Tesco trials virtual wine advisor

"Electronic sommelier" provides in-store product advice

In-store wine electronic advisor is hoped to help customers try new products

Tesco has launched a virtual advisor to provide customers with free advice when they are choosing wine in-store.

Through the service, which uses touch-screen technology, customers can search for wine by country, colour, style and price. Further information about the product can also be obtained by scanning the barcode on the bottle.

The sommelier service is being trialled in the wine aisle of six UK stores. If successful, the service will be offered across 150 supermarkets later this year.

According to Tesco, the technology removes the uncertainty around choosing a particular type of wine and gives customers more confidence to try out different products.