self serve wine tanks coming to a supermarket near you

[Robin Garr]

Called a "vrac," that kind of dispenser has been commonplace in the South of France for ... I dunno, longer than any of us have been alive.

The downside is that unless you're in a culture where people drink wine every single night - think France or Italy - the wine in the vat and in the jug will disintegrate quickly, and turnover has to be fast.

Self-serve wine tanks could be hitting American supermarkets within a year. These 500 and 1,000 liter mechanical kegs dispense wine into whatever container the shopper brings with them.

By getting rid of the packaging, the wine can be shipped much cheaper. The savings get passed on to you with lower prices, and supposedly the wine tastes pretty good too.

Fill 'er up!
just read this on wine blog.

Looks kinda cool, although this will probably not be coming to Kentucky supermarkets any time soon, since they still can't legally sell wine.

That would be great at a wine tasting. Just open up and squeeze.

That would be great at a wine tasting. Just open up and squeeze.

A portable version would allow wine drinkers to enjoy a 'keg stand'. Not sure they would want to, mind you, but the option would be available.....