The wine world is historically known for its tradition and exclusivity; however, Winelikes is shaking it up with something refreshingly modern: connection, fun, and community. Founded by Jeff Gillis, a WSET2-certified sommelier, former food & beverage director, and wine professor, Winelikes is the social wine app that opens up the door for individuals to fully immerse themselves into the wine world in a more welcoming and fun way.
Why Winelikes Was Created for Wine Enthusiasts
Jeff noticed a growing gap between how people talk about wine socially and how the wine world presents it. He was tired of apps that focused solely on ratings or buying bottles, which led to the question: “Where’s the wine version of Instagram x Duolingo?”
Instead of just reviews or e-commerce, Jeff envisioned a platform where:
- Users could learn, share, and play all things wine
- Wine lovers at all levels felt welcome
- The digital wine experience reflected how we enjoy wine in real life– together.
What Makes Winelikes Different?
A Social-First Platform
Unlike other wine apps that lean into professional scoring or online wine stores, Winelikes is built for social interaction. Think less “expert-only club” and more “wine hangout with friends.”
“We’re not trying to tell you what to drink,” Jeff says, “We’re giving you tools to explore and connect, so you can decide for yourself what you do and don’t enjoy.”
From sharing what you’re sipping to discovering user-created pairing, Winelikes is like a virtual tasting room, open 24/7 for wine enthusiasts all around.
Gamified Wine Learning
One of the app’s standout features is its playful, interactive features. Wine becomes more than a beverage– it’s a game to help educate.
You’ll find:
- Daily wine quizzes
- Winedle (like Wordle, but for wine lovers)
- Wine bingo
- Personalized flavor-based discovery tools
These elements keep users coming back– not just to sip, but to explore, guess, and embrace wine education.
Building A Community, Not Just an App
The Power of Personality
Jeff initially built Winelikes with no tech team or VS backing– just hospitality experience, creativity, and heart. He uses Instagram, classroom tasting, and a podcast called The Three Corky Dudes to build buzz early on. What he lacked in code, he made up for in connection.
“We’re building a community,” Jeff explains. “Not just an app.”
Real People, Real Wine Moments
Winelikes centers around real wine experiences, not curated perfection. Users can:
- Share mood-based wine picks
- Recommend food pairings
- Explore local events and wine meetups
All content is user-driven, giving it authenticity that traditional apps can’t replicate.
A New Era for Wine Lovers
Winelikes is proving that wine can be fun, inclusive, and approachable. Whether you’re a sommelier-in-training or a beginner wine drinker, there’s a place for you here.
Ready to taste the future? Download Winelikes on the Apple app store and Google play to start sipping socially today!
