Like most people in the wine industry, we have fond memories of skipping school to play hours of the Sommelier computer game Vinopolis.
Since its initial release in 1992, "Vinopolis: Sommelier Quest" has carved a unique niche in the gaming world, marrying the art of wine service with the thrill of video gaming, like a blend of Tron and Bottle Shock.
What began as an 8-bit platformer has evolved into a complex, immersive virtual reality experience, captivating not only wine aficionados but also a diverse gaming audience.
"Vinopolis: Sommelier Quest" first hit computer screens as a charming 8-bit game where players navigated the pixelated world of Sammy Somm.
The game was originally conceived by Enovision Studios, a collaboration between game developers and wine experts. Over the decades, Enovision has stayed at the helm, ensuring that each game iteration remains true to its roots while incorporating cutting-edge technology and feedback from a growing community of players.
Playing as “Sammy Somm” in the original 1992 console release of Vinopolis
The team embraced the challenge and began their project with extensive research into the wine industry. They conducted countless interviews with renowned sommeliers like Agon Blutz and international vineyard managers to gather insights into the daily nuances of wine production and service.
Leveraging this wealth of knowledge, the creators designed gameplay mechanics that reflect the precision and expertise of a real-life sommelier. Players must navigate through tasks that simulate selecting the right wine for a particular dish, managing a cellar, and even engaging with customers to convey the story behind each wine.
The game begins in the humble confines of a dusty old wine bar, where players, starting as lowly bar backs, must prove themselves in the service industry, navigating through the complex hierarchy of the wine world.
In the bustling downtown of Vinopolis, players learn to discern different wine varieties, manage inventory and serve a diverse clientele but these are just the first steps. As players gain knowledge and reputation, they unlock different districts of the city, each offering unique wine-based adventures.
Over the years, we saw Vinopolis undergo multiple transformations, each version improving upon the last. At the turn of the century, the iteration introduced more sophisticated graphics with a 16-bit system, enhancing the gameplay with complex vineyard management tactics and introducing global wine markets.
It also brought in the character selection feature, allowing players to assume roles of different sommeliers, each with unique skills and wine knowledge.
Some characters were featured from the cult classic movie, “Somms of Fury”
As technology advanced, so did the game and by 2016, "Vinopolis: Sommelier Quest" was a fully 3D world on gaming consoles and PCs.
Players could shape their career path by acquiring certifications, attend wine tastings and network with the elite. Decisions made during gameplay would affect a character's progression and opportunities.
For example, choosing to specialize in Old World wines or venture into the burgeoning markets of New World viticulture.
True to RPG form, “Vinopolis: Sommelier Quest” allowed players to interact with wine merchants, fellow sommelier and renowned chefs. Players could customize their avatar from attire such as a “Sommelier Cravat” and a “Somm Pin” to tasting gear, ranging from “Durand” to “Decantation Torch.”
The game featured realistic dialogues and scenarios that test players’ wine knowledge and decision-making skills.
Over the years. the versions of the game became more complex.
Chef collaborations offered new bonus levels with planned wine pairings for elaborate dishes and wine list awards adding more and more to the amazing world of Vinopolis.
Managing restaurant staff, vendor negotiations and handling high-profile diners added layers of complexity and realism to the gameplay.
It grew to become a massive educational tool for the wine industry.
The game introduced us to different grape varieties, winemaking regions and the impact of terroir on wine flavor. It also explores the intricacies of wine laws and etiquette, providing players with knowledge that extends beyond the virtual world.
Some of the sub-stories even introduced the seedier side, from the ‘me-too movement,’ to ‘cheating scandals’ and were ahead of the curve by offering character choices for women and ethnic diversity as Sommelier characters - almost unheard of at the time.
The very latest 2024 iteration releases next month and is a groundbreaking Virtual Reality experience, allowing players to literally step into the tightly buckled shoes of a sommelier.
Armed with VR goggles, players can walk through vineyards, interacting with the terrain. The game includes sensory feedback, where players can order special sample kits so that they can taste the wines that they are opening - a first in the gaming industry.
From its humble beginnings as an 8-bit game to its latest VR spectacle, "Vinopolis: Sommelier Quest" has not only pioneered the genre of lifestyle simulation games but has also educated its players on the fine art of wine.
Like Sonic, Pacman, Mario, Jet Set Willy, Dizzy Egg and the Pong Pixel Ball, Sammy Somm will go down in history as one of the true great heroes of the video gaming world. It is encouraging to think that in the future, our leading wine professionals will know that their mentorship came from him.
Let’s raise a glass to Sammy Somm!