Awhile back we heard about the possibility of wine vending machines in Pennsylvania, and of course chuckled a bit after rolling our eyes. Now the first “test machines” have been installed in PA grocery stores and Associated Press Writer, Kathy Matheson has written an article about it entitled “Swipe, Smile and Blow.” Perfect.

The machines are about the size of four large refrigerators and offer approximately 50 wine options. Here‘s how they work. You swipe your driver's license in the machine to verify your age, look into the camera so that it can record your image, and then blow into the breath sensor to make certain that you are not inebriated, and — voila! — you have permission to buy a bottle of wine from the vending machine. The machines are monitored to make certain the ID and image match and within 30 seconds, the user is either approved or denied access.

If the machines are successful in their test run, the PLCB could place the alcohol automats in about 100 locations. The big question - do people want to buy vino from a machine? As Matheson says, “The vending machines are a testament to both the wonder of technology and the obscurity of Pennsylvania's complicated liquor laws.”

Exit surveys show customers like the wine kiosks' convenience and easy use, and according to the PLCB, early sales have exceeded expectations. The future is here. What do you think?

Full story here.