diff --git a/cli/recipe/release.go b/cli/recipe/release.go
index d5e6e805..b8631749 100644
--- a/cli/recipe/release.go
+++ b/cli/recipe/release.go
@@ -242,6 +242,10 @@ You may invoke this command in "wizard" mode and be prompted for input:
 			logrus.Fatal(err)
 		}
 
+		if lastGitTag.String() == "" || lastGitTag.String() == ".." {
+			logrus.Fatal("no git tags found, please specify <version>")
+		}
+
 		newTag := lastGitTag
 		var newtagString string
 		if bumpType > 0 {