Tech company teaches computers to... taste wine

Tastry uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze “tens of thousands of wines every year,” generating reams of data to help winemakers and retailers make better tasting products, says founder Katerina Axelsson.

Tech company teaches computers to... taste wine
Portrait of founder Katerina Axelsson.

Axelsson got the idea as a chemistry student working at a winery, where she noticed a unique way of evaluating wine .

She started analyzing wine samples, identifying thousands of compounds. Using AI, she could see how these compounds interacted with each other to create the wine’s flavor. She then took that data and used machine learning to compare its flavor, aroma, texture, and color to other wines in the database.

This approach allowed Axelsson to develop the BottleBird wine recommendation app, which hit retailers' wine shelves in 2019. Customers can enter their favorite flavors and the app will suggest matching wines with an accuracy of 80-90% on the first try, rising to 95% thereafter.

Tastry is also available from wineries in the US.

Brands pay to have their bottles analyzed “and in return, they get access to what we call an insights dashboard, where they can determine how their wines are perceived in stores, locally or regionally,” Axelsson said.

O’Neill Vintners and Distillers, one of the largest wineries in California, is a Tastry client. To create the desired flavor profile, they have to blend wines from “over 30 different barrels,” according to Marty Spate, vice president of winemaking and viticulture.

The company is using Tastry’s AI technology to “streamline” the production process. Teho Marty says the technology isn’t a complete replacement for a modern winemaking team, but the data it generates is pretty powerful.

While receiving praise, many criticized this approach as inappropriate in an industry that traditionally requires sophistication and artistry.

“It’s like a computer analyzing a piece of art,” says Ronan Sayburn, master sommelier and head of wine at 67 Pall Mall, a wine club in London. “I don’t know how people would be interested in following what a computer tells them to drink based on what they’ve had before. I think part of the appeal of wine is your own perspective.”

Tech company teaches computers to... taste wine
Tastry computer "tastes" wine through AI.

Sayburn admits technology can be helpful for amateurs, but when it comes to an emotionally charged subject, the human touch is needed.

Axelsson agrees that Tastry won’t replace a human sommelier. But he says the computer could help wineries analyze more wines per year than humans could by manually tasting them.

Later this year, the company will begin offering the service in Europe in partnership with an online retailer, and the partnership could extend beyond wine to other beverages such as beer, spirits, coffee and even perfume.

It takes time to introduce AI and its benefits and integrate it into any industry before people really accept it, Axelsson said. Axelsson is happy to win over those who are against the technology.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

8 useful Good Lock modules you should know

8 useful Good Lock modules you should know

There are some really outstanding Good Lock modules out there. Some of them have completely changed the way many people use their phones, making them wish they had discovered them sooner.

Compress PDF files, reduce PDF size extremely fast

Compress PDF files, reduce PDF size extremely fast

Compressing PDF files significantly reduces the size of PDF files, making sending files simpler in case the sent file exceeds the size limit in Gmail.

Latest Grand Piece Online Code 04/25/2025 how to enter reward code

Latest Grand Piece Online Code 04/25/2025 how to enter reward code

Here are the Grand Piece Online Codes updated as soon as new codes are available. Including new codes and old codes that are still active.

8 Mistakes That Ruin Your TikTok FYP

8 Mistakes That Ruin Your TikTok FYP

Try to avoid making these mistakes while scrolling on TikTok to keep your FYP in line with your preferences.

How to use the FILTER function in Excel

How to use the FILTER function in Excel

If you regularly work with data sets in Excel, you know how important it is to be able to quickly find the information you need.

W3 Total Cache Plugin Vulnerability Exposes 1 Million WordPress Sites to Attacks

W3 Total Cache Plugin Vulnerability Exposes 1 Million WordPress Sites to Attacks

A critical bug in the W3 Total Cache plugin estimated to be installed on over a million WordPress websites has been discovered that could allow attackers to access a variety of information, including metadata on cloud-based applications.

Microsoft is about to stop deploying WSUS driver synchronization, users take note!

Microsoft is about to stop deploying WSUS driver synchronization, users take note!

In a new post on its Tech Community website, Microsoft has announced plans to discontinue WSUS driver synchronization in favor of its latest cloud-based driver services.

Samsungs GoodLock app gets a fresh new look

Samsungs GoodLock app gets a fresh new look

The GoodLock app on Samsung smartphones opens up a world of customization features.

How to cure insomnia for pregnant women in the last 3 months

How to cure insomnia for pregnant women in the last 3 months

The third trimester is often the most difficult time to sleep during pregnancy. Here are some ways to treat insomnia in the third trimester.

Phenomenon explained: strange circular halo around the Sun

Phenomenon explained: strange circular halo around the Sun

What is the phenomenon of the Sun being surrounded by a circle? This article will explain in detail to you the phenomenon of the circle around the Sun.

Apple: Siri Isnt Really Ready to Beat ChatGPT

Apple: Siri Isnt Really Ready to Beat ChatGPT

With the launch of the new generation iPad Mini, Apple has clearly affirmed that “AI-filled” software experiences are the way the company is heading in the future.

TikTok brings Getty Images to ads and AI-generated avatars

TikTok brings Getty Images to ads and AI-generated avatars

TikTok will allow advertisers to pull content from Getty Images when using the platform's AI ad creation tool.

AI Ads Will Appear More on TikTok Feeds

AI Ads Will Appear More on TikTok Feeds

No one likes to see ads, but this is one of the ways social media platforms can monetize the services they provide.

How to use the Chrome extension Trim to make Netflix better

How to use the Chrome extension Trim to make Netflix better

People used to spend a lot of time scrolling through Netflix, overwhelmed by decision fatigue and not knowing what to watch. But after finding the Chrome extension Trim, it completely changed their Netflix experience.

Latest Evade Roblox Codes and How to Redeem Codes

Latest Evade Roblox Codes and How to Redeem Codes

Evade game code allows you to receive important items for free, giving you an initial advantage in your survival journey.