The Directory App (beta) is here

Just for subscribers - have a go!

The Directories were a searchable list of quick critical opinions on champagne and sparkling wine producers for Six Atmospheres readers. The sort of thing I’d say to you across a table if you asked me “hey Tom, what do you think of *****”.

The trouble is that the Substack format isn’t really suited to this kind of information. So, I’ve put it into a no-frills, accessible web-based directory app. Currently, it is for Champagne only, with just over 350 producers listed. As a Six Atmospheres subscriber, you can now have a go!

Before you jump in, here’s what it does, and how to use it:

You can see my favourites, producers I’m watching, and producers on fire.

This isn’t a platform for formal tasting notes, points or individual wine reviews (yet…) - it’s for those moments you need a quick steer.

• A heart is for producers I just really like - ones I’m always happy to recommend, or that I’ll say ‘go for it’ on a restaurant wine list.

• A ‘watch’ means producers I’m interested in following, either because I’ve had some really good wines but not a complete, consistent picture yet, or because promising changes are playing out under the hood.

• And fire…well those are producers on top form throughout their portfolios.

Every producer is geotagged, so you can explore my personal world of champagne on the map.

I wanted this to be a useful resource if you find yourself visiting the region. I’ve even listed if producers are open to visitors, and website links to arrange visits. If you’re in the region, you can see where you are on the map, and see nearby producers. You can browse around the map, and see the entry of any producer tagged.

How to access it

This app is web-based - it’s not in the app store/android store, but will open in your browser on a mobile, tablet or computer. On a mobile or tablet, you can “add to home screen”, which will place an icon on your home screen to access it quickly.

During this testing stage, all subscribers can access the app, although eventually the full app will be for paid subscribers.

Register using the same email address as you use for your account on this Substack, and choose a password (this doesn’t have to be the same). Email address is the only data collected, although the app will ask permission for location data to use the map functionality. This data is not stored.

What’s next

This is still a beta, just for subscribers here - let me know what’s working, and what’s not, for you! I’m updating producers on a rolling basis, but do let me know if you spot any errors. Please don’t share the app, or post about it, yet.

I will be adding new regions, too - starting with the major European sparkling wine regions that I’m the most up-to-date on.

When bugs are ironed out and everything is working smoothly, I’ll launch the app fully. I have bigger plans, too, of course….but one step at a time!

A reminder: Register with the email address you use here, and set a new password. You’ll be logged straight in.