Discover the team
I used to find wine to be intimidating and overwhelming, reserved for experts or enthusiasts.
But that was before.
At VirtualSomm, our mission is simple: to make wine accessible to everyone. Born out of a personal journey from France to Switzerland, where I discovered the intricate world of wine through my studies at the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, our brand is built on the belief that enjoying wine should be an inclusive experience, not an exclusive club.
It was during my digital business master's in Madrid that the seed for VirtualSomm was planted. Witnessing the struggle of everyday wine enthusiasts faced with daunting wine lists, I envisioned a solution – a bridge between novice and connoisseur. Thus, VirtualSomm was conceived. Collaborating with top Swiss research institutes, we embarked on an 18-month journey, culminating in a groundbreaking recommendation system.
Unlike existing services, VirtualSomm is tailored for those who appreciate wine but lack the time or expertise to navigate its complexities. Our prototype stands as a testament to our commitment to democratizing wine, ensuring that every dining experience is enhanced, every glass savored.
Join us on this journey and discover the joy of wine, simplified.
How it started
Our
Story
We want to empower individuals to confidently explore and enjoy the world of wine.
Our mission at VirtualSomm is to democratize wine enjoyment by making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of expertise. We strive to simplify the wine selection process and enhance dining experiences by providing personalized recommendations tailored to individual tastes and restaurant menus.
Our values
Innovation
We are committed to continuous innovation, leveraging cutting-edge technology to develop intuitive solutions that enhance the wine experience.
Accessibility
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy wine without feeling intimidated or overwhelmed.
Quality
We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, reliable recommendations that meet the unique preferences and expectations of our users.
Inclusivity
We embrace diversity and strive to create an inclusive wine community where everyone feels welcome.
Sustainability
We are committed to promoting sustainable wine consumption and environmental stewardship through initiatives such as our eco-score feature.
Empowerment
We empower individuals to make informed wine choices, enabling them to confidently navigate wine lists and enhance their dining experiences.
Unveiling the team behind VirtualSomm
Where Expertise Meets Innovation
At VirtualSomm, our team boasts a diverse blend of expertise and experience, ensuring that our innovative solution stands at the forefront of the industry.
Our partnership with HEIA-FR's Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Complex Systems (iCoSys), under the guidance of Beat Wolf, brings cutting-edge technology to the forefront, enhancing the sophistication and effectiveness of our platform.
Spearheading our research and development efforts, are esteemed institutions like the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) and CHANGINS, renowned for their contributions to viticulture, oenology, and economic research. Led by distinguished scholars such as Carlos Martin Rios and Dr. Philippe Masset, our collaboration with these institutions has been instrumental in crafting our groundbreaking recommendation system. Complementing this academic prowess is our founder, Pauline Carrade, an EHL alumna and master in digital business, whose passion for wine and culinary excellence drives our mission forward. Together, our team is committed to revolutionizing the way wine is discovered and enjoyed, making VirtualSomm the ultimate destination for wine enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
