Automated Chemical Profiling of Wine by Solution NMR Spectroscopy: A Demonstration for Outreach and Education

Profiling complex chemical mixtures provides a unique opportunity for outreach and education. Here, we develop a teaching module using one-dimensional ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to study wine. The demonstration is delivered at the Georgia Tech NMR Center during the Atlanta Science Festival to 127 visitors from diverse backgrounds, including families with K-12 children. Participants interact with wine samples through cognitive and sensory experiences. Visitors engage with a live demonstration of a high-field NMR spectrometer, including real-time measurement and automated analysis of ¹H NMR spectra for 14 wines. The module enables instructors to showcase how an NMR spectrometer works, quantify 70 wine metabolites, and discuss how chemical composition relates to wine characteristics. Practical examples highlight how ¹H NMR can detect wine fraud. An exit survey suggests that the module increases public interest and excitement for research. Adults report learning factors affecting wine characteristics and the basics for how NMR is applied to research. K-12 students retain information about wine composition and enjoy sensory aspects of the activity. A description of the demonstration's design and implementation is provided to facilitate its adoption in outreach efforts and introductory chemistry courses.