Start a conversation
- Open Ask Cella from the app navigation.
- Use the current conversation for a follow-up, or choose New chat for a new topic.
- Type your question and choose the send arrow. Wait for Cella’s reply before adding a follow-up.
- If you want a recommendation from a particular cellar, say which one and give any specific wines or restrictions that matter.
Include the details that change the answer
A useful request names the meal, the wine style you like and what you want to choose from. For buying advice, include a budget and currency; for your own collection, make clear that you want a bottle you already own.
- “Which red from my Home cellar would suit roast lamb tonight? I prefer medium-bodied wine and want something ready to drink.”
- “Compare my 2016 and 2018 bottles of this producer for mushroom risotto. Which would you open first, and why?”
- “Suggest a dry white style for spicy food, up to £25 a bottle. I dislike very oaky wines.”
Save your usual preferences
Open Settings → Wine preferences to record favourite regions and grapes and adjust the body, sweetness, tannin and fruity-to-earthy sliders. Choose Save preferences. These give SmartCellar context about your taste; describe any different requirements for today’s meal in the conversation.
Turn a suggestion into a decision
Ask a follow-up such as “Why does that work with the sauce?” or “What is a lighter alternative?” If the answer relies on the wrong wine, correct the producer and vintage in your next message.
Before opening a suggested bottle, check its actual quantity, location and drinking dates. Cella gives advice; the conversation does not record a bottle as opened. Use Record opened bottle afterwards to update stock and save your own impression.