Trade with the UK is taking a hit as the economy struggles to cope with Brexit
ADVERTISEMENTChristmas is coming and for many Britons, it's a time of tradition. Families get together to perform the same rituals year in, year out. And for many, that means splashing out on a bottle of Champagne to share. But it's also the time of the year when purses are at their most stretched, so many people are opting for a cheaper sparkling alternative as the Brexit fall in the pound takes hold.
And that's been evident for producer Frederic Bertherlot, who has a small eight-hectare vineyard on the slopes above a tiny village in France's Champagne region.
Berthelot's century-old business decided to start exporting to Britain for the first time just as the country voted to leave the EU.
Eighteen months later, Berthelot and his British trading partner Richard Ellison are still waiting to find out what rules will govern trade post-Brexit.
Richard Ellison is the founder of London-based Wanderlust Wine.
"I think if Theresa May was sat here, I think that's what I would be imploring her to do, to say, if you want to empower all those small business owners that get off their backs and start a business because they have a passion for something, you owe them decision, not indecision."
While a deal on preliminary Brexit issues has now been found, it may be another year before any concrete decisions around trade deals are reached.
Frederic is happy to play the long game though. His oldest vines survived both world wars, so he's sure they'll be there long after the effects of Brexit have passed.