According to Nation Restaurant News, the use of the iPad as a wine list in restaurants is increasing wine sales all over the country. Customers are able to use the touch-screen tablet to select bottles they want based on price, flavor profile, and food pairing.
The iPad, which costs between $500-$800, has a 9.7 inch screen and a weight of only 1.5 pounds, feeling similar in size and feel to a bound wine list. Once the iPad is loaded with the software information, it puts detailed wine information as well as recommendations right into the hands of the customer.
At Naples Tomato in Naples, Florida, iPads loaded with the Personal Sommelier app helped increase wine sales by 16 percent in the first half of December 2010. Jack Serfass, co-founder of the restaurant, said that the iPad makes it easier for guests to get information, rather than waiting for a sommelier to come to their table. Restaurants in California, Chicago, and New York City have seen a great response to the use of the iPad, as well as a large increase in wine sales.
Other wine apps include the SmartCellar app, and i-Somm, both useful in guiding guests to finding the perfect wine of their choice.
However, the use of the iPad, while very useful, will most likely not replace the human sommelier.
“Remember, you still need somms to program it and talk to people,” said Gene Campbell, general manager and sommelier of Delicias Restaurant in Rancho Sante Fe, California. “After all, you can’t ask a computer for an opinion on Vernaccia.”
