A journal,
kept in full.
Browse every published Sommo Journal article by year and month, from practical wine guides and tasting advice to cellar planning, food pairing and WSET study.
2026
292 pieces in this volume
October
18 pieces
What Wine Goes with Pumpkin Pie? Three Styles That Make Sense
Pair pumpkin pie by sweetness and spice, not by colour. Try late-harvest Riesling, Moscato d'Asti or tawny Port for different pies and learn why each works.
How to Spot Heat-Damaged Wine After Delivery
A warm parcel is a warning, not a verdict. Check the closure, leakage and flavour, then document a suspect wine delivery and contact the retailer clearly.
Wine with Thanksgiving Leftovers: Pair the Dish You Actually Made
Turkey sandwiches, soup and leftover pie need different wines. Match the sauce, sweetness and texture of each next-day dish instead of pairing by turkey alone.
Corked vs Oxidised Wine: How to Tell the Difference
Musty cardboard or faded, bruised fruit? Learn the different signs of cork taint and oxidation, how to check a suspect bottle and what to do next at home.
Can Sparkling Wine Work for an Entire Meal? A Course-by-Course Plan
Serve sparkling wine beyond the welcome toast. Choose styles for starters, mains and dessert with a course-by-course plan that keeps each pairing in balance.
Which Wine Should You Serve First at Dinner? A Host's Order of Pour
A practical wine-serving order for a dinner party: welcome drink, starter, main and dessert, with simple exceptions and a no-alcohol route for guests.
Wines Like Sauvignon Blanc, but Without the Sharp Edge
Love Sauvignon Blanc's citrus and herbs but want a gentler finish? Try five white-wine routes, from Sauvignon-Sémillon to Vermentino and dry Pinot Gris.
What Food Goes with Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine?
Pair alcohol-free sparkling wine with appetisers, fried food, creamy dishes and dessert using its acidity, sweetness and flavour, not just its bubbles.
Oeni vs Vivino: Managing an Owned Cellar or Discovering the Next Wine?
Compare Oeni and Vivino for wine discovery, owned stock, personal notes and dinner choices. Check actual plan access and backups before changing apps.
Oeni vs CellarTracker: Which Workflow Fits Your Collection?
Compare Oeni and CellarTracker for stock, bottle locations, drinking guidance and backups. Check current plan limits and a small collection before switching.
Moving a Wine Collection: A Calm Packing and Unpacking Plan
Moving with wine? Inventory, pack, transport and unpack bottles in a way that protects fragile glass and preserves the collection you built, door to door.
What Wine Goes with Roast Squash? Match the Seasoning, Not Just the Vegetable
The best wine for roast squash depends on its seasoning. Choose for sage butter, feta, chilli or a simple olive-oil roast with four practical matches.
How to Review a WSET Level 2 Mock Test
A WSET Level 2 mock score is only a starting point. Sort mistakes, revisit the official specification and retest weak links with a focused review method.
Audit Your Wine Cellar Before Holiday Hosting
Before buying holiday wine, check what is in your cellar, what is ready to open and what needs replacing. A practical 30-minute bottle audit before dinner.
Are Half Bottles of Wine Worth Buying?
A half bottle can be smarter than a standard bottle for solo dinners, dessert wine and side-by-side tastings. Learn when the smaller format is worth it.
Wine with Vegetarian Thanksgiving Mains
Pair wine with mushroom Wellington, lentil loaf, stuffed squash and other vegetarian Thanksgiving mains without defaulting to turkey advice at the table.
Hosting Drinkers and Non-Drinkers at the Same Dinner
Plan a dinner where wine and alcohol-free drinks get equal attention, from welcome pours and food pairings to quantities and gracious serving for all guests.
Crémant Explained: How to Choose a Bottle by Region
Crémant is not one flavour. Learn how to read its French regional name, sweetness term and producer to choose a sparkling wine for your food and occasion.
September
8 pieces
Inherited a Wine Collection? Your First Weekend Plan
Inherited a cellar and do not know where to start? Preserve its storage, make an inventory, spot urgent bottles and decide what needs specialist advice.
What Wine Goes with Pumpkin Soup? Pair by Recipe
The right wine for pumpkin soup depends on cream, roast flavour and heat. Choose a bottle for your actual recipe, from Chenin Blanc to off-dry Riesling.
Wines Like Pinot Noir: What to Try Next
Love Pinot Noir's red fruit and gentle tannin? Explore seven nearby red-wine styles, with label clues to choose the right alternative for your palate.
Wine by the Glass or Bottle: Which Should You Order?
Compare wine by the glass and by the bottle using the actual pour, table size and meal. A simple calculation makes the better restaurant order clear today.
WSET Level 2 Exam Mistakes: 8 Fixable Traps
Avoid eight WSET Level 2 exam mistakes: passive rereading, weak region-grape links, missed label terms, distractors, timing and unreviewed mock tests.
Wine Journal App vs Paper Notebook: Which Works Better?
Compare a wine journal app with a paper notebook for speed, memory, tasting structure, search and ownership, then choose the habit you will actually keep.
Wine Cellar App vs Spreadsheet: When Is Switching Worth It?
Compare a wine cellar app with a spreadsheet by weekly upkeep, bottle locations, history and export. Try five records before moving your whole collection.
Best Wine Learning Apps in 2026: Beginner to WSET
Five wine learning apps and platforms compared for guided basics, WSET recall, regional depth, service knowledge and bottle practice, with honest best picks.
August
31 pieces
What Wine Should I Open Tonight from the Bottles I Own?
Choose tonight's wine from your own bottles by checking availability, readiness, the meal and the occasion, with a practical shortlist and app comparison.
Best Wine Club Apps in 2026: 4 Tools for Friends Who Taste
Four wine club apps compared for events, blind tastings, group history and personal journals, with an honest winner for each kind of recurring wine club.
Best Blind Wine Tasting Apps in 2026: 4 Formats Compared
Four blind wine tasting apps compared for private ratings, guessing games, wine clubs and solo practice, with the right pick for every tasting format.
Best Wine Journal Apps for Finding Wines You Loved
Choose a wine journal app by how easily you save, find and export your notes, with a practical three-entry test and clear free and paid history limits.
Best Wine Apps for Friends in 2026: 4 Ways to Taste Together
Four wine apps compared for private tasting groups, public ratings, expert feeds and club nights, with a clear pick for every way friends drink together.
Sommo Now Speaks Japanese: Your Wine Journey in 日本語
Sommo now speaks Japanese across the app, wine guidance, WSET study tools and AI tasting notes, so every bottle can teach you in the language you use.
10 Best Aperitif Wines for a Dinner Party
Champagne, Crémant, Fino Sherry, English sparkling, Picpoul and five more aperitif wines, with quantities, temperatures and British dinner-party pairings.
$15 vs $50 Wine: What Does the Extra Money Buy?
A $50 wine can buy lower yields, better fruit, oak, time, scarcity and provenance, but not guaranteed enjoyment. Here is how to compare both bottles blind.
Best Free Wine Rating Apps: What Can You Do Without Paying?
Compare free wine rating apps for crowd reviews, personal notes and cellar records, then test the scan, history and paid limits that affect your choice.
8 Best Wine Tasting Books in 2026
Eight wine books that improve tasting rather than decorate a shelf, from a first structured note to maps, blind tasting, sensory theory and WSET study.
12 Best White Wines Under $20 in 2026
Albariño, Soave, Picpoul, Grüner Veltliner and eight more reliable white wine styles under $20, organised by body with label clues and easy food matches.
10 Best Dry Rosé Wines Under $25 in 2026
Provence, Tavel, Navarra, Cerasuolo and six more dependable dry rosé styles under $25, with label clues, food pairings and price bands that travel well.
Anki vs Quizlet for WSET: Which Flashcard App Survives Level 3?
Anki has the algorithm, Quizlet has the ease. Here is how the two flashcard apps hold up against the WSET syllabus in 2026, and where both run out of road.
ChatGPT vs Vivino: Asking a Machine About Wine, Two Different Ways
ChatGPT explains wine, Vivino scores it. Here is where each one fails in 2026, and the one thing a useful wine tool does that neither of them attempts.
Vivino vs InVintory: From Scanning a Bottle to Keeping a Collection
Compare Vivino and InVintory for scanning, recording bottles, finding stored wine and keeping notes, with a practical test before moving your collection.
Wine Tasting Etiquette: How to Visit a Winery Like a Pro
Wine tasting etiquette for winery visits: booking, spitting, tipping and buying, what to wear and ask, and the habits that mark you as a welcome guest.
CellarTracker vs Delectable: The Archive or the Diary?
CellarTracker built the archive, Delectable built the diary. Here is how the two wine note apps compare in 2026, and why one of them stopped shipping.
Vivino vs Hello Vino: Two Ways to Be Told What to Buy
Vivino asks the crowd, Hello Vino asks what you are eating. Here is how the two beginner wine apps compare in 2026 and what happens when you outgrow both.
Madeira Wine Guide: The Bottle That Refuses to Die
What Madeira wine is, how heat and age make it nearly indestructible, the four styles from Sercial to Malmsey, and why an open bottle lasts for months.
Vivino vs Delectable: The Crowd, the Connoisseurs, and a Maintenance Problem
Vivino has 70 million users. Delectable had the better taste. Here is how the two wine apps compare in 2026, including the update gap nobody mentions.
Super Tuscans: The Outlaw Wines That Beat the System
What Super Tuscan wine means, how Sassicaia and Tignanello broke Italy's rules and won, and how to buy the rebel Tuscan blends at every price level today.
Left Bank vs Right Bank Bordeaux: The Difference That Decides the Bottle
Left Bank vs Right Bank Bordeaux explained: the rivers, the gravel and clay, Cabernet versus Merlot, and how one geography lesson decodes every label.
CellarTracker vs InVintory: Records, Bottle Location and Daily Upkeep
Compare CellarTracker and InVintory by bottle records, rack location, free plans and exports. Use a small collection checklist before deciding to switch.
South African Wine Guide: Pinotage, Chenin and the Cape
A guide to South African wine: Stellenbosch and the Cape winelands, Pinotage and Chenin Blanc, Cap Classique fizz, and the bottles that prove the value.
CellarTracker vs Wine-Searcher: Records, Prices and Buying Decisions
Compare CellarTracker and Wine-Searcher for owned bottles, merchant prices and tasting history, with a delivered-price example and a practical buying checklist.
Wine Legs: What Those Streaks on the Glass Actually Mean
What wine legs really tell you about a wine, the science of tears on the glass, and why thick legs signal alcohol and sugar rather than higher quality.
Vivino vs Wine-Searcher: Ratings, Prices, and What Neither One Tells You
Vivino gives you the crowd's opinion, Wine-Searcher gives you the market price. Here is how they compare in 2026, and the question both leave unanswered.
Vivino vs CellarTracker: Discovering Wine or Tracking Bottles You Own?
Choose between Vivino and CellarTracker by shopping, tasting notes and owned stock. Compare plan boundaries and a five-bottle routine before changing apps.
Organic Wine Explained: How It Differs from Natural and Biodynamic
What organic wine really means, how EU and US labels differ, and where organic ends and natural or biodynamic begins, so the eco shelf finally makes sense.
Vinho Verde: Portugal's Fizzy, Fresh Summer Secret
What Vinho Verde is, why the green refers to youth rather than colour, the gentle fizz, the Alvarinho connection, and why it is summer's best value white.
Sommo 2.0: The Sommelier's Notebook
The biggest release in Sommo's history: a full redesign, a 3D cellar wall you can walk, one page that knows your palate, and the whole app now in the browser at web.sommo.app.
July
43 pieces
Oaked vs Unoaked Wine: What the Barrel Actually Does
Oaked vs unoaked wine explained: what barrels add, why some Chardonnay tastes of butter and vanilla, French versus American oak, and how to pick your style.
Sweet Red Wines: 9 Bottles for People Who Hate Dry Wine
Nine sweet red wines that prove you do not have to like dry wine: Lambrusco, Brachetto d'Acqui, Ruby Port, and more, with honest prices and what sweet means.
How to Write Wine Tasting Notes: A Method That Actually Sticks
How to write wine tasting notes you will actually reuse: a simple 4-line method, how the WSET SAT formalises it, a worked example, and the mistakes to avoid.
How to Tell If Wine Has Gone Bad: 5 Signs to Check
How to tell if wine has gone bad: the smells, colours and tastes that give away a spoiled bottle, whether it can make you ill, and when wine is still fine.
Best Red Wines Under $30 in 2026: 12 Bottles Worth the Step Up
Twelve red wines under $30 worth the step up: Chianti Classico Riserva, Crozes-Hermitage, Rioja Reserva, and where the regional classics finally get affordable.
Best Autumn Wines 2026: What to Drink as the Nights Draw In
The best autumn wines for 2026: Gamay, Nebbiolo and other mid-weight reds, golden whites for harvest food, and what to pour from September to November.
What Is Dry Wine? (It Doesn't Mean What Most People Think)
Dry wine explained: what dry actually means, why a mouth-drying red is not the same thing, the driest styles by colour, and how to spot hidden sweetness.
Non-Alcoholic Wine: Does Alcohol-Free Actually Taste Like Wine?
How non-alcoholic wine is made, why sparkling styles work best, what 0.0% really means, and how to pick an alcohol-free bottle that tastes like real wine.
Mulled Wine Guide: What Wine, and How to Make It
Use a cheap, fruity, unoaked red for mulled wine and never let it boil. Spice ratios, a recipe for six, white and alcohol-free versions, and party make-ahead.
Best Christmas Wine Gifts 2026: Every Budget
The best Christmas wine gifts for 2026, organized by who you are buying for and how much you want to spend, with a budget table, shipping advice and magnums.
Best BBQ Wines 2026: 12 Bottles That Work Around the Grill
The 12 best wines for a BBQ in 2026: bold reds that stand up to smoke, crisp whites for sides, and rosés that do everything. Includes grilling pairing tips.
Old World vs New World Wine: What the Difference Really Means
Old World vs New World wine explained: which countries belong to each, how the styles differ in the glass, and why the label tells you what to expect.
Wine Bottle Sizes Explained: From Half Bottle to Nebuchadnezzar
Every wine bottle size explained, from splits and half bottles to magnums and the Nebuchadnezzar, plus why magnums age wine better and the biblical names.
WSET Level 2 Exam: All 50 Questions Explained
What the 50 WSET Level 2 questions actually cover, where the marks sit across the syllabus, the three question styles used, and how to manage the 60 minutes.
WSET Level 1 Pass Rate: How Hard Is It Really?
WSET does not publish a Level 1 pass rate. Here is what is known: the exam format, the 70% pass mark, who actually fails, and how to be sure you will not.
Georgian Wine Guide: Qvevri, Amber Wine and 8,000 Vintages
A guide to Georgian wine: the buried qvevri method, Saperavi and Rkatsiteli grapes, amber wine, and why the world's oldest wine culture is suddenly new.
Dinner Party Wine: How Much and What to Buy
Plan the whole dinner party in one pass: half a bottle per guest, a 3 wine lineup by course, and a budget split that puts money where guests notice it.
Best WSET Books for Every Level (2026 Guide)
Which WSET books actually help at Level 1, 2, 3 and Diploma: what the official study pack includes, what to buy alongside it, and what you can safely skip.
WSET Diploma: Cost, Structure & Is It Worth It?
What the WSET Diploma really involves: all six units, honest cost ranges, the weekly study load, resit rules in outline, and who should not enroll.
WSET Diploma D3 Exam: 12 Tips That Actually Help
Twelve specific D3 tactics for candidates already deep in the syllabus: command words, answer structure, time per mark, and final-fortnight triage.
Introductory Sommelier Exam: What to Expect in 2026
The CMS Introductory Sommelier course and exam in 2026: the two-day format, the 60% pass mark, what the theory covers, the real cost, and a six-week plan.
English Sparkling Wine: The Fizz Now Rivalling Champagne
Why English sparkling wine keeps beating Champagne in blind tastings: the chalk soils, the grapes, the producers to know, and what a bottle should cost.
Certified Sommelier Exam: Format, Cost & Pass Rate
What the CMS Certified Sommelier exam tests, what it really costs once travel and study wine are counted, why candidates fail, and a 12-week study plan.
Best Thanksgiving Wines for 2026: 12 Bottles
Twelve Thanksgiving wines for 2026, from Crémant to Zinfandel, chosen for versatility across the whole table, not prestige. Prices and a buying table.
Sulfites in Wine: What They Are and Whether They Matter
What sulfites in wine actually do, why every label says contains sulfites, and the truth about sulfite headaches, natural wine and low-sulfite bottles.
Wine Flights Explained: How to Get More from Every Tasting
What a wine flight is, why tasting wines side by side teaches your palate faster than anything else, and how to order, build and take notes on a flight.
How to Fly with Wine: Packing Bottles Safely and Legally
How to fly with wine without breakage or customs trouble: checked bag rules, duty-free allowances for the UK, US and EU, and packing methods that work.
How Many Calories Are in a Glass of Wine?
How many calories and units are in a glass of wine, why strength and size change the number, and a free calculator to work out any pour or bottle.
Should You Chill Red Wine?
Yes, some reds are better cool. Which red wines to chill, the right temperature for each style, and a free tool that times the chill for you.
How to Never Run Out of Wine at a Party
Work out exactly how much wine to buy for a party without overspending. A simple method based on guests, hours and pour size, plus a free calculator.
5 Wine Pairing Rules That Actually Work
Five simple wine pairing rules that hold up in real life, from matching weight to using acidity and tannin. Plus a free tool to match wine to any dish.
Do Wine Vintages Actually Matter?
When the year on a wine label matters and when it doesn't. How vintage variation works, which wines it affects most, and a free tool to check any year.
Is My Wine Too Old to Drink?
How to tell if a wine is past its best, still fine, or actually improving. Signs to look for, which wines age, and a free tool to check any bottle's window.
7 Free Wine Tools Worth Bookmarking
Free wine tools for serving temperature, drinking windows, vintages, food pairings, party quantities and calories. No signup, no email, just quick answers.
Sommo Is Now on Android
Sommo is live on Google Play. A native Android app, a true port of the iPhone version, with the same wine-tuned AI, WSET prep, cellar, and tasting journal. Free to download.
Pét-Nat Explained: The Fizzy Natural Wine Everyone's Drinking
Pét-nat is the cloudy, lightly fizzy natural wine taking over summer lists. What pétillant naturel is, how it differs from Champagne, and how to drink it.
Screw Cap vs Cork: Does It Actually Affect Quality?
Does a screw cap mean cheap wine? The real differences between screw cap and cork, what each does to the wine, and which closure is actually better for you.
WSET Study Guides Now Available in Eight Languages
Sommo's free WSET Level 1-4 study guides, mock tests, and flashcards now have landing pages in German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish, Japanese, and both Chinese scripts.
Is Your Wine Vegan? How to Tell (and Why Most Labels Won't Say)
Wine is just grapes, so why isn't it all vegan? How fining agents make some wine non-vegan, how to spot a vegan bottle, and the styles most likely to qualify.
Frosé and Frozen Wine Drinks: The Easiest Summer Cooler
Frosé is the frozen rosé slushie made for hot afternoons. How to make frosé at home, the best wine to use, and three more frozen wine drinks worth blending.
The Best Wine for Sangria (and an Easy Recipe for Each)
Great sangria starts with the right wine, not the most expensive. The best reds, whites and rosés for sangria, what to avoid, and a simple recipe for each.
Low-Calorie and Low-Alcohol Wines: A Smarter Way to Drink This Summer
Want lighter wine without the buzz or the calories? How wine calories really work, the lowest-calorie styles, and the best low-alcohol wines for summer drinking.
How to Chill a Warm Bottle Fast: 5 Methods That Actually Work
Guests arriving and the wine is warm? Five fast ways to chill a bottle, from an ice-and-salt bath to the freezer trick, plus the right serving temperature.
June
31 pieces
Best Boxed Wines 2026: The Bag-in-Box Bottles Worth Buying
Boxed wine is no longer a punchline. What makes bag-in-box worth buying in 2026, the styles that shine, and how to pick a box that genuinely tastes good.
How Much Wine Do You Need for a Party? A Simple Per-Person Guide
Hosting and unsure how much wine to buy? A simple per-person formula, bottle counts by guest number and party length, plus how to split reds, whites and bubbles.
Best Canned Wines for Summer 2026: Pool, Beach, and Picnic Picks
Canned wine has grown up. The best canned wines for summer 2026: crisp whites, dry rosé and chillable reds for the pool, beach and picnic, plus what to look for.
Best Wines Under $30 in 2026: The Sweet Spot Sommeliers Actually Buy
$30 is where wine gets genuinely interesting. 12 bottles across red, white, rosé, and sparkling that outperform their price across every major style.
Sparkling Wine for Beginners: Champagne vs Prosecco vs Cava vs Crémant
Four sparkling wines, four different methods, four different price tiers. Here's how Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, and Crémant differ and when to pick each.
Wine With Turkey 2026: A Sommelier's Complete Pairing Guide
Turkey is one of the most flexible main courses for wine pairing. Here's how to pick the right bottle for roast, smoked, fried, or leftover turkey dinners.
Wine With Goose, Duck, and Game Birds: The Definitive Pairing Guide
Duck, goose, pheasant and quail are wine's perfect partners but the right bottle depends on the bird. Here's how to pair every game bird with confidence.
Wine Regions That Punch Above Their Weight in 2026: Mosel, Priorat, Piedmont and More
10 wine regions producing world-class bottles without world-class prices. From Mosel Riesling to Priorat Garnacha, the regions every serious drinker should know.
10 Underrated Grape Varieties You Should Know in 2026
Beyond Cabernet and Chardonnay lies a world of grapes producing some of the most exciting wines on earth. Here are 10 underrated varieties worth knowing.
How to Order Wine Delivery in 2026: A Practical Guide
Wine delivery has gotten cheaper, faster, and smarter. Here's how to pick the right service, avoid the markups, and get good bottles to your door.
When Is Barolo Ready to Drink? A Drinking Window Guide
Barolo is famously slow to come round. Here is how long Barolo needs, what vintage and producer style change, and how to tell when your bottle is ready.
What Is a Wine Drinking Window? When to Drink and When to Wait
A wine drinking window is the stretch of years a bottle tastes its best. Here is how windows work, what shifts them, and how to know when to open a bottle.
How Sommo Estimates Drinking Windows (And Why I Rebuilt Them)
How to read Sommo's drinking-window estimates: the wine and vintage baseline, storage context, tasting history and the uncertainty around an individual bottle.
How Long Does Burgundy Age? A Drinking Window Guide
How long does Burgundy age? It depends on red versus white, the tier, and the vintage. Here are realistic drinking windows and how to know when to open.
Best Wines for Date Night 2026: From First Date to Anniversary
Whether it's a first date or your tenth anniversary, the right wine sets the tone. 10 bottles for every stage of date night, from low-stakes to milestone.
The Beginner's Guide to Sweet Wines: From Moscato to Tokaji
Sweet wine is the most unfairly maligned category in wine. From light Moscato to legendary Tokaji, here's the full spectrum and how to drink each style.
Why Merlot Deserves a Second Look in 2026
A 2004 movie killed Merlot's reputation almost overnight. Two decades later, the grape is producing some of the best-value reds in the world. Here's why.
Best Wines for the 4th of July 2026: BBQ-Friendly Picks for Every Budget
Throwing a 4th of July party? Skip the heavy reds. These 10 wines handle grilled food, summer heat, and a mixed crowd better than any beer ever could.
Chardonnay Without Apologies: The Spectrum From Chablis to Napa
Chardonnay went from world-conquering to deeply unfashionable. Here's the full spectrum from mineral Chablis to butter-bomb Napa and why each style matters.
How to Keep Wine Fresh After Opening: 7 Methods Tested
Open bottles do not have to go flat overnight. We tested 7 methods for preserving wine after opening, ranked by how long each one actually buys you.
Sauvignon Blanc Decoded: The Three Styles That Define the Grape
Sauvignon Blanc is not one wine. From flinty Sancerre to grassy Marlborough to fumé California, here's how to recognise and choose between the three styles.
Best Wine Delivery Services 2026: Clubs, Retailers and Rare Bottles Compared
Compare wine clubs, specialist retailers, producer lists and rare-bottle auctions in the US and UK, with honest picks for every way you build a cellar.
Pinot Grigio in 2026: Why the Grape Is Better Than Its Reputation
Pinot Grigio earned its bland reputation honestly. But the serious bottlings from Friuli, Alto Adige, and Alsace are some of the best whites in Europe.
How to Pick Wine at the Grocery Store in 30 Seconds
Stuck in the supermarket wine aisle? This 30-second decision framework helps you find a good bottle for under $20 without overthinking it.
The 90-Point Wine Trap: Why Critic Scores Often Mislead and What to Trust
A 90-point score is everywhere, means almost nothing, and quietly costs wine drinkers money. Here's how scoring really works and what to use instead.
Best Wines for the Summer Solstice: 10 Bottles for the Longest Day
The 21st of June marks the longest day of the year. These 10 wines are built for late sunsets, long meals, and the unhurried rhythm of summer at its peak.
Can AI Pick the Perfect Wine for Your Dinner? A Real-World Test
We tested AI wine pairing across five real dinners, from sushi to lamb. Here's where the AI nailed it, where it missed, and what to trust at home.
Top 10 Wine Regions for a Trip With Your Best Friends
Planning a group wine trip with friends? These 10 regions handle 6-8 people perfectly, with great villa rentals, walkable bases, and group-friendly tastings.
The Truth About AI Wine Apps in 2026: Which Ones Are Actually Useful
An honest review of the major AI wine apps in 2026: scanning, cellar, journal, pairing, community and the connected workflow each one can actually support.
How to Build Your First Real Wine Cellar in 2026: A 50 to 100 Bottle Guide
Ready to move past a wine rack? This guide covers what to buy, how to budget, and how to manage a real 50 to 100 bottle wine cellar from scratch.
Wine and Asian Food Pairing: A Practical Guide That Beats the Old Myths
Wine works beautifully with Asian food once you understand spice, umami, and acidity. This guide covers sushi, Thai, Korean, Chinese, Indian, and more.
May
27 pieces
Top 10 Italian Wine Regions Beyond Tuscany: Where the Locals Actually Drink
Tuscany gets the postcards. These 10 Italian wine regions, from Piedmont to Sicily, produce some of the most exciting bottles in the world right now.
Best Wines for Graduation Parties: Crowd-Pleasers Under $25
Throwing a graduation party? These 10 crowd-pleasing wines under $25 work across mixed crowds, age groups, and palates, with quantity math and pairing ideas.
Best Wines for Wedding Season 2026: How Much to Buy and What to Serve
Planning wine for a 2026 wedding? This guide covers quantities, styles, budgets, and the bottles that please every guest without breaking the bank.
Best Wines for Father's Day 2026: 10 Bottles He'll Actually Open
Skip the generic gift baskets. These 10 Father's Day 2026 wine picks span every budget and every dad style, with bottles he'll be excited to pour.
How AI Is Changing Wine Education in 2026: From WSET to Tasting
Spaced repetition, AI-graded tasting notes, adaptive WSET prep, and personalised study plans are quietly transforming how people learn wine. Here's how.
How Long Should You Age This Bottle? A Wine Aging Cheat Sheet
Most wines should be opened young. The exceptions are worth understanding. Here's a practical guide to which bottles age, how long, and when to drink yours.
AI vs Sommelier: Can a Wine App Replace a Human Expert?
An honest 2026 comparison of what AI wine apps do better than human sommeliers, what only people can do, and where each belongs in a richer wine life.
Top 10 Wine Regions for a Romantic Getaway With Your Partner
From Tuscany's golden hills to Santorini's volcanic sunsets, these 10 wine regions are built for couples who want world-class wine and unforgettable nights.
Wine Tasting Notes Explained: How to Write Yours Like a Sommelier
Tasting notes are a tool, not a performance. This guide shows you the SAT framework, the vocabulary that matters, and how to write notes that train your palate.
Why Sommo Is Getting a Knowledge Graph
A small Oxford-run study cut Sommo's invented-winery rate by 3.5x. Here is the experiment, why it changes the next version of the app, and a brief history of how I got here.
What Your Wine Preferences Say About You: A Taste Personality Guide
Your wine taste is more than coincidence. This guide decodes what bold reds, crisp whites, natural wines, or sweet bottles reveal about your palate.
Top 10 Wine Regions to Visit This Summer 2026 (Without the Crowds)
Skip the queues in Tuscany and Napa. These 10 underrated wine regions deliver world-class bottles, dramatic landscapes, and breathing room this summer 2026.
Best Chilled Red Wines for Summer 2026: 8 Picks for the Ice Bucket
Heavy reds wilt in the heat. These 8 chillable red wines stay bright, refreshing, and food-friendly all summer long, with picks for every budget.
How to Recork a Wine Bottle: 5 Methods to Save the Rest of the Bottle
Stuck with half a bottle and a swollen cork? Here are 5 practical ways to recork wine bottles and keep what's left fresh for days, not hours.
Beaujolais Wine Guide: The Most Misunderstood Wine in France
Beaujolais is not just Nouveau. The 10 Cru villages produce complex, age-worthy reds that rival Burgundy for a fraction of the price. Here's the guide.
How to Open a Wine Bottle: Every Method, Including Stubborn Corks and Wax Seals
From waiter's friend to ah-so and screwpull: every method for opening wine bottles, including sparkling, wax-sealed, and corks that break.
Best Red Wines Under $15: 10 Bottles That Overdeliver
Genuinely good red wine under $15 is possible if you know where to look. Here are ten picks worth every penny, from juicy Malbec to earthy Côtes du Rhône.
Wine Fridge Buying Guide 2026: Do You Actually Need One?
Wine fridges range from £80 to £2,000. Here's who actually needs one, what features matter, which to avoid, and our top picks for 2026.
Cava Wine Guide: Spain's Finest Sparkling Wine Explained
Cava is bottle-fermented like Champagne but costs a fraction of the price. Here's what it is, where it comes from, how to read the label, and what to buy.
WSET Level 1 vs Level 2: Which Should You Start With?
WSET Level 1 takes 1 day; Level 2 takes 8-12 weeks. Here's which level you should start with based on your experience, goals, and budget.
Best Merlot Wine 2026: 7 Crowd-Pleasing Bottles Worth Buying
The 7 best Merlot wines in 2026: soft tannins, plummy fruit, and zero intimidation. Picks from Bordeaux to Washington State, with notes and pairings.
How Long Does Wine Last After Opening? (By Wine Type)
Opened wine doesn't last forever. Here's exactly how long red, white, rosé, sparkling, and fortified wines keep, and how to make them last longer.
Best Sauvignon Blanc 2026: 8 Bottles for Every Budget
The 8 best Sauvignon Blanc wines in 2026, from grassy Marlborough to mineral Sancerre: picks under $15, under $30, and splurge level, with tasting notes.
7 Best Moscato Wines in 2026 (Sweet to Rich)
Seven Moscato bottles worth buying, from $9 supermarket picks to Moscato d'Asti and Rutherglen Muscat, with sweetness, prices and serving advice.
How to Taste Wine Like a Sommelier: 5 Steps
The 5 steps sommeliers run on every glass: see, swirl, sniff, sip, savor. Plus the professional tasting grid, 6 mistakes to drop, and a practice plan.
Best Champagne Subscription Boxes 2026: Real Bubbles, Real Value
The best Champagne subscription boxes in 2026, reviewed and ranked. Grower Champagne, mixed sparkling, and gift-worthy clubs that deliver more than just Moët.
Skin-Contact Wine: What It Is and Why It's Trending
Discover skin-contact wine: what it is, how it differs from white wine, where it comes from, and why it's everywhere right now. Your complete guide.
April
33 pieces
How to Build a Wine Cellar on a Budget
Learn how to build a wine cellar on a budget with practical storage tips, cost breakdowns from £50 to £300+, and advice on which wines are worth cellaring.
Best Wines for Beginners Under £15: Our Top Picks
Seven beginner-friendly wines under £15 in the UK, with bottles and regions to look for at Waitrose, M&S, Sainsbury's, Majestic and local merchants.
Torrontés Wine Guide: Argentina's Most Misunderstood White Grape
Discover Torrontés: Argentina's aromatic white grape with rose, peach and jasmine aromas, dry on the palate, and exceptional value from high-altitude Salta.
Low Tannin Red Wines: 10 Smooth Picks and How to Spot Them
Ten smooth, low tannin red wines that never feel harsh, from Cru Beaujolais to real Lambrusco, plus the grapes, regions and label clues that signal softness.
How Much to Spend on Wine: A Practical Guide to Wine Budgeting
What you actually get at different wine price points, where the sweet spots are, when to splurge and how to find brilliant bottles under £15.
Best Wines for Vegetarians: Pairing Guide for Plant-Based Dishes
Match wine to vegetarian food with confidence. Roasted veg, mushroom dishes, pasta, creamy sauces and spicy food all have ideal wine partners.
Champagne for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know
A beginner's guide to Champagne: NV vs vintage, Brut to Blanc de Blancs, grower Champagne, how to read a label and find great value bottles.
Biodynamic Wine Guide: What It Really Means and Does It Taste Different?
Biodynamic wine explained: Steiner principles, the lunar calendar, Demeter certification, how it differs from organic wine, and honest tasting notes.
Sherry Wine Guide: The World's Most Underrated Wine Explained
A complete guide to Sherry: Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez explained, with food pairings and tips for buying on a budget.
Best Wines for a Dinner Party: A Practical Guide to Crowd-Pleasing Picks
How to choose wine for a dinner party: aperitifs, whites, reds, quantities, serving temperatures and budget guidance for every occasion.
Carmenère Wine Guide: Chile's Lost Grape Rediscovered
The story of Carmenère: how Chile's signature red was mistaken for Merlot for over a century, its flavour profile, key regions and food pairings.
Best Wine Subscription Boxes 2026: Curated Bottles Delivered to Your Door
The best wine subscription boxes for 2026, reviewed and ranked. Whether you want to discover new regions, nail a gift, or build your palate, find it here.
Greek Wine Guide: Beyond Retsina and Into Something Extraordinary
A beginner's guide to Greek wine: Assyrtiko, Agiorgitiko, Xinomavro and Moschofilero. Discover why Greece is one of wine's best-kept secrets.
Vermentino Wine Guide: The Underrated White You Need to Try
Discover Vermentino: the zesty, saline Italian white that outshines Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc for seafood and summer drinking.
Malbec Wine Guide: Argentina, Cahors, and Everything In Between
A complete guide to Malbec wine: Argentina vs French Cahors, flavour profile, food pairings, and tips for finding great value bottles.
Riesling Wine Guide: From Bone Dry to Lusciously Sweet
A complete guide to Riesling wine: the dry-to-sweet spectrum, key regions, how to read German labels, and food pairings. Bust the 'too sweet' myth.
How to Rate a Wine Tasting Flight in Minutes with AI
Sommo's Wine Tasting Mode scans a flight card, quick-rates every wine, captures notes, and delivers AI palate analysis before you leave the room.
Grenache Wine Guide: Flavours, Regions, and Food Pairings
Your beginner's guide to Grenache wine: flavour profile, key regions from the Rhône to Priorat, GSM blends, and the best food pairings.
Portuguese Wine: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Discover Portuguese wine beyond Port. Explore Vinho Verde, Douro reds, Alentejo, Dao, key grape varieties, and why Portugal offers the best value in wine today.
Wine and Lamb Pairing: The Best Bottles for Every Cut
The best wines to pair with lamb, from roast leg to rack and lamb stew. Bordeaux, Rhône, Rioja and more, with tasting notes and practical tips.
Best Wines for BBQ: A Summer Grilling Guide
The best red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines to pair with BBQ. Covers burgers, ribs, chicken, fish, and veggie grilling with practical serving tips.
Best Wines for a Picnic: What to Bring Outdoors
The best wines for a picnic, from portable rosé and light reds to crisp whites. Tips on what to bring, what to avoid, and how to keep wine cool outdoors.
Tempranillo: The Complete Wine Guide
Everything to know about Tempranillo, Spain's most important red grape. Explore flavour profiles, regional styles, ageing categories, and food pairings.
Best Wines for Mother's Day 2026: Gift Ideas for Every Mum
Find the perfect Mother's Day wine gift for every mum. Budget-friendly picks for rose lovers, red wine explorers, sparkling fans, and curious beginners.
Is WSET Level 2 Hard? An Honest Assessment
Wondering if WSET Level 2 is hard? Get an honest breakdown of the difficulty, time commitment, pass rates, and study tips from someone who has been there.
Australian Wine: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Discover Australian wine from Barossa Valley Shiraz to Margaret River Cabernet. Explore key regions, grapes, flavour profiles, and food pairings.
Wine and Pasta Pairing: The Complete Guide
Discover the best wine pairings for pasta, from tomato-based sauces to creamy carbonara and seafood linguine. Practical tips for every dish.
WSET Level 3 vs Level 4: Should You Go for the Diploma?
Compare WSET Level 3 and Level 4 Diploma: cost, time commitment, pass rates, exam format, and career impact. Find out whether the Diploma is right for you.
Best Wine Pairings for Grilled Chicken: A Practical Guide for Spring 2026
The best wines to pair with grilled chicken this spring. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, rosé, and Pinot Noir picks with serving tips.
How to Build a Wine Palate: A Progression Guide from Beginner to Confident Taster
Build your wine palate with a clear progression from beginner to confident taster. Habits, exercises, and strategies that accelerate development.
Chilean Wine Guide: Regions, Grapes, and What to Drink
A complete guide to Chilean wine. Explore key regions from Maipo to Casablanca, discover Carmenere, and find great bottles at every price point.
ChatGPT vs Sommo: Generic Wine Advice or Your Wine Life in One App?
ChatGPT is excellent for quick wine questions. Sommo keeps the bottles, cellar, journal, palate, pairings and tasting groups behind those questions connected.
Orange Wine Guide: What It Is, How It Tastes, and Where to Start
Everything you need to know about orange wine. Learn how skin-contact whites are made, what they taste like, the best regions to explore, and common myths.
March
35 pieces
Bordeaux Wine Guide: Left Bank, Right Bank, and Everything Between
A complete guide to Bordeaux wine. Understand Left Bank vs Right Bank, key appellations, the 1855 classification, grape varieties, and wines at every price.
WSET Level 3 Pass Rate: What to Expect and How to Succeed
WSET does not publish a Level 3 pass rate. Learn the official exam format, pass thresholds, common failure points and a practical readiness test.
WSET Level 4 Study Guide: Units, Exams and Timeline
A unit-by-unit WSET Level 4 Diploma guide with official assessment formats, the 500-hour study requirement, realistic timelines and exam strategy.
Can You Learn Wine Without WSET? (Yes, Here's How)
Yes, you can learn wine without WSET. Discover self-directed methods, apps, and resources that build real wine knowledge without the certification cost.
Côtes du Rhône vs Châteauneuf-du-Pape: What's the Difference?
Côtes du Rhône vs Châteauneuf-du-Pape: the full breakdown of what separates a $12 bottle from a $45 one, which delivers better value, and our top picks at both price points.
Spring Wine Guide 2026: Best Bottles for the Season
The best wines for spring 2026, from crisp whites and elegant rosés to light reds perfect for Easter, al fresco dining, and warmer evenings.
WSET Level 2 Pass Rate: What the Numbers Can Tell You
Understand WSET Level 2 pass rates versus the 55% pass mark, check provider statistics carefully, and build a practical revision routine around your own gaps.
Best WSET Revision Apps 2026: Flashcards, Mock Exams & AI Study Plans
Comparing the best apps and tools for WSET exam preparation in 2026. From spaced repetition flashcards to AI study plans, find the revision method that works.
Best Wine Cellar Apps 2026: Choose by How You Use Your Bottles
Compare CellarTracker, InVintory, Oeni, Vivino and Sommo by bottle entry, location, drinking decisions, free access and export before choosing a cellar app.
10 Best Chardonnays Under $30: Oaked to Steely
Ten Chardonnays under $30 across every style, from steely Chablis to rich California oak, with a style-by-style table, honest price bands, and the best regions.
Wine Barcode or Label Scanner: Which App Fits the Job?
Choose a wine scanner for label photos, shop barcodes or individual cellar bottles. Compare documented workflows, plan limits and the checks before saving.
Nebbiolo: The Grape Behind Barolo, Barbaresco & Italy's Most Demanding Reds
Nebbiolo makes Italy's most age-worthy reds, Barolo and Barbaresco. Here's what it tastes like, why it's so challenging, and where to start if you're new to it.
Sangiovese: The Grape Behind Chianti, Brunello, and Italy's Greatest Reds
Sangiovese is Italy's most planted grape, and its most versatile. From everyday Chianti to aged Brunello di Montalcino, here's the guide to understanding it.
Best AI Apps for Food and Drink in 2026 (7 That Actually Deliver)
From scanning wine labels to snapping calorie counts and turning leftovers into recipes, these 7 AI apps replace guesswork with real answers.
New Zealand Wine Guide: Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, Central Otago & More
New Zealand punches far above its weight in wine. Here's your guide to the regions, grapes, and bottles that make NZ one of the world's most exciting wine countries.
Best Wines Under $20 in 2026: 15 Reds, Whites and Rosés
Fifteen wines under $20 that consistently overdeliver: six reds, five whites, two rosés and two sparkling, with named producers and the mistakes to avoid.
Easter Wine Pairings: The Best Wines for Your Spring Feast
From roast lamb and glazed ham to spring vegetables and hot cross buns, discover the perfect wine pairings for every dish on your Easter table.
Pinot Grigio: What Does It Taste Like, and Why Do People Love It?
Light, crisp, and impossible to dislike, here's everything you need to know about Pinot Grigio: taste, regions, food pairings, and the best bottles to try.
How to Pair Wine with Food: The Complete Beginner's Guide
Wine and food pairing doesn't have to be complicated. Learn the core principles that work every time, plus specific pairings for common dishes.
German Wine Guide: Riesling, Regions, and What to Buy
German wine is misunderstood and massively underrated. Here's a straightforward guide to Riesling, the Prädikat system, and the regions that matter.
Brut vs Demi-Sec: Sweetness Levels Explained Simply
Brut, Extra Dry, Demi-Sec, Doux: exact sugar levels in g/L, how each one actually tastes, and which sweetness style to buy for aperitifs, dinner or dessert.
Wine Serving Temperature Guide: Reds, Whites, and Sparkling
Serving wine at the wrong temperature is the easiest mistake to make and the easiest to fix. Here's a practical guide to getting it right for every type of wine.
Argentine Wine Guide: Malbec, Mendoza, and More
Argentina produces some of the world's best-value wines, led by Malbec from Mendoza. Here's everything you need to know about Argentine wine regions, grapes, and bottles worth buying.
6 Best Wine Delivery Apps in 2026 (Tested and Ranked)
I ordered wine through Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart, Total Wine, BevMo and Minibar. Compare delivery speed, fees, selection and curbside pickup.
Burgundy Wine Guide for Beginners
Burgundy is the most revered (and confusing) wine region on earth. Here's a practical guide to understanding its villages, vineyards, and classifications.
Best WSET Study Materials (2026): Every Resource Ranked for L2 & L3
We tested every major WSET study resource, official textbooks, Wine Folly, Jancis Robinson, Sommo. Here's exactly what to use for Level 2 and Level 3, ranked by impact.
Best Cabernet Sauvignon Under $30: 10 Stunning Picks
These 10 Cabernet Sauvignons taste like twice the price. Sommelier-tested picks from Napa, Bordeaux, and beyond, with tasting notes for each.
What Is WSET? The Complete Guide to Wine Certification
WSET is the world's leading wine qualification, recognised in 70+ countries. Here's everything you need to know about the 4 levels, costs, books, and how to prepare.
Best Pinot Noir Under $30: 10 Bottles That Punch Up (2026)
10 superb Pinot Noirs under $30 from Oregon, Burgundy and NZ, silky red fruit, real complexity, no compromise. Updated for 2026 with new picks.
Port Wine Guide: What It Is and Why You Should Try It
Port is one of the world's great wines, and most people have never had a good one. Here's everything you need to know about styles, producers, and what to buy.
How to Decant Wine: Does It Actually Make a Difference?
Decanting wine isn't just for show. Here's when it helps, when it doesn't, and how to do it properly -- with or without a fancy decanter.
Prosecco Guide: Everything You Need to Know
From Glera grapes to DOCG classifications, here's everything you need to know about Prosecco -- how it's made, what to buy, and why it's not just cheap Champagne.
Spanish Wine Guide: Rioja, Albariño, Cava and Beyond
Spain has more vineyard area than any country on earth, and some of the world's best-value wines. Here's a practical guide to Spanish regions, grapes, and bottles worth buying.
Cooking with Wine: Which Bottles to Use
That 'cooking wine' on the grocery shelf is a crime against food. Here's what to actually use when a recipe calls for wine.
Italian Wine Beyond Tuscany: A Guide
Everyone knows Chianti and Brunello. But Italy's most exciting wines are coming from regions most people can't find on a map.
February
46 pieces
How to Build Your First Wine Collection
You don't need a cellar or a trust fund to start collecting wine. Here's a practical guide to building a collection you'll actually enjoy.
French Wine for Beginners: Where to Start
French wine can feel intimidating. Here's a straightforward guide to the major regions, what to drink, and where to start.
WSET Level 2 Study Guide: Scope, Exam and Revision
Understand the WSET Level 2 wine syllabus, exam format and revision priorities. Build a study plan around official materials and independent practice tools.
Rosé Wine Guide: Beyond Summer Sipping
Rosé is one of the most versatile and underappreciated wine styles. Here's why it deserves a year-round spot on your table and how to find the good stuff.
Best White Wine for Beginners: 7 Picks Under $25
These 7 white wines are perfect first bottles, all under $25, no guesswork. Find your style and start drinking better wine today.
Best Sparkling Wine for Beginners: 7 Picks Under $25
Not sure where to start with bubbles? These 7 sparkling wines are all under $25, covering dry, off-dry and sweet styles. Includes Prosecco, Cava and Cremant picks.
Best Rosé Wines for Beginners: 6 Styles
Six rosé styles compared on color, sweetness and price, from $8 blush to $25 Tavel, plus the 5 shelf checks that separate a dry bottle from a sweet one.
WSET Level 3 Study Plan: Free Week-by-Week Schedule to Pass First Time
A free, week-by-week WSET Level 3 study plan built around WSET's 84-hour guideline. Includes free cheat sheets, mock tests, and tasting exercises. Structured for students aiming to pass …
WSET Level 2 Study Plan: 4-Week Exam Preparation Schedule
A structured 4-week WSET Level 2 study plan with daily tasks, weekly goals, and free practice tools. Pass your Award in Wines exam with a clear schedule.
The 5 S's of Wine Tasting: See, Swirl, Sniff, Sip, Savour
The 5 S's of wine tasting, See, Swirl, Sniff, Sip, Savour, is the exact method used by sommeliers and WSET students. Master all five steps tonight with this practical guide.
Natural Wine Guide
What natural wine actually is, how it differs from conventional wine, what to expect when you open a bottle, and how to start exploring with confidence.
White Wine Guide for Beginners
White wine is more than 'the other option.' From Sauvignon Blanc to buttery Chardonnay, here's everything you need to drink white wine well.
8 Stunning Wine Regions in Europe That Won't Break the Bank
Discover 8 breathtaking European wine regions that rival Tuscany and Burgundy, but without the crowds or inflated prices. From Portugal's Douro Valley to Slovenia's hills, these hidden gems …
6 Months of Wine Learning: What to Expect
What happens when you commit to learning wine for six months? Here's the realistic timeline of knowledge, confidence, and setbacks.
Tuscany Wine Guide for First-Time Visitors
Planning your first wine trip to Tuscany? This guide covers the 5 key regions, essential wines, must-visit wineries, and practical tips.
7 Days in European Wine Country Itineraries
Planning a week in wine country? Day-by-day itineraries for Tuscany, Bordeaux, and Rioja at budget, mid-range, and luxury price points.
Wine Pairings for Takeout: A Complete Guide
Pairing guides assume you're cooking French cuisine. Here's what wine to open with the Thai, Indian, Mexican, Chinese, and pizza at your door.
23 Unwritten Wine Rules Worth Knowing
Wine has invisible etiquette insiders know but never explain. Here's which rules actually matter and which are outdated snobbery.
How to Remember Every Wine You've Loved
The average wine drinker forgets 94% of wines within 2 weeks. Here's the dead-simple system that captures every great bottle in 30 seconds or less.
Your First European Wine Trip: 2026 Guide
First-timers spend 40% more and see 60% less by visiting too many regions. Here's how to plan a wine trip that actually delivers.
Is WSET Worth It? Honest Cost vs Benefit Breakdown
WSET costs $400-$4,000+. Honest breakdown: who benefits most by career and level, what employers actually look for, real pass rates, and when it is not worth your money.
Date Night Wine Guide: What to Order
The wine list lands and your date is watching. Here's the exact script and 7 foolproof wines for any date night dinner.
12 Best Red Wines Under $20 in 2026: Value Picks
Buy the region, not a disappearing label. These 12 red wine styles deliver under $20, with real price bands, food matches and widely stocked producers.
WSET Level 3 Study Guide (2026): Exam Format and Revision
Prepare for WSET Level 3 with the official exam format, a worked short-answer example, a practical study schedule and targeted theory and tasting practice.
Wine Vocabulary: 20 Terms You Actually Need
Sommeliers use 500+ wine terms. You need exactly 20. Here's the vocabulary that lets you order confidently and understand labels.
How to Pass WSET Level 2 First Time: Study Plan & Exam Tips
Pass WSET Level 2 on your first attempt. Step-by-step study plan, key grape varieties to know, common mistakes to avoid, and day-of exam strategies that work.
10 Best White Wines Under $15 (2026 Picks)
Ten white wines under $15 that taste like they cost double, with a shortlist table, price bands, and the regions where cheap whites are still genuinely good.
Wine for People Who Think They Hate Wine
Think you hate wine? 73% of wine haters changed their mind after trying 5 different styles. Here's how to find wine you'll actually love.
Wine Scanner Got the Vintage Wrong? Check Before Saving
Check producer, cuvée, vintage and size when a wine scanner returns the wrong bottle. Retake the label, correct the match and save an accurate journal record.
Terroir Explained: Why Place Changes Wine
Pinot Noir from Burgundy tastes nothing like Pinot Noir from California. Here's why, and why understanding terroir makes you a smarter wine drinker.
9 Best Wines Under $10 in 2026: Honest Picks
Nine wines under $10 that are genuinely worth drinking, with a shortlist table, price bands, and an honest look at which regions still deliver at this price.
How to Study for WSET Using Spaced Repetition (The Science-Backed Method)
Spaced repetition is the most efficient way to memorize WSET material. Learn how the SM-2 algorithm works and how to use it for wine certification success.
12 Underrated Wine Regions Worth Exploring
Stop overpaying for Bordeaux and Napa. These hidden gem wine regions produce exceptional bottles at prices that won't make you wince.
Wine Cocktails: Spritz, Sangria, and More
Forget sad sangria at bad restaurants. Here are wine cocktails actually worth making, from the perfect Aperol Spritz to legitimately good frozen rosé.
Best Cava, Prosecco & Crémant Under $25 (2026)
12 top-rated Cava, Prosecco, and Crémant picks from $8 to $25. Every bottle blind-tested against Champagne twice its price, see which ones won.
How to Build a Personal Wine Tasting Journal (And Why It Changes Everything)
A wine journal transforms casual drinking into conscious learning. Here's how to start one, what to record, and how AI-powered journals accelerate your growth.
Best Summer Wines for Hot Weather
That bold Cabernet you love in winter? It's wrong for July. Here are the crisp whites, rosés, and chillable reds for hot weather.
Sparkling Wine Guide: Beyond Champagne
Champagne is overrated and overpriced (fight me). Here's your guide to sparkling wines that taste just as good for half the price.
Best Inexpensive Wines in 2026: 12 Bottles That Punch Above Their Price
The best inexpensive wines in 2026: 12 bottles from $6 to $30 that punch far above their price, and the exact price bands where quality outruns the cost.
How to Host a Wine Tasting Party at Home
Skip the boring wine night. Here's everything you need to throw a wine tasting party that's fun, educational, and totally impressive without being pretentious.
How to Choose Wine from a Restaurant List: Budget, Meal and Value
Choose restaurant wine by your budget, meal and preferred style. Compare glass and bottle prices, ask useful questions and treat menu scores as a shortlist.
Wine Scores Explained: What 90 Points Really Mean (And When to Ignore Them)
Wine scores decoded: what 90 points actually means, who decides it, and when a high number is just expensive marketing. The insider's guide.
How to Become a Sommelier: A Complete Career Guide
Everything you need to know about becoming a sommelier, from entry-level positions to Master Sommelier. Education paths, salary expectations, and practical steps.
WSET Level 2 vs 3: Which Should You Take First?
Compare WSET Level 2 and Level 3 by entry knowledge, study time, theory and tasting assessment, then choose a course that fits your experience and available time.
Does Wine Glass Shape Really Matter?
Riedel wants you to buy 12 different glasses. Here's the truth about wine glass shapes, the only 3 you actually need, and when any glass will do just fine.
Wine and Steak Pairing Guide for Every Cut
Ribeye needs bold Cabernet. Filet wants elegant Pinot. Here's exactly which wine to open for every steak cut, from butcher shop to backyard grill.
January
20 pieces
How to Buy Wine as a Gift for Anyone
Buying wine for your boss, a dinner party, or someone whose taste you don't know? These fail safe bottles and strategies guarantee you'll nail it every time.
How to Order Wine at a Restaurant
Sweaty palms when the wine list arrives? Learn the phrases sommeliers love to hear, how to find value, and what the tasting ritual means.
Wine Myths Debunked: 10 Common Lies
Still avoiding screw caps? Saving cheap wine to age? Stop. These 10 wine myths are costing you money and ruining good bottles.
Why Red Wine Gives You Headaches
Why does red wine give me a headache but white wine doesn't? Science reveals the true culprits behind red wine headaches, and sulfites aren't one of them.
Wine Faults: How to Tell If Your Bottle Has Gone Bad
Learn to identify the five most common wine faults including cork taint, oxidation, and heat damage. Know when to send back a bottle and when to give it time.
From Grape to Glass: How Wine Is Actually Made
Understand the five steps of winemaking from harvest to bottle. Learn how winemaking choices create different wine styles and what to look for in your glass.
Wine Glossary: 100+ Essential Terms Explained
Wine terminology dictionary with 100+ terms from A to Z. Learn what acidity, tannins, terroir, and every wine word means with clear definitions.
Best Wines Under $15: Value Bottles That Beat the Expensive Stuff
Discover the best wines under $15 that regularly outperform bottles twice the price. Expert picks for value reds, whites, and sparkling wines on a budget.
WSET Level 1 Study Guide 2026: Pass First Try in 10 Hours
Cover the full WSET Level 1 syllabus in under 10 hours. Topic-by-topic breakdown, all 30 MCQs explained, and the exact strategy 95% of candidates use to pass.
Wine and Pizza Pairing: The Ultimate Guide
The complete guide to pairing wine with every type of pizza. From Margherita to BBQ Chicken, discover the perfect wine for your next pizza night.
Chilled Red Wine: Why This Trend Makes Sense
Discover why sommeliers are putting red wine in the fridge. Learn which reds to chill, optimal temperatures, and why this trend makes total sense.
7 Best Red Wines for Beginners: All Under $25
These 7 low-tannin reds taste smooth from the first sip, no acquired taste required. Every bottle is under $25 and beginner-approved. Find your starter red.
How to Taste Wine Like a Sommelier: The 5S Method
Learn to taste wine like a sommelier in 60 seconds. The 5S method (See, Swirl, Sniff, Sip, Savor) is the simplest framework for getting more from every glass.
Best Wine Apps in 2026: 5 Apps Compared by the Job
Compare five wine apps for ratings, buying, cellar, journal and community. Choose by your task, check free-plan limits and find the Untappd for wine answer.
AI Sommelier: What It Can (and Can't) Do Better Than a Human
AI can identify wines, learn your palate, and suggest pairings instantly. But it can't read the room. Here's exactly where AI beats sommeliers, and where it doesn't.
Wine Storage Tips: Where to Keep Bottles at Home
Choose a cool, dark place for unopened wine, check conditions before buying storage, and keep bottle locations separate from estimated drinking windows.
Wine and Cheese Pairing: Which Combinations Actually Work
Pairing wine and cheese sounds simple until you get it wrong. Here are the classic combinations that reliably work, Brie with Champagne, Cheddar with Cabernet, and the logic behind them.
How to Read a Wine Label (Without Feeling Lost)
Wine labels can look like a foreign language. Here's your friendly guide to decoding them and picking better bottles with confidence.
Why Sommo Is an Investment in Yourself
Understanding the value behind Sommo's subscription model and why investing in wine education pays dividends for life.
A Beginner's Guide to Starting Your Wine Journey
Everything you need to know to start exploring the wonderful world of wine with confidence. No expertise required.
