he touchscreen revolution continues (poor neglected buttons). Myriad endeavors and applications have embraced touch technology, eschewing the more visceral push-button and face-to-face types of interactions. Computer and tech giant, Apple became the most famous example thanks to its massively successful iPhones and iTouches. Other practitioners include Microsoft, whose Surface debuted as an AT&T kiosk tool, and Reactrix, whose virtual concierges will enter service at Hilton Hotels. Now, thanks to the forthcoming Clo, wine too will benefit from the trend.

Located on the fourth floor of Manhattan's fittingly futuristic Time Warner Center, an ultramodern new bastion of wine culture is set to open. An advanced labor of love from a coterie of sommeliers, Clo will fuse thorough vino knowledge with a progressive new bar concept.

While wine culture epicenters -- especially in New York -- tend toward dark palettes and rich tones, Clo's forward-looking bright aesthetic and refreshing approach have an iconoclastic air.

The one thousand square foot space will ensconce a large communal table. Within, touch screens will allow patrons to peruse a database of information on the shop's stock, bouncing about through tasting notes, styles, regions, makeups, etc. Though interactive virtual sommeliers should make the client-booze transaction easy and individualized, Clo's onsite staff will provide a still obligatory -- though perhaps not for long -- human face.