The future of sommelier is in the supermarket

The new frontier of professional wine sommelier, could be the supermarket. This issue will be one of the themes discuss at the next Vinitaly, the reference exhibition of Italian oenology and italian wine merchants, scheduled in Verona 2-6 April 2009.
The large retail carries today in Italy 60% of wine sales and about 70% in Usa, thanks to a wide and articulated range of labels.
The only flaw: the lack of qualified help in order to choose the right bottle. The customer is left alone in front of the shelf, while the support of a professional wine sommelier could make the purchase more thoughtful and suitable for every need. The introduction of the sommelier in the great distribution, according to the operators of the sector, could also provide a professional outlet for the many enthusiasts who each year take the title, but do not always find work in wine shops or noble restaurants.