New Bar Code System Delivers Tasting Notes via Smartphones

Wouldn't it be cool, when buying a bottle of wine, to quickly scan the vino with your smartphone and instantly get a variety of tasting notes as well as a video from the vintner describing the bottle? It's a reality with JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, who have teamed up with Qr4Wine to deliver just that. They are the first winery to use the new Qr4Wine 2D bar code system, which allows users to view winery-controlled product information on electronic media and smartphones in real time. The information (consisting of modifiable 2D bar codes) is imprinted on products including bottles, marketing materials and the company's website.

And while consumers will benefit from using this new technology, it will also be helpful for distributors and retailers. The ability to have instant, accessible information about a wine could make it easier to sell wine, especially in foreign markets, according to JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery.

The technology has already made an appearance throughout Japan and Europe, and has been used on the Cowboys Stadium JumboTron to distribute information during games.

Update 4/21/11: J Vineyards & Winery is now also using the informational QR code on its 2010 Pinot Gris varietal and J Cuvée 20th Anniversary sparkling wine. The QR code will allow viewers to access "quick hit" videos on that particular wine as well as wine and food pairing tips.

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