Robot sommelier at Westport wine shop
October 9, 2008LouisvilleHotBytes
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| Chris Zaborowski, proprietor at Westport Whiskey & Wine, demonstrates the new Enomatic. Photo by Robin Garr |
A welcome new arrival for East End wine lovers is Westport Whiskey & Wine, run by wine-industry veteran Chris Zaborowski in the booming Westport Village shopping center.
Last week they unveiled a new high-tech, self-service wine dispenser: The Italian-made Enomatic dispenser automatically serves 1-ounce, 3-ounce or 5-ounce tastes from eight selected bottles of wine, keeping them in top shape by filling the empty space with inert argon gas.
Is it a wine shop or wine bar? It’s licensed as both, making it possible for consumers to enjoy a tasting, pick up a few bottles or both. Consumers purchase a smart wine card. Each drink deducts the appropriate charge (typically $2.50 to $4 per ounce, depending on the wine), until the card or the bottle needs refilling.
How much does a toy like this cost? Zaborowski offers a hint: “Two Kias.” He calculates that its convenience and the excitement factor will pay it off in due time.
Westport Whiskey & Wine
1115 Herr Lane, Suite 140
708-1313
westportwhiskeyandwine.com
