Review Insights · App Store
WineRatings+ by Wine Spectator
M. Shanken Communications, Inc. · 1,009 ratings · ★ 4.6
4.6
★★★★★
1,009 ratings
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Top complaints - extracted from 57 negative reviews
Recurring phrases mined from 1-2★ reviews. The bigger the percentage, the more users have the same problem. Fix the top 2-3 in your version and you have product-market fit on day one.
1
"subscription"
27 negative reviews mention this · 47% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Won’t let me sign in. Already have a web based subscription, but the app won’t let me sign in. Just promos an App Store based subscription." - jpatric7
2
"wine"
19 negative reviews mention this · 33% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Declining app. This app has become less and less useful. Many wine rating searches turn up zero results. Time for me to abandon this app." - Pdfruge
3
"paid"
12 negative reviews mention this · 21% of all complaints
★★★★★ "App doesn’t allow subscription. Just circles endlessly when trying to sign up for paid subscription. Useless." - I want to watch the Knicks
4
"free"
12 negative reviews mention this · 21% of all complaints
★★★★★ "No content without subscription. It’s not a free app with additional features, if you pay for them. Now requires paid subscription to access any content. Used to have free content within the app." - NoneNoneNone00000000
5
"already"
10 negative reviews mention this · 18% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Won’t let me sign in. Already have a web based subscription, but the app won’t let me sign in. Just promos an App Store based subscription." - jpatric7
6
"access"
10 negative reviews mention this · 18% of all complaints
★★★★★ "No content without subscription. It’s not a free app with additional features, if you pay for them. Now requires paid subscription to access any content. Used to have free content within the app." - NoneNoneNone00000000
7
"vintage"
9 negative reviews mention this · 16% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Nothing for me. I get nothing out of this app. On the rare occasions (maybe 1 out of 5) that I find the wine I’m searching for, the newest vintage is 8 or 10 years old. Maybe it works for somebody but not for me, I’ll be canceling my subscription." - Mthornh
8
"magazine"
9 negative reviews mention this · 16% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Irritating your loyal subscribers. I subscribe to the magazine! I subscribe to the website! And now you’re forcing me to subscribe to this app just to get the vintage charts?! This makes me so angry that I’m considering canceling everything and sending my money to Enthusias…" - I never rate movies
9
"store"
8 negative reviews mention this · 14% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Won’t let me sign in. Already have a web based subscription, but the app won’t let me sign in. Just promos an App Store based subscription." - jpatric7
10
"month"
8 negative reviews mention this · 14% of all complaints
★★★★★ "So frustrating. So, I subscribe online, thinking I would be able to use the app also. Nope. Another $2.99 a month ON TOP of what I’ve already paid. No thank you." - Stow1
11
"find"
7 negative reviews mention this · 12% of all complaints
★★★★★ "So far not impressed. I have yet to find a bottle in this app that I am drinking or thinking of buying. Just looked for Santa Barbara Syrah and got multiple bottles from only a few wineries. A. It more diversification would be appreciated." - Dcgoody
12
"subscribe"
7 negative reviews mention this · 12% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Subscription Paywall. I already subscribe to print and digital, so was surprised to find the app also requires a separate additional subscription. Subscription fatigue is a thing for a reason. I understand the technical integrations on the backend make it diffic…" - disabled account for no reason
📋 All 57 negative reviews
Every 1-2★ review we fetched. Use the copy button to grab them all for your own analysis (paste into ChatGPT/Claude with a prompt like "summarize core user problems, group by theme, ignore bugs, focus on missing features").
Declining app
This app has become less and less useful. Many wine rating searches turn up zero results. Time for me to abandon this app.
Won’t let me sign in
Already have a web based subscription, but the app won’t let me sign in. Just promos an App Store based subscription.
Subscription Paywall
I already subscribe to print and digital, so was surprised to find the app also requires a separate additional subscription. Subscription fatigue is a thing for a reason. I understand the technical integrations on the backend make it difficult for the dev team to understand who is already subscribing to what, but luring loyal subscribers (or anyone really) from the App Store to slam into an immediate paywall is very bad customer experience. WS should know better.
It doesn't recognize my subscription.
I have an active subscription and the App does not work on my phone.
Can’t login
Started new subscription online … but there is nowhere to put in username and passcode. It’s just selling the 2.99 subscription (no way to cancel / X out).
App doesn’t allow subscription
Just circles endlessly when trying to sign up for paid subscription. Useless.
Terrible customer service!
My subscription expired but my attempt to renew on the app did not work. Called customer service to resolve twice. Unsuccessful because reps can barely speak English and could not explain a confusing array of options. Finally, I gave up. Renewing not worth hassle.
App is now paid only. Vintage information is gone.
App is now paid only. Vintage information is gone. Garbage update. Awful money grab. Guess just use vivino
No content without subscription
It’s not a free app with additional features, if you pay for them.
Now requires paid subscription to access any content.
Used to have free content within the app.
Now requires paid subscription to access any content.
Used to have free content within the app.
Irritating your loyal subscribers
I subscribe to the magazine! I subscribe to the website! And now you’re forcing me to subscribe to this app just to get the vintage charts?! This makes me so angry that I’m considering canceling everything and sending my money to Enthusiast, Advocate, and Decanter instead. I have now DELETED THE APP since the paywall was instituted, after using it frequently over the past couple of years.
An add on cost to the magazine and no longer offers vintage charts
After subscribing to that magazine for many years, I occasionally would also pay for the digital version.
Now that the app removed vintage charts, I’m just not going to renew the magazine either. I get you have to monetize things, but if I can’t even review a vintage chart on my phone in a wine cellar or store where you often don’t have internet access, I can’t justify spending anything with this company.
Now that the app removed vintage charts, I’m just not going to renew the magazine either. I get you have to monetize things, but if I can’t even review a vintage chart on my phone in a wine cellar or store where you often don’t have internet access, I can’t justify spending anything with this company.
Double whammy
As a subscriber to Wine Spectator magazine, you are now going to charge me for the mobile app. I’m planning to delete app and may not renew subscription.
Only access w/ paid subscription - no basic access anymore
Just like others noticed, this app now only works with a paid subscription that amounts to $36/ year.
Like other users, I decided to press the delete button and after many years of use (10y?), it now is history and no longer on my phone.
I used it now for many years mainly for a quick look at the vintage charts and every once in a while I also had a subscription but I found that unless you are in the industry it’s not worth spending this for occasional use. I’m not a fan of a subscription model, especially not for things you only need once in a while. I thought it was a good play on their part as a teaser to get the magazine or even if you wanted to get individual ratings which were only available with a subscription. Maybe it’s worth if you get it as part of a magazine subscription as well but not as standalone.
WS mentioned that their website is mobile friendly and the basic info is still free on their site.
Like other users, I decided to press the delete button and after many years of use (10y?), it now is history and no longer on my phone.
I used it now for many years mainly for a quick look at the vintage charts and every once in a while I also had a subscription but I found that unless you are in the industry it’s not worth spending this for occasional use. I’m not a fan of a subscription model, especially not for things you only need once in a while. I thought it was a good play on their part as a teaser to get the magazine or even if you wanted to get individual ratings which were only available with a subscription. Maybe it’s worth if you get it as part of a magazine subscription as well but not as standalone.
WS mentioned that their website is mobile friendly and the basic info is still free on their site.
Forced payment
Used to be the go-to app for knowledge of vintages and wine related articles. Forced to subscribe to use at all. Deleting app.
Used to work now requires expensive subscription
Some features were free, now you cannot use unless you pay hefty subscription. Had to delete
Usability got worse with facelift - will stop auto review after 3+yr subscriber
- poor communication, update came without announcement or explanation why this is better
- even App Store pictures are not updates (shows the previous version from 2015-2020)
- more “fancy” design, low usability
- major downgrades vs previous design; only a few wines at a glance, lack of structure for glancing across wines, missing date of latest review this unclear when new wines are added
- new design amateurish implemented, lost of label pictures missing, empty squares just eat space, too much empty spaces between text and missing alignments just take space and limits number of wines to be seen at a glance
- there is so much more which brings utility down for me
- paying for years, got this as a surprise, would have expected any heads up or market /UI research getting feedback from existing customers
- looking at reviews most complain that no free elements anymore - GOOD LUCK monetizing app from Millennials which design seems targeted for
- just ended auto renewal - I am done
- even App Store pictures are not updates (shows the previous version from 2015-2020)
- more “fancy” design, low usability
- major downgrades vs previous design; only a few wines at a glance, lack of structure for glancing across wines, missing date of latest review this unclear when new wines are added
- new design amateurish implemented, lost of label pictures missing, empty squares just eat space, too much empty spaces between text and missing alignments just take space and limits number of wines to be seen at a glance
- there is so much more which brings utility down for me
- paying for years, got this as a surprise, would have expected any heads up or market /UI research getting feedback from existing customers
- looking at reviews most complain that no free elements anymore - GOOD LUCK monetizing app from Millennials which design seems targeted for
- just ended auto renewal - I am done
Disappointed
For years this application had free version which was sufficient for basic browsing. Suddenly the only option became a paid subscription. While I never used premium options I don’t have any need to use them in the future. Feels like extortion.
Used to be good
I used this app frequently whenever buying wine but now it says I need to restore my purchase in order to view the ratings? Yet their website says the wine ratings are free on the app. Somebody needs to figure that out because something is wrong. Either the app or the website.
So frustrating
So, I subscribe online, thinking I would be able to use the app also. Nope. Another $2.99 a month ON TOP of what I’ve already paid. No thank you.
App Automatically Pasted from Clipboard
Because of the new iOS notifications, I’ve learned this app automatically pastes your clipboard (for who knows what nefarious purpose, but presumably to cash in on your data for ads) every time you open the app, and every time you return to it after putting it in the background. I’m reconsidering sending them $3, but in the meantime they’ll find some rude messages on my clipboard (in the unlikely event an actual human reads them).
Basic - don’t expect much
For $2.99 / month you can search the rating database for a specific wine. You cannot search for general characteristics like “Napa Cabernet > 90 pts and 2007, 2008, 2009”.
Additionally, there is no local database so you need a good net connection and patience. If you’re in a wine shop and don’t have a good connection (all that wine does absorb RF signals) you’re out of luck.
It’s basic.
And of course their brilliant marketing program means you don’t get access to the wine database on the web, that’s a separate subscription. This is strictly iPad/iPhone.
I’d like an app that helps me in the store, and in a restaurant. A 10yr old California Chardonnay that only produced 300 cases is not relevant!
Additionally, there is no local database so you need a good net connection and patience. If you’re in a wine shop and don’t have a good connection (all that wine does absorb RF signals) you’re out of luck.
It’s basic.
And of course their brilliant marketing program means you don’t get access to the wine database on the web, that’s a separate subscription. This is strictly iPad/iPhone.
I’d like an app that helps me in the store, and in a restaurant. A 10yr old California Chardonnay that only produced 300 cases is not relevant!
No updates in July?
No July upstate but still charged my account
Out of date
The vintage reviews are over a year out of date and wine reviews are increasingly incomplete.
Garbage
Don’t even bother. Pop-up every second asking you to register. Last time i ever use this app. Deleted.
Limited Utility
Even though I subscribe to the magazine, I find the app has limited utility - everything you select takes you to a subscription offer, with no access unless you subscribe. The magazine advertises the Xvalues section as free, but it’s not, rather it’s just the parent app that is free.
Subscription won’t open on second device...
Bought the subscription on my iPad and cannot enable the subscription on my phone. Keep getting screens telling me to subscribe and that I’m already subscribed... Have read all the pertinent support articles, which tell me to enable the new device on a page that does not exist. Ugh. So frustrating.
Don’t waster your money u til the search app is upgraded
The app is clunky and not user friendly. You can’t custom your wine search to exactly what you want. The online version is much better. The app just felt second rate. I’ve used free apps that are better organized. It is also horrible that if you buy the online subscription you also have to pay additional for the app as well. Don’t waste your time.
Really?
So I am already a Wine Spectator member but it won’t let me sign in - signup window keeps popping up. Finally I just deleted the stupid app...
Terrible
The app is simply frozen, cannot even open. I have used for years and doesn’t work on my
New phone
New phone
Bug fix NOT
Still doesn’t display typing in search window. Sheesh.
Subscription
I already pay for mag/web Wine Spectator. Why should I pay more for a pretty lousy app.
Search keyboard entry does not work.
See above.
Free Trial with limited access?
The Vintage Charts section of the app has no content when I choose one of the country flags. Other areas are also empty/missing content. I don’t know whether something failed to download when I installed the app or if this is a bug. It seems like only the Learn and Explore sections have any content. Without access to the full app, why would someone choose to continue the subscription beyond the free trial period?
Your bug fix broke the app for iPhone 10!!!
Can’t believe it! Worked perfectly before your bug fix! Now it won’t accept keyboard entry.
No more vintage ratings...
Without paying for a membership you can’t get vintage ratings.
Poor Customer Service
Be wary if you subscribe to the expert wine reviews. When you no longer want the service there is no way to deactivate online. You are instructed to call customer service at Wine Spectator. However, Wine Spectator customer service will tell you they can’t find any record of your purchase and instruct you to call Apple. Absolutely horrible customer service. Not worth the hassle.
Useless
Once you have a problem, you cat get any help
Even paying for the app won’t make the paywall disappear
I’ve been a subscriber for about a year, and while I found the app to be pretty great overall (super useful to have vintage charts and trusted reviews at your fingertips!), with the most recent update I am unable to access the content, as the paywall seems to have ignored the fact that I’m already a paying subscriber. This is especially annoying as I’m currently in wine country, so now would be the time that this app is most useful to me, but alas...
Double billing
I have to agree with the previous review. This is a class action lawsuit waiting to happen. I subscribed to wine spectator for 59.95/year. Only to discover a monthly billing from apple for 2.99/ month. Now here is the rub: I cancelled my subscription to wine spectator in July of last year.
How can Apple continue to Pay wine spectator for a subscription I cancelled with wine spectator. Why didn’t wine spectator tell apple I cancelled. When you go to the wine spectator website from your phone it automatically shows you the download app from App Store. On wine spectators site there are multiple subscription options one of which is digital access. You would assume as a consumer that purchasing an online subscription when there is a option provided by apple to download the app that they would be one and the same.
This is a deceptive practice. Hopefully there is a lawyer that will read the review prior to purchasing that will take the case.
Mark
How can Apple continue to Pay wine spectator for a subscription I cancelled with wine spectator. Why didn’t wine spectator tell apple I cancelled. When you go to the wine spectator website from your phone it automatically shows you the download app from App Store. On wine spectators site there are multiple subscription options one of which is digital access. You would assume as a consumer that purchasing an online subscription when there is a option provided by apple to download the app that they would be one and the same.
This is a deceptive practice. Hopefully there is a lawyer that will read the review prior to purchasing that will take the case.
Mark
Crashing all the time now
The app is constantly crashing on me now. Whatever fix you did did not help me. I even deleted it and lost all of my data in favorites. And when I downloaded it it's still crashes. What's that about? Very bummed out
Worthless
Pretty much worthless unless you want to spend $2.99 per month for the paid version. Deleting the app now.
Free to download
Just of no use unless you loose your wallet on this. If you are hoping that you can access a world of wine just by downloading, you are mistaken. All you are doing is increasing number of downloads of a useless wine app
Free....really?
Sad that this is "free" when you download but there is absolutely nothing you can do with it without adding the paid subscription. Going with Vivino.
Skip it
I'm a subscriber to the print and online Wine Spectator magazine...$75/yr for that privilege. Astounded that my membership isn't enough to get me access to even basic info via the mobile app. Very sad.
I won't pat subscription
Horrible. I won't pay for a subscription to be able to search. I agreed to have advertisement of wines and related or suggestions, so get paid by the advertisers , not me the end user. Not agreed, so already deleted and happy using another app.
Pay thru the nose.
2.99 a month?
Virtually no info without a paid subscription? Don't bother!
Virtually no info without a paid subscription? Don't bother!
They hide their real prices: its a monthly fee!
They state the pro version is 2.99. However, if you read the terms, it says a monthly subscription of 2.99. Pretty deceptive. Removing.
So far not impressed
I have yet to find a bottle in this app that I am drinking or thinking of buying. Just looked for Santa Barbara Syrah and got multiple bottles from only a few wineries. A. It more diversification would be appreciated.
Limited Coverage
I have found this app to be lacking in up to date reviews. Standing in the store my success rate (finding a review of 2021-2022 wines maybe 1 in 5.
Nothing for me
I get nothing out of this app. On the rare occasions (maybe 1 out of 5) that I find the wine I’m searching for, the newest vintage is 8 or 10 years old. Maybe it works for somebody but not for me, I’ll be canceling my subscription.
+ 7 more in the clipboard copy
Sentiment summary
92%
Positive (4-5★)
2%
Neutral (3★)
5%
Negative (1-2★)