Wine Kiosks

Filed in archive Wine Shops on January 17, 2007

Some day you may be doing your wine shopping via a kiosk. Sort of like Wal-mart, you'll be able to pick out your merchandise and self-serve. Kiosks are a growing technological trend; of course, there is the argument that not only does this mean you don't get a human to help you any longer, but you are the consumer as well as the part-time employee of the business you are buying from.

The latest new in kiosks in relation to wine is this deal worked out between Menlo Park-based ReadyTouch and COPIA:

Menlo Park-based ReadyTouch is a provider of in-store networks designed to reach consumers at the point of sale.

COPIA is a Napa Valley-based center for wine, food and the arts. The non-profit said its mission is to explore, celebrate and share the pleasures and benefits of wine, its relationship to food and its significance to American culture.

Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

At the ReadyTouch kiosk, COPIA visitors will have access to a range of wine descriptions, classifications and tasting notes. They can use the bar code scanner on the kiosk to get the information relating to a particular bottle of wine at the center or can search through a catalog of wines.