The founder of UAE-based CityDrinks has revealed how artificial intelligence is revolutionising the wine selection process, while maintaining that traditional sommeliers will always have their place in the industry.
In an interview on the AB Majlis podcast, Dominique Szymura discussed how his company, launched in November last year as Abu Dhabi’s first online alcohol delivery service, has integrated AI technology to help customers navigate their extensive wine collection.
The company’s AI sommelier, named Genie, was developed to bridge the gap between digital and in-store shopping experiences, assisting customers in selecting from over 2,000 products. “We wanted to personalise the shopping experience for our customers,” Szymura explained, noting that the AI system helps educate customers about available products without brand bias.
“We are not sponsored. We are not under contract with any brand,” he said. “We really try to focus it strictly on user preferences.”
The CEO highlighted how most consumers have limited wine knowledge, typically focusing on basic characteristics like colour and country of origin.
“Everyone has a limited budget, and as we see it, a limited intake. So in order to have the greatest value, you need to enjoy [your] intake,” Szymura said.
While the integration of AI into wine selection has raised questions about the future of traditional sommeliers, Szymura strongly believes that technology will complement rather than replace human expertise.
“I don’t think AI will ever replace sommeliers,” he stated. “There is something beautiful about seeing a human being excel at their craft, and this is something that no machine or no software can ever replicate.”
He explained that AI serves as a practical solution in situations where access to a sommelier is limited. “Would that sommelier be able to attend every single table? Probably not… Would that sommelier be able to cater to the preferences of every single person sitting at the table and have an actual conversation with every single one of them? Probably not. This is where an AI can bridge that gap.”
The company’s AI system processes vast amounts of data from various sources, including rating agencies, to maintain neutrality in its recommendations. “AI can process so much more data than a human being could accumulate memories over several lifetimes,” Szymura noted.
Looking ahead, CityDrinks appears poised for expansion. The company, which Szymura describes as “more of a very advanced logistical company rather than traditional corner store alcohol shop,” has met its initial forecasts and gained market acceptance, evidenced by its polarized Google reviews. “We either have five stars or a couple of one stars. There isn’t really anything in between,” he said.
As the company approaches its first anniversary, Szymura indicated plans for growth beyond its current market: “Hopefully, we will be expanding into other emirates and beyond.”
The integration of AI into wine selection represents a significant shift in how consumers interact with alcohol purchases, particularly in the UAE market where CityDrinks has established itself as a pioneer in the space.
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