Caterina Fucile Franceschini

The growing relevance of No- and Low-alcohol (NoLo) wines, largely produced through post-fermentation dealcoholization techniques, is reshaping the wine sector, driven by evolving consumer preferences and climate-related increases in grape sugar content. Although European Union (EU) legislation permits partial dealcoholization for Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) wines, national approaches differ, with Italy maintaining a cautious stance. This study explores wine experts’ perspectives on introducing partial dealcoholization into Italian PDO and PGI specifications through a two-round Delphi survey. It examines levels of acceptance, key conditions, and perceived barriers to its inclusion in official production regulations. Results show broad acceptance for PGI wines, while PDO wines, especially higher-tier categories, face strong resistance due to concerns about authenticity, sensory identity, and cultural heritage. Experts favor naturally low-alcohol wines achieved through viticultural and oenological practices, but recognize the limits imposed by climate change and grape composition. A flexible, integrated approach is therefore suggested, using partial dealcoholization as a complementary tool when necessary. Findings underline the importance of governance, protection Consortia, and transparent labeling, framing partial dealcoholization as a “bounded innovation” whose legitimacy depends on preserving territorial identity, regulatory coherence, and consumer trust. This exploratory study maps stakeholder positions and offers insights for future research and policy development on integrating NoLo wines into geographical indication systems.

In response to the growing global focus on healthier lifestyles and reduced alcohol consumption, dealcoholized wines, including both No- and Low-alcohol (NoLo) wines, are emerging as a key innovation within the wine industry. However, existing literature reviews remain fragmented, outdated, or limited, lacking an integrated overview of consumer research on NoLo wines. This study addresses this gap by presenting the first comprehensive and up-to-date systematic literature review dedicated specifically to consumer-focused research on NoLo wines. Peer-reviewed studies published up to mid-2025 were retrieved from major academic databases and selected through a methodologically rigorous process based on the PRISMA protocol and the SPICE framework. To explore the conceptual landscape and evolution of this research area, a bibliometric network analysis was conducted using VOSviewer and the Bibliometrix R package, identifying key authors and emerging thematic patterns in the literature. Moreover, the review synthesizes and discusses the literature across 12 interrelated thematic areas (e.g., health considerations, consumer perception, acceptance and preference, perceived quality, motivational factors and barriers, cultural and religious values, overcompensation, sustainability, etc.), thereby providing a state-of-the-art picture. The study concludes by identifying key priorities for future consumer research and advocating for multidisciplinary and cross-cultural approaches. These are essential to help scholars, industry stakeholders, and policymakers deepen understanding, drive innovation, and develop strategies that foster wider consumer acceptance of NoLo wines in this rapidly evolving market.

This paper investigates wine tourists’ preferences for the attributes of the wine tourism experience (WTEXP) in Italy and Turkey, exploring cross-cultural differences and similarities in two countries with diverse wine tourism development. Data were collected through an online survey of 253 wine consumers, and the Best–Worst Scaling method was employed in both countries to assess the perceived importance of selected WTEXP attributes that influence tourists’ choices. The samples were then segmented using cluster analysis based on key attitudinal scales (e.g., wine involvement), with BWS applied to each segment to further examine visitor preferences. The results show that both Italian and Turkish wine tourists prioritized expert-led tours but differed in other preferences. Italian tourists valued the winery’s aesthetic appeal, while Turkish tourists favored pre-visit informative sessions. Additionally, Italians placed less importance on accompanying events, while Turks considered the reputation of the wine, winery, or wine region the least significant factor. These preferences also varied within the clusters identified in each sample. This research represents the first comparison of consumer preferences in wine tourism between Turkey, a developing market, and Italy, a traditional Old World wine producer, while considering the diversity within each group. The findings provide key insights for wine tourism stakeholders, such as wineries and tourism managers, offering actionable recommendations to tailor their offerings for specific tourist segments to attract a larger number of wine tourists, enhance their experience, and foster sustainable growth of wine tourism.