Tesco to give wine lovers access to tailored tips from top sommeliers with on-demand SMS recommendation service
Running from 18 March–16 April, the Tesco Sommelier Messaging Service will deliver bespoke bottle recommendations from leading restaurant sommeliers by text, to help the nation elevate their evenings in with exceptional wines and perfect pairings from Tesco.
From bold and spicy to crisp and aromatic, deliciously dry to sumptuously sweet – you’ll find a wine for every palate, food, mood and occasion at Tesco. With so many choices, it can be hard to decide between the wide range of styles, grapes and regions available, but help is at hand with the launch of the Tesco Sommelier Messaging Service (SMS).
Running from 12pm-7pm daily, from 18 March – 16 April 2021, the on-demand text service will give people access to personal wine recommendations based on their individual tastes, budget and menu. Following three short initial questions, a Tesco wine recommendation will be delivered in real time to their device from someone on the expert SMS panel, which is headed up by TV presenter and wine expert Helen McGinn, supported by 20 sommeliers and wine waiters from restaurants across the UK.
There is no replacement for the restaurant experience and receiving personal guidance from the in-house sommelier. Until that can be enjoyed again, Tesco SMS will give winedrinkers access to those experts remotely, to help them make the most of the brilliant bottles in reach – but as of yet, undiscovered – on their weekly shop. Whether it’s a pasta-friendly red for a favourite quick supper, or something exceptional for a special Easter feast – Tesco SMS will make it easy to choose a winning wine to match.
By using Tesco SMS, people will also be helping to support all those who make our evenings out special, as for every wine recommendation delivered, Tesco will donate £1 to Hospitality Action, the industry’s charity.
Using the Tesco SMS
To request a wine recommendation, simply text “WINE” to 82228 and follow the steps when prompted. A personalised answer will usually be delivered within 30 minutes:
- Step 1: Text “WINE” to 82228
- Step 2: Answer the questions when prompted, sharing information about your usual wine preferences and what you’re planning to cook/eat
- Step 3: Your sommelier will review the information submitted and send back wine recommendations tailored to you.
Peter Morrell, editor comments “As today, 18th March, is the first day of the service I have used the Wine Recommendation Service, and it’s fast, simple and very useful. Dinner tomorrow night is Osso Buco, braised veal shanks. This Italian favourite is a hearty winter dish with powerful flavours. I texted WINE to 82228 and immediately got a response with three questions. Firstly, the dish I wanted a wine match for, then a question about my budget, ranging from under £8 to £15+. Finally I was asked about any preference – colour, grape, region etc. I only specified red.
“After about fifteen minutes a very friendly text arrived from the Sommelier recommending two wines, the Tesco Finest Chianti Classico Riserva and the Il Passo Segreto Appassimiento. Two excellent choices.
“This is a really useful service, particularly for those who are not familiar with food and wine pairing. Give it a try, it’s fast and fun!“
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