HOW TO
Be an Instant Wine Expert
These virtual sommeliers can help you pick the right bottle.
Nothing’s quite as mortifying as choosing wine when you’re not quite sure what you’re doing.
First, there’s mispronunciation trauma. Then the trap of confidently proclaiming your Pinot Grigio has notes of crushed rocks and freshly cut garden hose.
A new crop of apps opens the cellar door for you to sip vino like a pro—and to have fun doing it.
Scan and sip
Point your iPhone at a wine label. Snap a picture. Then stand back as the easy-to-navigate Vivino app recognizes the bottle and brings forth tasting notes, customer reviews, and average price.
If you like what you see (and taste—you can order through the app), rate the wine and add it to your “cellar” to build a taste profile that generates picks just for you.
Go from spectator to participant
Wine Spectator is one of the most trusted names in fermented grape juice, and for good reason: Included in a premium app subscription are nearly 400,000 reviews, a yearly top 100 list of the best bottles, and connoisseurs answering reader questions like “Is there a polite way to tell a winemaker that I’m not enjoying their wines?” (Answer: no.)
If you’re looking for something a little lower-key, a price-conscious section features categories like reds under $20 that scored above 90 points and “extreme value” 85+ point wines under $12.
Have wine, will travel
Tock helps you book reservations for vineyard visits. Just enter the city or region you’re after and the app will fill you in on prepaid wine-filled experiences, typically based on the number of wines you want to try. (Tock also lets you make reservations at swanky restaurants with impressive wine lists.)
Labels come alive
Here’s another photo trick: Download the Living Wine Labels app, and scan the label of a participating winery with your camera. Now watch as they come to life through augmented reality.
Listen to the convicts on 19 Crimes labels explain their real-life stories of rebellion, brotherhood, and incarceration. Or, with Walking Dead Wines, watch out for zombies! If you’re extra wine- and bloodthirsty, buy a second bottle and the zombies will even fight each other.
Wine down on the couch
And if you prefer to imbibe from the comfort of your living room, Postmates delivers to your door. You can also arrange for pickup. Under “Places,” search the app for your favorite wine shop. Or tap the “Items” icon next to it and look up who carries your favorite bottle or grape. Please note that it’s at the delivery person’s discretion whether to join you for a toast.