Counterfeit wine has become a real concern in the United Kingdom. In the most recent example, Trading Standards officers raided a shop in Liverpool and seized a stash of 50 bottles carrying the name of such well brands as Echo Falls, Blossom Hill, Kumala and Hardy’s.
The plastic seal and poor condition of the labels were clear warning signs that something was not quite right. It appears that the counterfeiters found empty used bottles and screw tops, refilled the bottles with ‘liquid’ and then secured them with a plastic seal.
Councillor Tim Beaumont said unwittingly:
At this stage, until we have the results of the analysis, we do not know if the substances in the bottle will have any effects on people’s health – hopefully it will prove to be just unpleasant but harmless
Well said Mr Beaumont. I speak for anyone who has drunk either Echo Falls, Blossom Hill, Kumala or Hardy’s when I say that I too find these wines to be just unpleasant and harmless.
Rumours that the inclusion of the chewing gum improved the taste of some of the wine have yet to be confirmed.
