Milan is once again serving as a testing ground for new trends in food and beverage with an opening that promises to rewrite the rules of wine tasting. Reverso, Italy’s first smart wine bar, has officially opened at Via Savona 17, in the heart of Milan’s vibrant city center. The venue is designed to break down all barriers and dispel any sense of awe associated with the world of wine, blending the freedom of digital technology with the authentic pleasure of socializing.
An idea born among friends and travels
Behind this innovative and patented concept lies a story of passion and friendship. It was conceived by Francesco Baccaglini, a lawyer and accountant always ready to travel, who became fascinated by smart wine dispensers during a stay in London. Upon his return, he brought Matteo Colafrancesco and Stefano Santi on board, combining their different professional skills and backgrounds. As they like to say with a touch of humor, instead of the classic trio of friends at a bar, here are three friends who have literally created a bar to celebrate wine without the anxiety of being judged.
Technology at the service of the wine glass: one hundred labels and an AI sommelier
The beating heart of the venue is a spectacular backlit wall equipped with state-of-the-art wine dispensers. It can hold one hundred labels at a time, ready to be tasted by the glass with complete autonomy. The entire wine cellar boasts over 1,500 bottles in a constantly evolving selection, curated by head sommelier Francesco Venezia: a journey that spans equally great Italian classics, international excellences (Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Champagne), natural wines, non-alcoholic and low-alcohol options, and a gem of a sake. Prices range from 2 to 200 euros, with both physical and digital fact sheets available for each bottle.
But the real technological revolution is the virtual sommelier: an interactive chat powered by artificial intelligence designed to guide less-experienced or simply curious customers. The AI converses with the guest, interprets their current tastes, and recommends the ideal glass of wine, eliminating any fear of making a mistake or facing judgment from traditional sommeliers. Special note: the technology doesn’t take center stage on its own. Rounding out the experience are real-life professionals, ready to step in at any moment. Furthermore, anyone who falls in love with a wine tasted at the table can purchase it to take home: if the bottle is bought after the tasting, the cost of the tasting is fully deducted from the final price.
From the Glass to the Plate: Tapas and Milanese Fusion
Rounding out the sensory experience is the culinary offering led by Chef Matteo Giovanoli (born in 1988 and founder of Autentico Bistrot), who is personally present in the restaurant’s kitchen. Based on the idea of a dynamic and fluid dining experience, the menu focuses on a selection of tapas and small plates—ideal for sharing and pairing with several glasses of wine throughout the evening.
The common thread running through the cuisine is a reimagined Milanese style that openly engages with influences from around the world. A striking example is the dish “Rotta verso Est,” an original combination of wheat noodles, carrot purée, duck speck, shrimp, and pecorino fondue: a down-to-earth cuisine free of unnecessary stylistic flourishes.
Young People Drink Better: The New Face of Consumption
Open seven days a week, from lunch through the late evening, Reverso offers an important glimpse into the future of the wine industry and the relationship between younger generations and wine. As Baccaglini points out, the idea that young people no longer love wine is a myth: today, they simply drink with greater awareness. Less quantity, more quality, with a strong focus on sustainability, product authenticity, and transparent storytelling.
In Milan, in short, the future of wine has already begun: one glass at a time, guided by human intuition and—why not?—a touch of artificial intelligence.
