Wine Consumption Research Articles

A long‐term archival analysis of social influence on online wine evaluations: Effects of consensus and expertise

AbstractWhen forming opinions, people often rely on the behaviours and beliefs of others; this phenomenon has been understood by social psychologists as ‘social influence’. Online evaluations of goods provide a naturalistic context in which to investigate social influence. We collected information from 20,397 notes about 209 wines posted on a wine social networking site over the course of 10 years to examine the social influence on wine evaluations. Our analyses provide evidence for both normative and informational social influence on online wine evaluations. However, normative influence outweighs the effect of judgements made by experts. The influence of prior evaluations is strongest for the first few individuals who post their notes, and social influence increases as a function of source uniformity. Furthermore, expert members' evaluations are not more influential than other individuals' evaluations. Our results provide evidence for significant effects of social influence in an applied setting, impacting wine consumers that are exposed to the opinions of others, and have implications for how goods are advertised online. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.

The role of innovation and reference groups on emotions and purchasing decision on consumers of Mexican wine

ABSTRACT Consumer behavior research embodies a research line dedicated to the analysis of emotional factors that determine the purchasing intensions of wine consumers. Valle de Guadalupe (VDG) in Mexico is one of the most dynamic wine tourism regions in Latin America and the actors involved in its development are interested in generating a more competitive product offer based on better knowledge of wine consumers. A survey applied to 300 participants made it possible to establish, through a structural equation model, the determining effect of influence of reference groups regarding the intention to buy wine directly and by motivating purchase through positive emotions. This work concludes with recommendations on the adaptation and better management of the product offer for this segment in the region.

SoMLier: a South African wine recommender system

ABSTRACT Recommender Systems (RS) are used to generate recommendations of items that a user may be interested in. Several commercial wine recommender systems exist but are largely tailored to consumers outside of South Africa (SA). Consequently, these systems are of limited use to novice wine consumers in SA. In this research, a system soMLier (a combination of the terms ‘sommelier’ and ‘Machine Learning’) is developed for SA consumers that yields high-quality wine recommendations, maximises the accuracy of predicted ratings for those recommendations and provides insights into why those suggestions were made. This system is developed using two datasets – a database containing several attributes of SA wines and the corresponding numeric 5-star ratings made by users on Vivino.com. Using these datasets, several recommendation methodologies are investigated and it is found that collaborative filtering succeeds at generating lists of relevant wine recommendations, matrix factorisation techniques accurately predict ratings and content-based methods are most appropriate for explaining wine recommendations. These methods are optimally combined in the soMLier system. Though it would benefit from more explicit user data to establish a richer model of user preferences, soMLier can assist consumers in discovering wines they will likely enjoy and understanding their preferences of SA wine. Abbreviations: SA: South Africa(n); RS: Recommender System(s); IBCF: Item-basedCollaborative Filtering; CB: Content-Based; MF: Matrix Factorisation; RMSE: RootMean Square Error; COV: Coverage; PER: Personalistion; ARHR: Average ReciporcalHit Rate

Determinants of frequency of wine consumption in Croatia

Purpose: In the last 10 years, wine consumption in Croatia has increased and consumer habits and expectations have changed. Understanding consumer behavior in relation to wine consumption is important for wine-producing countries where wine is an important component of economy. The aim of this study is to identify the factors that influence the frequency of wine consumption in Croatia, where wine production is an important agricultural activity in terms of the number of people employed in the sector and an important factor in the development of tourism.Methodology: Empirical research was conducted by means of a questionnaire filled out by 169 wine consumers who visited a wine fair in the Croatian Adriatic region. Based on the collected data, we developed and estimated a multinomial logit model. Results: The results indicate that wine is consumed more frequently by men, married people, people in long-term relationships, and older people. In addition, people with high levels of education tend to drink wine less frequently. The paper explains the reasons for somewhat puzzling results and suggests future avenues of research.Conclusion: Behavioral differences were confirmed in this study between subsample groups in accordance with four demographic characteristics, i.e., gender, age, marital status, and education criteria. Our analysis showed that males are more likely to consume wine than women, older than younger and less educated than more educated participants. Our results help wine marketers to segment and target wine consumers.

Prikaz perceptivne mape lokalnih brendova vina

This paper provides an overview of the perceptual map of local wine brands in the city of Trebinje, formed from target groups belonging to the so-called Generation X and Generation Y. The aim of the study was to explore the perception of local wine brands among generations X and Y, focusing on the basis of two semantic differentials derived from four synonymous adjectives describing winery brands: ‚premium - classic,' ‚premium - modern,' ‚casual - classic,' and ‚casual - modern.' The paper highlights a significant range within each generation when it comes to wine consumption in terms of individual differences, life experiences, and context. The study draws upon the concept of brand positioning (Sushkova, Shushkin & Korenkova, 2022), wine marketing concepts (Hall & Mitchell, 2008), and generational market segmentation theory (Chaney, Touzani & Slimane, 2017). The fundamental idea of this paper revolves around the analysis of local wine brand positioning practices. The research was conducted using the technique of perceptual mapping. The research results indicate that local wine brands that have successfully expanded their brands to markets outside the local area are perceived as ‚premium-modern', while smaller wineries are perceived as ‚classic-casual'. Furthermore, differences in wine consumption were evident between generations X and Y. Generation X constitutes a larger portion of wine connoisseurs, while generation Y leans more towards new and experimental forms of wine consumption.

New sobriety: Drinking less wine to save the planet?

In 2015, the Paris agreements set a global framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to keep the global temperature increase below 2 degrees between the beginning of the industrial era and 2050. Agriculture, which accounts for 25% of global CO2 emissions, plays a major role in achieving these goals. To this end, the European Parliament has adopted the "Farm to fork" strategy, which aims to reduce both CO2 emissions and the use of pesticides for food products. In order to meet these targets, average individual emissions should be 2 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year, knowing that, for example, today, on average, each French person emits 9.5 tCO2/year. Citizens who wish to contribute and reduce their carbon footprint can act on different emission items: their travel, their food, their housing, their purchases of goods and services. In France, on average, food accounts for a quarter of individual emissions. Knowing that the average impact of a standard 10-12cl glass of wine is around 180 grams of CO2 and that the target per meal should be 500 grams of CO2e, what will be the trade-offs for consumers who are aware of these issues ? Will consumers decide to limit their consumption of wine in the face of environmental issues, as some already do with meat? Will communication shift from the dangers of alcohol on health to the environmental impact of wine consumption, in a "one health" approach? Faced with this risk, the wine industry's response and its consumer information strategy will be crucial. Players will have to provide information on their assets in terms of sustainability (environmental, economic and social) while adapting to new legislation and consumer demands.

Evolution of the diet and physical activity of university students after the COVID-19 pandemic

to assess the evolution of adherence to Mediterranean diet and level of physical activity of university students of Health Sciences in Castilla-La Mancha during the COVID-19 lockdown and one year afterwards. a cross-sectional observational study using questionnaires on adherence to the Mediterranean diet and level of physical activity. A total of 893 students enrolled in Health Sciences degrees at the University of Castilla la Mancha participated, 575 in the first survey (during the lockdown) and 318 in the second (one year later). By sex, 672 women and 221 men (in the first survey 77.7 % were women and 22.3 % men while in the second survey these were 70.8 % and 29.2 %, respectively). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed with the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) questionnaire and the modified Prevention with Mediterranean Diet (PREDIMED) questionnaire. The level of physical activity was assessed with the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity Scale (RAPA). one year after the COVID-19 confinement, consumption of olive oil has almost tripled. Daily fruit consumption has also doubled. Similarly, the consumption of wine and alcoholic beverages has doubled. Conversely, there was a reduction in the consumption of butter and margarine, as well as of carbonated drinks and sweetened beverages. Likewise, the percentage of university students with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet increased significantly (from 26 % to 34.3 %). Regarding physical activity level, there was a significant increase in the percentage of university students who engaged in light, moderate and even intense physical activity on an irregular basis. This increase was not found in the case of muscular strength and flexibility training activities. the results of the study indicate that, although the levels of adherence to the Mediterranean diet and physical activity have improved after the COVID-19 confinement, adherence to Mediterranean diet and physical activity level among the university population analyzed is still low. It is necessary to implement strategies for the achievement or maintenance of a healthy lifestyle in this population.

The Health effects of wine: The case of longevity in Sardinia

This work explores the relationship between nutrition and health: specifically, it focuses attention on the aspect of longevity. From this point of view, the analysis is deepened through a Case Study Analysis that takes the case of Sardinia (Italy) as a reference. The Island is a privileged observation point since, as amply demonstrated in the literature it is one of the five rural areas geographically identified and referred to as Blu Zone, in which there is a lifestyle and a common environment that “explain” the longevity of the populations that inhabit them. The reasons certainly include nutrition: specifically, we refer to the Mediterranean Diet which, as brought into vogue by Keys, represents a fundamental dietary model for ensuring a correct state of health. UNESCO in 2010 included it among the intangible assets of humanity, as a culture that has its roots in the peasant economy and has a unique dimension in the world. Our goal is to highlight the correspondence between the Blu Zone of Sardinia and the concentration of the production and consumption of wine both Cannonau (red wine), as evidenced mainly by the scientific literature, and Vermentino (white wine) which represents the emblem of the viticultural economy of Sardinia. It is considered of particular importance in this historical moment, to focus attention on the health aspects of wine that can help promote a conscious consumption and to an extent corresponding to adequate dietary models and also favor the enotourist development of areas in which the correlation “wine and health”is clear.

Current situation and development trend of wine industry in china

China’s modern wine industry began in 1892 when Changyu Wine Company was founded. After more than 130 years of development, China has formed 11 major wine regions with their own characteristics. The wine grape varieties of China are divided into three categories: international mainstream varieties, Chinese indigenous varieties, and varieties that can be used for both winemaking and table grape purposes. There are various types of wine produced in China, including sparkling wine, dry white, dry red, rose, ice wine, aromatized wine, and fortified wine. There are more than 1,680 wineries in China, whose production modes are categorized as “Chateau & Chateau wines” mode and “winery & brand wines” mode. The number of Chateau enterprises accounts for 80% of the total, and is developing fast. China's wine industry management organizations mainly include Ministry (departments, bureaus) of Agriculture, and the Ministry (departments, bureaus) of Industry and Information Technology. And the industry service organizations mainly include the China Alcoholic Drinks Association (Wine Branch), China National Food Industry Association (Wine Branch), and Grape and Wine Association or Wine Industry Development Service Center established by provinces and cities. Up to now, 12 sub-wine regions in China have obtained the certification of geographical indication protection. Chinese wine consuming markets are divided into five groups, with huge consumption potential, and the activity of consumer market remains the top of Asia. China's wine industry integrates the three industries of grape growing, wine making and wine consumption, tourism, and cultural promotion. Such growth is in accordance with the advancement of agriculture, rural areas, and ecological protection, exhibiting sustainable development with vigor and vitality.

Moderate wine consumption and inflammatory bowel diseases. Impact in the gut and oral microbiome

This study investigates the effects of moderate red wine consumption on the clinical status and symptomatology of patients with Ulcerative Colitis (UC), including the study of the oral and intestinal microbiome. A case control intervention study in UC patients was designed. Intervention patients (n = 5) consumed red wine (250 mL/day) for four weeks whereas control patients (n = 5) did not. Moderate wine consumption significantly (p < 0.05) improved the parameters related to serum iron, and particularly, faecal calprotectin, considered one of the most used parameters in the diagnosis and remission of IBD. Similarly, the intervention with wine alleviated intestinal symptoms evaluated by the IBDQ-32 questionnaire and, consequently, increased the patient's subjective quality of life appreciation. The metagenomic analysis of the microbial populations present in saliva and faeces indicated a lower bacterial diversity in UC patients compared to healthy individuals. Moderate consumption of red wine seemed to balance the proportions of microbial communities and could promote a microbial profile more similar to that observed in healthy individuals. Finally, analysis of faecal metabolites (i.e., phenolic acids and SCFAs) indicated a non-significant increase (p > 0.05) for the UC patients that consumed wine.

The connected consumer: New purchase triggers that are transforming the wine market?

This review examines the changes in wine consumer purchasing habits caused by the emergence of digital technologies. The authors discuss new purchase triggers such as mobile apps, social networks, and online sales sites and their impact on consumers' perception and selection of wines. The review also examines the implications of these changes for wine producers, distributors, and retailers, particularly in terms of marketing, data management, and logistics. The authors emphasise that the digital transformation of the wine industry is creating new challenges for traditional industry players, but also new opportunities for innovative actors and startups. The review concludes that digital technologies have significantly altered wine consumers' purchasing habits and are transforming the wine industry. The authors stress that industry players must adapt to these changes by developing new marketing and distribution strategies, using data to better understand consumer preferences, and exploring new online sales channels.

Features of the Organized Wine Distribution: The Foreign and Domestic Experience

The formation of a wine distribution system in each country has its own specifics and depends on many internal and external factors that require a quick response to maintain continuous deliveries and sales. Therefore, there is a need to compare the peculiarities of the wine market formation in the countries under study, since these countries have different distribution systems. The article expands and provides examples of the functioning and principles of distribution in various world markets – in countries that occupy leading positions in the wine industry, and in countries that do not produce wine or produce mainly for domestic consumption, but are viewed as promising export markets at present or have great potential in the future. Our choice fell on the wine markets of countries such as South Korea, the USA, India and Norway. The purpose of writing the article is to study the approaches to the formation of the wine distribution system and the activities of its subjects in various world markets in a global changing environment. It is proven that wine and alcoholic beverage producers, as well as wine market operators, must adapt to the changes taking place in the global market in order to increase competitiveness and strengthen their brands and image. In addition, they must clearly respond to changes related to wine distribution systems in both off-trade and on-trade segments, comply with local regulations and trademark protection systems, which will also contribute to success and development in new markets. Attention is paid to the study of the main reasons for the decline in wine production and consumption in Ukraine. The analysis of the distribution system and its features in the world countries plays an important role for the further possible development and improvement of such a system in Ukraine. Consideration of various examples of the functioning of wine markets of the countries over the world makes it possible to separate those business examples that could increase the efficiency and profitability of the domestic wine market. It is defined that one of the specific channels of wine distribution in Ukraine before the war was wine and gastronomic tourism, which was actively popularized both in Ukraine and in the EU countries. It is proved that this is the most promising instrument that will contribute to the development of the wine industry in Ukraine and increase the consumption of Ukrainian wine.

Connecting Australian First Nations’ Histories with Settler Colonial Winegrape Cultivation

The global diffusion of winegrapes (Vitis vinifera) from western Europe to European colonies since the fifteenth century is often historicized as a benefit bestowed upon those colonial places rather than an invasion of ecologies where sovereign Indigenous peoples knowingly managed their land. British colonists in Australia associated wine production and consumption symbolically with imperial and colonial power, envisaging the material advantage of domestic and export profits and social appeasement within the emergent colonial order. Settler colonial winegrowing is thus a salient site for observing settler-Indigenous relations. This article expands upon my earlier collaborations with non-Indigenous scholars on the topic of settler-Indigenous relations in winegrowing and consumption to highlight First Nations’ experiences of colonization.

Moderate wine consumption and cancer risk in context

There is no doubt that excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages and binge drinking patterns increase the risk for cancer and many other diseases. Regarding the safety of light to moderate consumption of wine/alcoholic beverages, however, mixed messages exist. For decades, the potential health benefits of moderate wine consumption have been consistently shown, in particular for reducing cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. On the other hand, some population studies suggested that there is no safe limit of alcohol and ANY consumption is harmful to health, because of an increased cancer risk. Cancer is a multifactorial disease and it is increasingly accepted that certain lifestyle choices can affect the risk of developing cancer. Individuals do not drink only wine/alcoholic beverages, they eat different foods and have particular lifestyle habits. Besides several unmodifiable risk factors (age, sex, ethnicity and genetic disposition), improving lifestyle habits may contribute to reduce the risk of cancer. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), one third of the cancers could be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle (such as avoiding smoking, maintaining a normal body weight, being physically active, avoiding excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages and keeping a healthy dietary pattern). Furthermore, the Mediterranean Diet is considered as one of the healthiest in the world by the WHO and is directly associated with a lower rate of mortality thanks to its effects on disease prevention. However, moderate consumption of wine is an important component of that diet. So recommendations for a healthy lifestyle which include a healthy, balanced diet and avoidance of any alcoholic beverage may be confusing. Can moderate wine drinkers still enjoy a glass of wine with the meal without jeopardizing their health? A detailed analysis of the scientific evidence will be provided and the risk of moderate wine consumption within the context of lifestyle will be examined.

Digital online training for wine professionals: From responsible service to a sustainable consumption of wine

Moderate and responsible wine consumption is integral to many cultures around the world and can be part of a healthy lifestyle. However, a minority consumes alcoholic beverages excessively or in a binge drinking pattern. Everybody in the wine value chain - from the producer to the salesperson to the restaurant service staff – can contribute to reduce harmful consumption and promote responsible drinking patterns. Therefore, the education of wine professionals is essential to equip them with the necessary knowledge to communicate and spread the message of responsible consumption patterns end encourage moderate consumption habits by serving alcoholic beverages responsibly . For this reason, nine interactive online training modules have been developed, the topics include: wine/alcoholic beverages and health, responsible advertising, the wine-related legal framework, responsible wine tastings, oenotourism to just name a few. All of the educational modules will be obligatory in the online training. The participants of the training will take a test at the beginning and at the end of every module. Every professional who has successfully completed the digital training will be considered a Wine in Moderation trained professional. For this, they need to have reached at least 80% in the quizzes at the end of all modules. Because wine drinking patterns vary depending on local traditions, education, gender, age group and socio-economic factors, the training can be adapted in every country. At the end of a successful completion of the training, the participant will receive a certificate. The details of the online training will be presented and discussed. Considering the increasing interest in wine/alcoholic beverages and health issues and professional training in responsible service, these online education modules should be useful for every actor of the wine sector to empower as many professionals as possible on responsible consumption habits. This is the only way the sector will be able to preserve a sustainable culture of wine.

How sweet is your wine? - A reflection on consumers choices

The culture of wine consumption reaches consumers of different ages, behaviors and life habits. The introduction of new consumers in the world of wine often happens through the consumption of wine-derived beverages, in most cases with a high sugar content, due to reasons of palatability, familiarity and acceptance. This is due, among other reasons, to the conditioning of the consumer's palate to the sweet taste, also causing a high consumption of sugary drinks such as soft drinks, in addition to several other foods with a high content of added sugars. In the case of beverages, the sweetening is a resource frequently used throughout the industry to provide greater palatability to the product, attracting consumers who prefer sweeter flavors, and may also provide greater acceptance among the youngers, in addition to potentially leading to immoderate consumption of alcoholic beverages. These habits have a direct impact on consumers' health, mainly because they favor the development of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs. With the aim of seeking to better understand the profile of Brazilian consumers of wines and grapes derivatives, and their relationship with the consumption of sugar and alcohol, a survey was carried out through the application of a questionnaire.

Enlightening consumption behavior: The case of Italian wine in the Mexican market

In this project we will explore the consumption behavior of wine in Mexico, with focus in Italian Wine, as Italy is one of the top producers of wine worldwide. Wine is starting to consolidate in the consumer preferences in Mexico, however, there is much more to know and understand about the preference and cultural habits of wine consumption. Our aim is to enlighten and reveal the opportunities in this market where consumption is growing and information available is low, therefore we dig into history, cultural and social aspects of the country. This contribution for the industry also gathers different insights and recommendations carried out from a survey held during 2020 that can help to implement strategic decisions to reach the Mexican consumer.

Moderate red wine intake and cardiovascular health protection: a literature review.

Wine is a complex matrix consisting primarily of water (86%) and ethyl alcohol (12%), as well as other different molecules, such as polyphenols, organic acids, tannins, compound minerals, vitamins and biologically active compounds which play an important role in the specific characteristics of each wine. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020, moderate red wine consumption-defined as up to two units of alcohol per day for men and up to one unit of alcohol per day for women-significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease which represents the major causes of mortality, and disability, in developed countries. We reviewed the available literature concerning the potential relationship between moderate red wine consumption and cardiovascular health. We searched Medline, Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) for randomized controlled studies and case-control studies published from 2002 to 2022. A total of 27 articles were selected for the review. According to epidemiological evidence, drinking red wine in moderation lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Red wine contains both alcoholic and non-alcoholic ingredients; however, it is yet unclear which is to blame for these effects. Combining wine with the diet of healthy individuals may add additional benefits. New studies should focus more on the characterization of the individual components of wine, to allow the analysis and study of the impact of each of them on the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.

Facing post crisis challenges through leadership and inclusion: The case of Napa Valley

The years 2010 through 2020 brought difficult challenges for the Napa Valley, a wine region in the heart of California, representing 4% of its vineyard land and 30% in economic value. Napa experienced an earthquake in 2014, wildfires in 2017 and 2020 and then, like everywhere, was hit by the pandemic. Consequently, both the production and the sale of wines were impacted with a form of relentlessness which terribly affected the entire local sector. In addition to the devastating effects of fires and smoke on some vineyards, the health crisis came to question a well-installed business model in Napa where wines are sold directly to consumers. Here, 68% of the wineries produce less than 50,000 bottles/year and it is not uncommon to see a winery sell 2/3 of its production directly from the estate. Two other observations complete the table with a paradigm shift: an aging of Napa wine consumers, mainly American, and the social evolution of a valley which attracts the wealthy classes of people and challenges the housing needs of not just vineyard workers, but also intermediate professionals. In 2020, Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) initiated a vast strategic reflection in order to question the conditions of its development and its competitiveness to the face of these developments. The 550 wineries from the valley were invited to participate in thinking about the values ​​of Napa, its leadership and the priorities to reconsider for the years to come. Collective commitment, leadership programs for high potentials, action local communities, diversity, integration of minorities … The list is long and it is enlightening to see how a wine region has been able to take advantage of a crisis situation to adjust its modus operandi with current issues, strengthen its leadership and create an inspiring new chapter for this world-class wine region.

Enhancing the design of wine labels.

The knowledge accrued through research in the domain of crossmodal correspondences has had a significant influence on a diverse array of disciplines, including behavioral studies, neuroscience, computational modeling, and notably, marketing, with the objective of aligning sensory experiences to help shape patterns of consumer behavior. A study is reported that explores the extension of these principles to the communication of products having a notably complex sensory profile, specifically within the context of wine. The central aim of the project is to explore the feasibility of using crossmodal communication as a strategic tool to augment the congruence between the consumers' multisensory expectations and their sensory experiences. For consumers venturing into the realm of wine selection without the advantage of prior tasting experience, it is of paramount importance to possess a robust understanding of the mandated information. This encompasses critical elements such as the wine's origin, grape varietal(s) used, geographical indications, producer qualifications, and the potential implications of these factors on the final wine product. This level of comprehension stands as a necessary prerequisite, enabling these consumers to make informed choices that align with their preferences, even in the absence of previous sensory encounters. Nonetheless, semiotic investigations underscore the significance attributed to symbolic components such as signs, logos, colors, gestures, and linguistic cues. Research from the field performing multisensory studies, presents a counterpoint to prevailing communication paradigms, advocating for a heightened incorporation of metaphors, analogies, symbols, metonymies, and allegories. This alternative approach aims to enhance the efficacy of communication strategies, offering a more profound and evocative means of conveying intricate messages on a more holistic level. A questionnaire was sent to a specific group of engaged wine consumers (n = 329). Besides questions regarding demographics, purchase behavior, and consumption behavior, the questionnaire included examples of multisensory communication through a selection of symbols, as well as alternative wine information. The results showed significant correlations between demographics, consumption behavior, and attitudes toward the tested multisensory symbols and alternative information, thus helping to gain a better understanding of the sensory properties that should be communicated on wine labels. The findings reported here highlight the effectiveness of visual crossmodal communication as a promising pathway capable of skillfully capturing consumer attributes, conveying multisensory experiences, and portraying the comprehensive timeline of taste evolution. As a result, it assumes a pivotal role as a communicative tool for intricate consumables, like wine, functioning at the crossroads of visual and sensory dimensions.