We propose a data mining approach to predict human wine taste preferences that is based on easily available
analytical tests at the certification step. A large dataset (when compared to other studies in this domain) is
considered, with white and red vinho verde samples (from Portugal). Three regression techniques were
applied, under a computationally efficient procedure that performs simultaneous variable and model
selection. The support vector machine achieved promising results, outperforming the multiple regression
and neural network methods. Such model is useful to support the oenologist wine tasting evaluations and
improve wine production. Furthermore, similar techniques can help in target marketing by modeling
consumer tastes from niche markets