Is it rude to refuse wine offered to you in France?

Question

I will be traveling to France on business in Dec for the first time. I don't drink for personal / religious reasons. Is it possible the company might send me wine as a gift, welcome? Is it rude to say I don't drink?

Or at a restaruant, what is the best way to graciously decline?

The last thing I want to do is offend and be a "stupid American"

Answer 1

It is never rude to politely state you prefer to drink water.  If the company sends you wine, thank them, and quietly give the bottle to someone who will appreciate it.

The phrase "no thank you, I would prefer to drink water" should suffice.  Water will always be served, though it might be considered rude by some to ask for a soft drink or beverage not offered.

Answer 2

As has already been said, it will not be considered rude to refuse alcohol.

Just smile wistfully and say "Non, merci"

If anyone raises and eyebrow, look longingly at the glass and say with an air of resignation  "un crise de foie." (a crisis of the liver)

Since hypochondria is a popular pastime in France and "liver problems" often cited as a cause of all sorts of things, everyone will nod sympathetically and make reassuring comments.

Okay, that may be a bit cynical but it's probably easier than trying to explain your religous objections to drinking which might prompt an intense philosophical debate.(Debating being the second most popular French indoor sport. Trust me,  you're not going to win. They are very good at it).

Answer 3

If you're American, chances are that French folk will not like you anyway. Just tell them you don't drink thank you, or that you have to drive or something.

*EDIT*

The second person who answered has been to Paris, as well as London, Caracas, Honolulu, Toronto, Miami, Orlando, NY, Pittsburgh, Boston, Denver, LA, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Chicago. He is also initially from the Caribbean.

Answer 4

Bonjour !

be yourself, whatever people might think and stick to your own beliefs ! who cares !

I am french, live in France and as a vegetarian, you can't imagine what sort of comment I get !

I just smile.......

and often people respect you more when you are different !

Vive la différence !

Answer 5

The third person who answered is right... if you politely decline and point out that you don't drink, that probably won't be seen as rudeness at all. As for the first two people who responded: in all likelihood they've never been to France (if they've even ventured more than 50 miles from their hometowns for that matter), and are simply catering to people's worst instincts by promoting caricatures and stereotypes.

Answer 6

if someone send you wine, accept it, even if you won't drink it, but don't notice to the sender that you don't drink

in a restaurant, you won't have any problem if you refuse the wine: just say that you don't drink, you can also say why. but it would be appreciate to take an other drink, without alcohol (water, soda, ...)

finally, if you're in a cocktail or a party, it won't be considerating as rude, you often find something else.

more over actually, in france, it's well considerate do not drink at all

Answer 7

Nothing you can do in France as an American would be considered "Rude"..