly lessons at school

PRIMARY school kids in Italy may soon be taught how to drink WINE.

The new lessons, which could be given to children as young as six, are part of a new parliamentary bill that aims to teach children to use and not abuse wine - as well as teaching them a bit about its culture.

The bill follows an initiative already in place in Brescia, Northern Italy - where school children are being taught about the role of wine in Italy.

Dario Stefano, the senator behind the unusual parliamentary bill, explained the importance of children in Italy leaning about wine, as well as how it is made.

He said: “Italy is now the biggest wine producer in the world, it is our history, and we should be happy and proud to teach our children about it.”

The new lessons, which could be given to children as young as six, are part of a new parliamentary bill that aims to teach children to use and not abuse wine PA

He went on to say that as every region in the country produces wine; it is a subject that unites the people of Italy.

Dario also ensured that children would not be tasting the wine during the sessions, but instead learning about its history.

Vito Intini, a wine-taster who is behind the initiative in Brescia, agreed, he said: “There will be no tastings, since we believe the body can't metabolise alcohol before 17 years of age,' reported the paper.”

The bill, which will see children aged between six and 13 enjoying the lessons, has been supported by Attilio Scienza, a professor of wine culture at the University of Milan.

It is hoped that the lessons will help cut-down reckless drinking amongst young people Alamy Stock Photo

Attilio has voiced his fears over an increasing amount of young Italians drinking excessively and also claims that families have lost the habit of drinking together in a social manner.

He went on to explain that “you don't drink to get drunk” and hopes the scheme will introduce wine back into homes around the country.

Attilio also added that similar initiatives in France have been successful when it comes to cutting down on alcohol abuse amongst young people.