In the realm of technological gadgets, I would be considered a laggard. I use my devices for years until they give out and then suffer panic attacks trying to transfer my data into new, unfamiliar devices. You know it's bad when your parents ask if you've got WhatsApp and you have no idea what they're talking about. Last year, I was happily tapping on my Palm PDA (does anyone remember what a PDA is? Or Palm?) when the tech gods, fed up at my slow pace of adoption, caused it to slip out my hand (and its casing), subsequently landing face first onto the tarmac. And then a car ran over it.
Cursing (under my breath, as in my pocket was an ancient phone I hoped they hadn't yet noticed), I was forced to queue in line for the then newly released iPad 2. Fortunately, it is a joy to use. A wealth of applications means that the iPad possesses great versatility (although my niece is somewhat disappointed that she cannot find Angry Birds on it). I have found it an indispensable device for taking down wine notes and keeping tabs on appointments.
The large, clearly lit screen also means that the iPad is a great reading device. Despite initial concerns, I have not felt any eye strain from reading articles on it for an extended period. Wine magazines have started to expand into this new distribution channel, with varying degrees of success. Here's a list of some of the magazines available in the App Store.
1. Decanter Magazine International
Decanter is Europe's leading wine magazine and is read by experts and enthusiasts alike. It has an exciting mix of news, interviews with leading wine personalities, regional profiles, plus recommendations from classic regions such as Bordeaux and Burgundy to the new wine stars of the New World and beyond.
Price
App is free to download, each issue costs US$7.99.
Review
Decanter is probably the best wine magazine out there, with insightful articles and just the right amount of depth that will appeal to wine novices and experts alike. The iPad version is a straight copy of the print edition, which means that you have to zoom in to read the tiny font. The user interface could be improved. It took me a few tries before I found out that I had to tap on the bottom of the screen to bring up the menu, and if you want to e-mail an article, you have to go through the troublesome process of selecting the part of the article you want to send. There are also a few bugs with the application, for example, sometimes I was unable to scroll down to view all the issues available under the Store page. A sample issue is available. The iPad version is a surprising let-down considering the high quality of the magazine.
2. Wines and Vines
Official blurb
The Wines & Vines App is the one-stop for wine industry news, articles and wine sales channel data and analysis.
Price
Free
Review
A well written, in-depth look at winemaking. This magazine will appeal to hard-core wine geeks. Each issue is broken into several sections that are easily accessed via the Navigator button on the top left. The magazine makes use of digital features by embedding videos and providing a search function. Articles can be shared on Facebook, Twitter and via e-mail. Technicality of articles can be daunting for the wine novice. A recent issue focused on the use of oak to set tannin structure, improve colour through co-pigmentation and mask the vegetal characteristics of pyrazines. If that last statement didn't cause your eyes to glaze over, this mag's for you.
3. Palate Press
3. Palate Press
Official blurb
Palate Press is a modern electronic wine magazine, providing the most exciting and interesting wine content available today. Columnists, sommeliers, wine growers and wine lovers all contribute to the magazine, producing weekly feature stories from around the world, along with daily tasting notes, wine advice, and more.
Price
App is free to download, each issue costs US$0.99
Review
The strength of this magazine lies in its diversity. There are articles on wine science, food pairing, health, wine trends, cocktails, regional reports and a book review, all in one issue. This tends to make the magazine less focused than others reviewed here. The iPad version contains additional content not found on the online version of the magazine. In terms of visual appeal, the magazine looks as though someone pasted everything in a word processor, added a few images and links, and converted it into a pdf. Interesting reads, but not enough value-add compared to just reading off the website.
4. Uncorked
Official blurb
Wine from Grape to Glass. Engaging and accessible coverage of the world of wine from an editor who's actually a vintner himself. Uncorked brings you wine news, discerning reviews, taste tests, and unexpected but delicious food pairings. You'll also get plenty of luscious photos and behind-the-scenes stories from vineyards and winemakers around the world.
Price
App is free to download. Subscription plans cost US$0.99 a month or $9.99 a year (for 48 issues).
Review
Beautiful, vivid photographs and accessible articles make this magazine a joy to browse through. The display is optimised for the iPad and is thus easy on the eyes. The content is well-organised; divided into news, human interest and tasting notes. It makes nifty use of the iPad features by embedding videos and slideshows, making reading a truly interactive experience. With several free issues available and a wallet-friendly subscription plan, this is a worthwhile addition to the wine lover's digital library.
5. James Halliday's Wine Companion
Official blurb
The NEW James Halliday’s Wine Companion ipad magazine is essential reading for both new and established Australian wine lovers. The magazine features articles by James Halliday (who better to explain how to taste wine than the great man himself?), the most sought-after wine reviews, travel through the great wine regions of the world, wine and food news, lunch interviews with winemakers, cheese makers, cider makers, coffee roasters and even brewers.
Price
App is free to download, each issue costs US$6.99.
Review
James Halliday is Australia's best known wine writer and the leading authority on Australian wines. So when he decides to put out a magazine, you can be sure it's going to be well-written and informative. I love the ease of navigation, interactive displays and array of fun and interesting articles. The magazine makes full use of the iPad's capabilities. For example, you can tap on a gorgeously detailed picture of a steak to reveal the recipe, cooking method and wine match. It's a magazine that will appeal to anyone who has an interest in food and wine. Well worth the price.
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