Anyone who knows me knows I love my food and wine—and nothing gives me more FOMO than missing out on the absolute best spots when I’m travelling.
For years, I relied on the traditional Michelin Guide. But while Michelin has its place, I’ve often found their recommendations to be a bit unimaginative. I wanted vibrant local spots, unforgettable flavours, and not a tablecloth in sight.
Two years ago, while travelling through Italy (on a wine tour, naturally), a fellow wine lover recommended an app called Raisin. It completely changed how I explore new cities and find new spots to try.
What Is Raisin?
Raisin’s mission is simple: to help the world discover natural wine.
If you aren’t familiar with natural wine, it’s made with minimal intervention—respecting the soil (terroir if you want to impress someone), the environment, and the producers behind every bottle. Beyond the real, unadulterated taste, natural wine has become a key indicator to me for finding places that care about quality across the board.
I’ve found that venues that prioritise natural wine almost always care deeply about local and seasonal ingredients and are intentional with their menus and general good vibes.
How It Works (and Why It’s Perfect for Spontaneous Travellers)
Raisin is a comprehensive directory. It highlights:
- Restaurants & Bars
- Wine Shops
- Winemakers
- Accommodation, Fairs, Tastings & Events
Personally, I use it most for restaurants, wine bars, and bottle shops.
My favourite feature is the interactive live map. You can open the app wherever you are and filter by places that are “Open Now.” If you’re not the type to meticulously plan every single minute of your itinerary weeks in advance, this feature is an absolute lifesaver.
It’s also community-driven: users can like, leave comments, and upload photos of venues, making it easy to get an honest preview before you walk through the door.
Why You Should Download It Before Your Next Trip
Several of my favourite travel discoveries over the last two years have come directly from Raisin, but its recommendations for wine bars are particularly unbeatable.
I’ve found that restaurants and bars focused on natural wine consistently deliver more imaginative menus and prioritise quality ingredients over high-volume output.
If you want to skip the tourist traps and discover authentic, delicious, and unique spots on your next trip, give Raisin a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
