A new wine service is replacing a sommelier with science.
Founded by genetic scientists and wine experts, Vinome — short for “vino + genome” — says it can recommend the right wine based on the drinker’s DNA. Customers take a taste preference survey and send in a saliva sample. The test uses 10 genetic markers related to smell and taste to classify customers as one of eight taste profiles. The company then uses a combination of the customer’s preference and DNA test results to recommend wines from its own online store, as well as offering a quarterly wine club.