NPR radio aired an interesting story today about wine makers' reluctance to discuss the role of technology in the winemaking process. Because winemaking is viewed as an old world art, vintners often eschew any connection with modern technology, but most wineries make good use of advanced processes available. In the midst of this cloaked technology, however, comes a wine retailer that uses technology to market itself and its wines. VinoVenue is a San Francisco lounge/retailer that offers wine tasting through self-serve wine bars and the use of smartcards. The bar offers wine-tastings in one-ounce portions and in a variety of prices and qualities and uses the self-dispensing technology to offer customers an opportunity to "try before you buy." One more reason to want to live in San Francisco -- although the company's founders may explore a national roll-out of the concept based upon their success in San Francisco.
Posted by franchiselawblog at November 22, 2004 10:03 AM