Disclosed is an improved method, system, and mechanism for a reader mechanism for a container-based approach for monitoring the history and/or quality of a consumable product. According to one approach, a monitoring mechanism is affixed to a wine container (e.g., a wine bottle) to monitor the handling/storage history and/or the drinkability of the wine inside the container. One or more environmental sensors are associated with the monitoring mechanism which tracks environmental conditions that may affect the wine. The tracked environmental conditions are analyzed to determine and/or indicate the drinkability of the wine. A reader mechanism is used to access and/or control the monitoring mechanism.