Experts get first taste of AI-generated wine

About 1,000 wine professionals worldwide had their first experience of a red and white wine made under the guidance of an artificial intelligence (AI) bot called Chelaris.

The wines were presented by consultant and author Robert Joseph at ProWein last week and referred to as a “glimpse into the future of oenology — the fusion of human and artificial intelligence.”

The two AI wines were also packaged using AI-generated labels. The project collaborated with the National Office of Vine and Wine, using sophisticated algorithms to support human decisions when planning — and executing every aspect of the production process: harvesting, vinification, blending, labelling, and communication. It sounds like a hands-off, machine-on approach to winemaking.

Congratulations to Burrowing Owl Winery. The Wyse Family of Burrowing Owl Estate Winery in Oliver won the Canadian Wine Industry Award of Distinction, regarded as the highest form of peer recognition. “The Wyse family's unwavering focus on premium quality wines, along with their pioneering commitment to the environment, has made an enduring mark on the B.C. wine industry,” says Wine Growers Canada's president and CEO, Dan Paszkowski. “The dedication of three generations of their family to an innovative, energy-efficient winery, a culinary and wine tourism destination, and the conservation of the burrowing owl, their winery namesake, leaves a huge legacy on the wider wine industry in B.C. and across Canada.”

B.C. WINE OF THE WEEK Cliff and Gorge Marechal Foch 2022, Lillooet $18 I 87/100

UPC: N/A

This is a very different style of Marechal Foch. It is cooler, lighter and brighter, with sweet, candied cherry and super soft textures. It is more like a simple fruity Gamay than the smoky, beefy, meaty Foch, which is a good thing. Fun and priced right, this is a wine to check out if you find yourself near the Lillooet winery. It was tasted from a half bottle under a screwcap.

VALUE WINE OF THE WEEK

Aveleda Casal Garcia Vinho Verde N/V, Vinho Verde, Portugal $5.99 per 250 mL can I 87/100 UPC: 05601096012721

The No. 1 selling Vinho Verde ticks all the boxes for gen Z and millennials. It is in a hipster, can format. It is relatively cheap at $5.99. The alcohol is light. The palate is slightly fizzy, and the flavours mix watery lemon, quince and green apple. Kick off spring with this and sushi, fish tacos or a vegetarian pizza. Boomers can buy it by the bottle for $15.99. It is sold in more than 100 stores.