All right, so get ready because today we're diving
into something delicious.
Mm, seems intriguing.
We're talking AI and wine.
Okay.
And you know, you're someone who clearly appreciates
the finer things in life and staying ahead of the curve.
I try to be.
So, case in point, Moe Hennessy.
The champagne.
As in the Moe and Chandon Moe Hennessy.
Yeah.
You know, the luxury powerhouse.
Right, of course.
Well, they just invested in a company called French Bloom
and get this.
Let me guess.
They make alcohol-free sparkling wine.
Wow.
Interesting.
I wouldn't have put those two things together.
Right, this is what I love about these deep dives,
these aha moments.
And this isn't some side project for them.
This is Moe Hennessy putting their money
where their mouth is.
It signals a real shift in the very definition of luxury.
Totally.
This is not just a trend towards healthier options.
It's bigger than that.
This is about even the most prestigious brands in the world
adapting to a new landscape.
Exactly.
And what I find so fascinating here
is how French Bloom is winning over these luxury connoisseurs.
Because they're not just taking out the alcohol.
No, no, they're using a very specific and delicate process
to make sure those aromas and flavors stay put.
Okay, so walk me through this.
How do you gently evict the alcohol
without ruining the whole party?
Well, think of it like this.
They use specific organic grapes, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
that can handle this process without losing their vibrancy.
Okay.
And then they gently remove the alcohol
using a combination of techniques,
including something called vacuum distillation
at really low temperatures.
Yeah.
And that's what ensures that the delicate aromas
and flavors of the grapes are preserved,
resulting in a final product that really does rival
that traditional sparkling wine.
Okay, that's impressive.
So they're pulling off a magic trick basically.
Yeah.
Making the alcohol disappear
while keeping all that deliciousness intact.
Yeah, it's pretty clever.
And it really speaks to that larger trend
of mindful drinking, you know?
And that demand for those sophisticated
non-alcoholic options.
So big question, is this a fad
or are we witnessing the birth of a whole new era
in the beverage industry?
Well, that is the million dollar question, isn't it?
Yeah.
But I mean, when a luxury giant like Moet Hennessy
makes a move like this,
it's a pretty good indication
that the winds of change are blowing.
Consumers, especially those who appreciate
quality and craftsmanship,
they're looking for ways to enjoy, you know,
the finer things in life
without compromising their wellbeing.
Totally.
Okay, but let's talk about how we even find these wines
in the first place, right?
Because, you know, I love browsing
those dusty old wine shops.
Of course, yeah.
But now we've got AI playing sommelier.
It's true, the world of Ryan is changing so fast.
I mean, it's revolutionizing the way we even discover
and experience wine, you know?
Imagine you're standing in the wine aisle.
Oh, I know that feeling.
Completely overwhelmed by choices, right?
Yes.
And suddenly you've got an AI sommelier
right there in your pocket,
ready to guide you to that perfect bottle.
Yeah, like those apps, right?
Vivino and AI Sultanis.
But are we really at a point
where we're trusting an algorithm
with something as personal as like taste?
Convince me this isn't just a gimmick.
That's a good question.
I mean, you're right, taste is so subjective,
but that's kind of where the magic happens.
These platforms, they're powered by these massive data sets.
We're talking millions of user reviews, tasting notes,
information about which wines pair well with certain foods.
It analyzes all of this and kind of connects the dots
between your preferences and the wines
that are most likely to tickle your fancy.
So it's not just random?
No, not at all.
Okay, so AI Sultanis, they claim they can actually
boost wine sales by like 18%
just by using their recommendations.
I mean, that sounds almost too good to be true.
What's the catch?
Well, it's a bold claim.
18% is a big jump, but there's actual data to back it up.
Retailers who have integrated AI Sultanis
into their systems are seeing those kinds of increases.
And the reason it works is because it really takes out
the guesswork for the consumer, you know?
Think about it, how many times have you stood
in front of a wall of wine
just feeling totally paralyzed by indecision?
Oh, 100%.
I usually just end up texting you for a recommendation.
There you go.
So this is the solution, right?
We all just hand over our palates to AI and call it a day.
I don't think so.
While these apps are fantastic tools,
they're not meant to replace the human element entirely.
There's still something magical
about walking into a wine shop,
chatting with a knowledgeable staff member.
Maybe get surprised by a bottle
you'd never pick out yourself, you know?
Yeah, it's like that saying the best wine
is the one you drink with good company.
You can't really replicate that with an algorithm.
Exactly, and that's why I think we're seeing
this fascinating blend of technology
and tradition kind of emerging now.
Take for example, Vitas Wine and Bistro in Singapore.
They've dedicated their entire space
to showcasing Asian wines,
a category that's often overlooked.
I hear about them, yeah.
I mean, they're like pioneers.
They're shining a light on all these hidden gems.
But what's the AI connection?
Well, they might not be using
AI-powered recommendations yet,
but their very existence, right,
is a testament to how technology can really support
and amplify our passion for wine.
They're using it to manage their inventory,
to connect with customers all around the world,
and to really share their story
in a way that wouldn't be possible
without these digital tools.
It's like they're using technology strategically,
not as a crutch, but as a megaphone,
to share their love for these unique wines.
Yeah, exactly.
And then on the other hand,
you have the Vino the app, right,
actually opening up a brick and mortar store.
Oh wow.
It's like they're saying,
hey, we believe in the power of technology,
but we also understand that some things
are just best experienced in person.
I love that it's bridging the gap
between the digital and the physical.
It really is.
They're creating a space where data
and human connection can coexist.
It's the best of both worlds.
Exactly.
And I think that's what the future of wine is all about.
It's not about choosing sides.
It's about finding that sweet spot
where technology just enhances and elevates
the things we love most about this ancient beverage.
I love that.
Speaking of bridging the gap,
did you hear about United Airlines?
They're going with canned wines now,
for economy class.
Really?
Yeah.
I hadn't heard that.
Part of me is like, really?
Canned wine.
But then I think, you know, long flight, it happens.
Yeah, it's interesting, right,
because it sounds kind of strange at first,
but it's actually a pretty brilliant move
when you think about it.
The logistics of it alone, aluminum cans,
they're so much lighter than glass bottles,
which obviously means less fuel consumption.
Oh, for sure.
They're way easier to recycle.
They take up less space.
So it's kind of a win-win
for the airlines and the environment.
Totally.
The sustainability angle I get, for sure.
But let's be honest, canned wine has always had
a bit of an image problem, right?
Can they really guarantee the quality?
You're not wrong, you know?
There was a bit of a stigma around canned wine,
but the technology has really come a long way.
The canning process these days
actually helps protect the wine from light and oxygen,
two things that can really ruin a good bottle.
Oh, interesting.
Faster than you can say turbulence.
So are you telling me that that little aluminum tube
might actually be fresher than what I'm pouring
from my fancy bottle at home?
I mean, it's entirely possible.
And this is where consumer perception just needs
to catch up with the innovation a little bit,
because we're so used to associating certain things,
like the cork, you know?
And the heavy bottle with quality,
but sometimes those best experiences
come in the most unexpected packages.
All right, you've convinced me,
next time I'm flying economy,
I'm giving that canned wine a try.
Do it.
Now let's shift gears a bit.
You know those massive wine lists
they hand you at fancy restaurants?
Oh yeah.
I'm convinced they're intentionally designed
to confuse me into ordering the most expensive bottle.
Well, there's actually a fascinating psychology
behind how those lists are constructed.
I mean, they really are kind of subtly,
and sometimes not so subtly,
designed to influence your choices.
Pricing is a huge part of that.
Oh, for sure.
It's like, well, this bottle is five times the price,
so it must be good.
Right. Exactly.
Studies have shown that we really do tend
to equate higher prices with higher quality,
even when it comes to something like taste,
which is so subjective.
But our brains love a good reward, right?
And that perception of luxury,
even if it's just a perception,
it triggers those pleasure centers.
So they're basically hacking our brains
with fancy fonts and dollar signs.
It really is a bit sneaky.
But it's not just the price though, right?
What else is going on?
Well, think about the descriptions they use too.
Words like, like velvety, robust, opulent.
They're appealing to our senses, right?
Creating an expectation before we even take a sip.
And even the layout matters.
Have you ever noticed how they highlight certain wines,
maybe with a box or a special font?
You know, now that you mention it, yes.
It's like they're saying,
sst, order this one, you won't regret it,
except maybe my bank account will.
Exactly.
Which again, it's all part of the game.
But here's the thing.
I think understanding these tactics
doesn't ruin the experience.
If anything, I think it just allows you
to be a more informed consumer.
You can kind of appreciate the art of persuasion
that goes into crafting those lists.
So next time I'm facing the wine list,
the size of the novel,
I should channel my inner Sherlock Holmes.
Look for the clues and not be afraid to like ask questions.
Exactly.
A good sommelier will be delighted to guide you.
And they might even have like some hidden gems
up their sleeve that aren't even on the main list.
Speaking of hidden gems,
we talked about how AI is changing the game
from those personalized recommendations
to supporting these innovative wineries
like Vitus over in Singapore.
But this whole journey has me thinking,
what does the future hold for the world of wine?
It is an exciting time to be a wine enthusiast.
Climate change is definitely pushing the boundaries
of traditional wine regions.
For one, we're seeing places like England, for example,
which you wouldn't typically associate with vineyards
emerging as like these serious contenders
in the sparkling wine market.
Yeah, like that collaboration between Tate and Jer
and Domaine Evermonde.
Who would thought England would be giving Champagne
a run for its money?
I know, right?
It's amazing, but it's a real testament
to human ingenuity adaptation.
And as climate change continues to impact
growing conditions around the world,
I think we're just gonna see even more unexpected players
kind of emerge experimenting with different grape varieties,
different production techniques.
It's gonna be fascinating to see what happens.
And let's not forget the people behind the wine.
We touched on this earlier,
but with Reese Witherspoon launching her own brand,
Drop of Sunshine.
Yes.
It just seems like consumers are really craving
more than just to drink these days.
They want a story.
They want a connection to the people
and the values behind the label.
Absolutely.
And there's a growing awareness around sustainability,
social impact, female empowerment in the wine industry.
Consumers wanna know that their purchases
are aligning with their values.
And they're willing to support brands
that really share that vision.
So it's not just about what's in the bottle anymore.
It's about that entire experience
from the vineyard to the table.
It's about innovation, it's about sustainability,
and it's about celebrating the people
who really pour their heart and soul
into crafting these amazing wines.
Well said.
And as we raise a glass to the future of wine,
I think we can all agree
that it's gonna be a delicious adventure.
Cheers to that.
And for our listeners,
we've really just barely scratched the surface here.
So as you explore the world of wine,
keep your eyes open, keep your palates adventurous,
and never be afraid to embrace the unexpected.
You never know, your next favorite bottle
might just come with a side of artificial intelligence
or a really heartwarming story of tradition and innovation.
Until next time, happy sipping.