Ohio Restaurant Challenges AI With Human Sommeliers at September Wine Event

A New Challenge: Sommeliers vs. AI in the Wine World

In a world where technology continues to reshape industries, even the most traditional fields are not immune to change. Moreland Hills, Ohio, is home to Cru Uncorked, a fine-dining restaurant that has taken a bold step into the future by exploring the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in wine pairing. The idea began with a simple question from a guest: “Are you worried about AI taking your job?” This question sparked a conversation among the team at Cru Uncorked, particularly Chris Oppewall, president and sommelier.

At first, the thought of AI pairing wine with food seemed absurd. However, as the restaurant already used AI for inventory management and wine education, the possibility of using it for more complex tasks like pairing became intriguing. Oppewall decided to experiment by inputting tasting menus and special dishes into AI tools such as Copilot and ChatGPT. The results were surprisingly good, leading to a new initiative: the Sommelier Showdown dinner series titled “Somm vs. AI.”

The event, scheduled for September 11, will feature Chef Sam Lesniak presenting a four-course menu to three sommeliers—Oppewall, Janine Poleman, and Anthony Taylor. Each sommelier will pair wines with at least one course, while AI will also provide its own pairings. All wines must come from the restaurant’s extensive cellar of 15,000 bottles.

During the dinner, guests will receive two wines per course, without knowing which pairing was done by a human or an AI. After each course, they will cast a vote for their favorite wine. At the end of the evening, the winners—whether human or machine—will be revealed.

Despite the excitement around AI, Oppewall emphasizes that humans remain in control. “One out of 10 AI answers can be offbeat, like suggesting a Syrah with scallops,” he explained. In such cases, he would ask the AI to try again rather than risk a poor recommendation. For now, he doesn’t believe AI poses a threat to sommelier jobs.

“There are so many touchpoints involved in managing wine inventory,” he said. Additionally, the personal connection between sommeliers and guests plays a crucial role. “A sommelier has a greater capacity to read the table and understand the guest’s preferences.”

This unique event highlights the evolving relationship between technology and tradition in the culinary world. It also invites guests to engage with both human expertise and AI capabilities in a fun and interactive way.

For those interested in participating, details can be found on the AI vs. Sommeliers page. Cru Uncorked is located at 34300 Chagrin Blvd in Moreland Hills. The restaurant also hosts tastings and classes for wine enthusiasts, offering a deeper dive into the world of wine.

As AI continues to make its mark, the wine industry remains a space where innovation and tradition can coexist. Whether it's the human touch or the precision of AI, the goal remains the same: to enhance the dining experience and bring people together through the shared love of wine.