The 5 Best Wine Apps in 2026: Which One Is Right for You?

Your smartphone can be your sommelier. Here’s how to pick the perfect wine app for your journey.

So you’re standing in a wine aisle, staring at hundreds of bottles, wondering if that $18 Malbec is actually worth it. Or maybe you’ve just tasted something incredible at dinner and want to remember it forever. Either way, you need a wine app.

But with dozens of options out there, which one deserves space on your phone?

I’ve spent weeks testing the most popular wine apps of 2026 to help you decide. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned collector, there’s an app here for you.

What Makes a Great Wine App?

Before diving in, let’s establish what actually matters:

• Ease of use: Can you scan a label and get useful info in seconds?
• Accuracy: Does it recognize wines correctly?
• Learning value: Does it make you smarter about wine?
• Price: Is the free version useful, or is it just a teaser?
• Privacy: Is your data being sold to advertisers?

With that framework, let’s explore your options.

1. Vivino

Best for: Social wine discovery and finding deals

Vivino is the giant in this space, with over 60 million users and the largest wine database on the planet. Point your camera at any label, and chances are Vivino has it catalogued with community ratings.

Strengths:

• Massive database means excellent label recognition
• Community ratings from millions of users
• Price comparisons and purchase options
• Strong social features (follow friends, see what they’re drinking)

Weaknesses:

• Ad-heavy experience on free tier
• Ratings can be inconsistent (crowd-sourced quality varies)
• Limited educational content
• Can feel overwhelming for beginners

Price: Free with ads; Vivino Premium removes ads

Verdict: If you want to know what the crowd thinks and potentially buy wine through the app, Vivino is hard to beat. Just don’t expect it to teach you much.

2. CellarTracker

Best for: Serious collectors managing large cellars

CellarTracker has been around since 2003, and it shows in both its comprehensive features and its somewhat dated interface. With over 13 million tasting notes, it’s the go-to for collectors who want detailed inventory management.

Strengths:

• Exceptional cellar management tools
• Market valuations for investment tracking
• Detailed professional tasting notes
• Drink window recommendations

Weaknesses:

• Interface feels dated compared to modern apps
• Steep learning curve
• Overkill for casual wine drinkers
• More focused on collecting than learning

Price: Free basic; subscription for premium features

Verdict: If you have 50+ bottles and care about their value, CellarTracker is essential. If you’re just getting started with wine, look elsewhere.

3. Delectable

Best for: Following sommeliers and wine professionals

Delectable takes a different approach: instead of crowd-sourced ratings, it emphasizes reviews from verified sommeliers and wine professionals. The result is a more curated, trustworthy experience.

Strengths:

• Expert reviews you can actually trust
• Clean, modern interface
• Strong social features
• Good label scanning

Weaknesses:

• Smaller database than Vivino
• Limited educational resources
• Less useful for everyday wines
• Premium features locked behind paywall

Price: Free with premium subscription option

Verdict: Great if you want to follow industry experts and discover high-end wines. Less useful for learning the basics or exploring budget-friendly options.

4. Wine-Searcher

Best for: Price comparison and finding where to buy

Wine-Searcher isn’t really a wine education app. It’s a price comparison engine. If you know exactly what you want and need to find the best deal, this is your tool.

Strengths:

• Comprehensive pricing data from merchants worldwide
• Excellent for finding rare bottles
• Professional-grade information
• No-nonsense, utility-focused design

Weaknesses:

• Not beginner-friendly at all
• No scanning feature
• No educational content
• More of a search engine than an app experience

Price: Free basic; Pro subscription for advanced features

Verdict: Essential for bargain hunters and collectors seeking specific bottles. Not useful for learning about wine or casual discovery.

5. Sommo

Best for: Beginners who want to actually learn about wine

Full disclosure: this is our app. But here’s why we built it differently.

Sommo approaches wine as a learning journey, not just a database. Yes, you can scan labels and get instant information. But the real value is in how the app teaches you to understand what you’re drinking and remember it.

Strengths:

• AI-powered label scanning with detailed explanations
• Gamified learning with XP, levels, and achievements
• Bite-sized lessons that actually stick
• Personal wine journal with lifetime retention (Premium)
• Explore 1,000+ wine regions interactively
• Completely ad-free (even the free version)
• Privacy-respecting (we don’t sell your data)

Weaknesses:

• Smaller community than Vivino (we’re newer)
• iOS only (for now)
• No in-app purchasing of wine
• Limited social features compared to larger apps

Price: Free (5 lifetime scans, 30-day journal); Premium $4.99/month or $29.99/year

Verdict: If you’re new to wine and want an app that makes you smarter, not just helps you pick a bottle, Sommo is designed for exactly that.

Quick Comparison Table

So Which App Should You Download?

Here’s my honest recommendation:

Download Vivino if you primarily want to check ratings and prices while shopping, and don’t mind ads.

Download CellarTracker if you have a serious collection and need inventory management.

Download Delectable if you want to follow sommeliers and discover premium wines.

Download Wine-Searcher if you’re hunting for specific bottles at the best price.

Download Sommo if you’re curious about wine and want to actually understand what you’re drinking, not just rate it.

The truth is, many wine lovers end up using multiple apps for different purposes. But if you’re just starting your wine journey and want one app that will grow with you, we’d love for you to give Sommo a try.