4.2. Design|Visual Information
The visual representation of the wine label has a long history and has increasingly become significant in understanding the wine we consume [
17]. It is a fact that since the 18th century when lithography was invented, wine labels were printed in masse with a focus on art, design, and powerful colors. At the beginning of the 20th century, producers began to collaborate with famous artists in order to communicate through label characteristics, such as quality and authenticity [
26]. The art of wine labeling has always been the mechanism of winery brand reputation, showcasing the dynamics and impact of the measured constructs on brand reputation [
18]. König and Lick showed the importance of a semiotic code that emphasizes the aesthetic part of the label and mainly the color. They summarized that soft colors of the label are more attractive and friendly to potential buyers, especially for those who consider the price of the wine to be a crucial factor [
14]. Celhay and Passebois moved in the same direction, regarding the importance of the aesthetic part of the label, demonstrating through their relevant research the preference of potential buyers for labels that are mainstream and typical from a visual point of view. However, they went a step further by delving into five different types of conditions, in which respondents seem to tend to choose fewer standard labels in terms of design [
5]. Celhay et al. gave a different dimension to the visual communication of the wine label, as they examined the factor of cultural differentiation [
5]. The key finding of their study was that a concept with aesthetic appeal could effectively resonate with diverse cultures [
13]. Labels might also be examined within the framework of wider market trends or cultural influences [
27]. Crichton-Fock et al. [
28] used specific symbols that illustrated the dominant element of flavor and the responses of the respondents were particularly positive. Elliot and Barth explored the impact of the aesthetic part of the label, especially on the generation of millennials, which is an important target group for branding and wine communication planning. They concluded that millennials tend to prefer more modern aesthetic labels, mainly in terms of color and design parameters, than traditionally designed labels [
29]. Designs that attract this age group for personal or casual use are characterized by simplicity and a streamlined aesthetic [
30]. In this perception, labels influence directly millennials’ choices because they combine certain tastes and qualities with certain types of labels [
31]. The opposite conclusion was reached by Sherman and Tuten, who studied three different types of labels (traditional, modern, and innovative). They claimed that the research participants preferred traditional labels, especially those that suggested associative familiarity with specific brands. Tradition seems to play an important role in activating consumers to choose and buy wine, as they equate it in their minds with authenticity, duration, and quality [
32]. So, it seems that labels with a traditional design gained consumers’ trust in relation to more modern designs [
33]. The element of authenticity is also examined in the research by Borghini, which concluded that consumers, collectors, and wine lovers perceived the element of authenticity through labels with specific backgrounds (color and typography) [
34]. The effect of non-traditional branding techniques in terms of label design was studied by Orlowski et al. [
35], who, through specific studies, found that consumers react positively to non-traditional branding techniques and especially to eco-friendly labels with the logic that they wished to focus on products with special and unique characteristics. Special labels like eco-labels can command higher, premium prices [
36].
The use of color, whether on a label or within the product itself, can significantly affect how consumers perceive and respond to it [
37]. The color of a wine label is also crucial for Lick et al., who claim that color is the most defining factor on the wine label and largely determines the buyer’s final choice of wine. They consider that color can be a source of investment for the consumer and, in fact, they link this to the sensory nature of wine. Their research showed that visual contact with the color of the label motivated consumers’ attitudinal approach to the taste and wider enjoyment of the wine [
38]. In particular, Celhay et al. concluded that consumers are more receptive to colors such as white, pale yellow, and ocher, while the depictions on labels of the type of castles and vineyards created particularly positive effects on the public and mainly feelings associated with prestige, tradition, and class. As far as the promotion of the color strategy is concerned, there are differences between the online and offline designs mainly in the capture of the color (tone and shade) [
39]. The type of colors and their visual performance appear to influence the relationship between receptive enjoyment and authenticity [
40]. Flanagan et al. analyzed tasting notes to visualize wine characteristics and emphasized the importance of the aesthetic relationship across the label between consumers and producers [
41]. The research by Celhay and Remaud contributed even more to the use of label design semiotics, as they confirmed that through a specific label layout, a specific associative connection with the consumer could be generated [
42]. Similar research was conducted by Pelet et al., who studied the semiotic significance of labels in terms of the vibrancy of colors and the complexity of the label design. They concluded that through the interaction created between wine producer and consumer, the label (color, design) is the subject of a mental process in the subconscious of the consumer and potential buyer. Through this procedure, ideas, feelings, or a wider concept could be conveyed to potential buyers [
43]. In the visual communication created between the label and the consumer, even the way the brand is written plays an important role. This is reflected in the research by Grijalba et al., who carried out a chemical analysis of the ink used in a specific sample of labels. They were led to the conclusion that a specific way of imprinting the brand on the label created a sense of authenticity for the consumer [
44]. Jaud and Melnyk contributed to the importance of visual design through their research on the latent mechanism of effective reception of the signified messages of labels, which tend to influence consumers’ taste, purchase, and even evaluation [
45]. This is precisely the direction of the research by Monteiro et al., which underlined not only how important the visual interaction of the label is but also the competition that develops between the different labels when the potential buyer tries to make a specific choice [
40].
The wine choice can be appreciated completely differently when additional information and details are provided and depicted in an attractive visual label design [
46]. Regarding the illustrated language depicted in the design, a very interesting element is that of the research by Sillani et al., who studied various elements depicted on the labels and found that labels that depict a vineyard in one way or another are more liked by consumers and drive more purchase intent [
47]. The label’s picture, in combination with the wine’s origin on the label, seems to be an interesting preference for potential buyers [
48]. The visual representation of the label has the greatest influence on consumers even when compared to the shape of the bottle, which does not seem to be able to prevail in consumer preferences [
49]. The visual presentation of a label incorporates a special code of conversation between the producer and the consumers, which includes history, family tradition, emotions, and ultimately a holistic understanding of the product [
50]. The same importance of the variety and conceptual labels that trigger consumers is also analyzed in the research by Serafini et al. [
51]. In fact, a better understanding of the wine seems to be achieved when the labels do not have humorous content or corresponding humorous depictions [
52]. The eye-tracking research used by Laeng and Suegami showed that labels with a strong layout and attractive images created a more positive relationship with the potential buyer, so the choice of the bottle became more likely [
53]. A similar eye-tracking study by Merdian et al. pointed out the difference between conscious and unconscious wine selection based on the visual representation of the label. They found that although the participants noticed impressive labels subconsciously for some time, this fact did not add value to the wine itself [
54]. In addition, the same eye-tracking method that was used to study the purchase decision through three different types of labels in Italian wineries indicated that a product must be eye-catching and instantly recognizable, while at the same time maintaining the consumer’s constant attention [
9]. Female consumers in particular seem to be more influenced during the decision-making process by the wine label [
55]. In this direction, the research by Van Tonder and Mulder also agrees, as they found that the visual effect of the label is important for the decision to buy a wine in the female niche market [
21]. Jarvis et al. studied the relationship between the image and words on the label and assumed that the image resonated more with the consumer audience than the standard factors indicating the designation of origin or wine variety [
56].
Buying wine based on the label involves a large degree of subjectivity, which comes from the degree of confidence the consumer has in himself/herself. For example, the influence of modern label layouts is preferred by consumers with low self-confidence [
55]. The degree of reaction to the label design is also influenced by other factors, such as purchasing power, marital status, and age. For example, buyers over 35 preferred wines with easy-to-understand labels that somehow depicted the place of origin of the specific variety [
57]. Additionally, the label design appears to have a relation during the purchase decision with the price. In research by Galati et al., it seemed logical that labels with more earthy colors would have a lower price. Some winemakers choose to label more artistically, such as the famous labels assigned to Baron Philippe de Rothschild [
58]. However, this artistic approach of a label does not always signal quality [
59]. According to Spence, the choice of wine is directly related to the psychology that the potential buyer forms about the wine and is largely due to the way the label is presented. Wine is one of the only products where psychology plays such a decisive role because it is a complex and constantly evolving product [
60]. That is why marketers are constantly developing new strategies in terms of designing and promoting the label, with the aim of more efficient and more convenient acceptance by niche markets [
61].
Barrena et al. examined aspects of consumer personality through the wine purchase decision cycle, with a dominant element being the label, which is the main interface with wine quality [
62]. The influence of the label on potential buyers is so powerful that wine marketers should take seriously the creation of a relationship with the consumer that is based on pure emotion and can lay a solid foundation to establish relative branding [
63]. The symbolic communication that is built between the product and the consumer gives the chance for deep involvement and the expression of personal preferences [
22]. The wine industry has centralized the design of labels as the basic core of the branding experience creation [
64]. Furthermore, Chrysakis et al. concluded through their research based on the MiB System that the label delivered a narrative experience through wine labels, enhancing awareness by offering precise and transparent information about the entire wine production process [
65]. A particular factor that must be considered in relation to how the design of the label affects the decision-making is related to the conditions under which the purchase is to be made, for example, if it is for a special occasion, gift, or everyday use [
66]. Habegger studied specific cases of labels, concluding that the structure of artistic label design enables multiple communicative functions [
67]. Consumers’ expressed preferences or desires might not always match their actual behaviors or choices. Factors such as subconscious influences, social pressures, and emotional reactions can significantly affect their real decisions, often diverging from what they say they want [
24]. Wine label design is frequently evaluated based on how effectively it communicates to generate potential leads, which ultimately contributes to sales [
68]. The correlation points appear in
Table 7.
4.3. QR Code|Smart Label
QR technology is the key element that defines a label as smart. The communication achieved through its use by consumers is both hedonic and useful, thereby creating added value to the wine. The effects of QR-delivered content on the perceived product value have been analyzed [
20]. The use of digital and interactive technologies, such as QR codes, in sales and labeling remains inadequately regulated, allowing the industry to exploit these technologies for its benefit and profit [
70]. Del Mastio et al. thoroughly studied SMARTVINO, a system that helps to communicate digital content through watermarking. The effectiveness of the QR code, through the information grid, helped consumers not only at the informational level but also offered them holistic satisfaction, which justified the added value of the product [
71]. The specific research also argues for the important conclusion of the connection that exists between the effectiveness of the QR code and the quality of the digital content provided [
72]. Adding a hedonic symbol, like a “Glass”, to a wine product greatly improves consumers’ perceptions of the product. Furthermore, this enhancement affects their evaluations of the product’s attitude and taste, which are key aspects of overall product perception [
23].
Technology has affected consumers in such a way that they are now involved in a more complex process in terms of buying wine. The results of the research by Higgins et al. showed that people who see themselves as wine enthusiasts or experts, enjoy conversing about wine, and prefer wines that are locally made, organic, or sustainable are more likely to use technology in their purchasing decisions [
19]. A similar conclusion is reached with the research by Triantafillidou et al., according to which the use of augmented reality (AR) creates such an experience in receivers, which translates into satisfaction and a positive attitude towards wine. In addition, the interesting insight that emerges from this research is that the participants showed familiarity with smartphone applications and particular involvement with the smart label [
73]. This aspect also agrees with the research by Robertson et al., who found out that AR technology is an essential element of the smart label and is related to all the modern changes in the GDPR data, which can provide a framework for the protection and expansion of the already existing protection principles [
74]. Angeli et al. noted that the use of this technology in smart tags could involve various challenges and difficulties. For this reason, they designed and implemented the system of augmented wine recognition (AWR), which recognizes and analyzes the text of the label. This study offered a comprehensive overview of the necessary domain knowledge and technical expertise required to develop the AWR wine recognition application [
75]. In their 2022 study, Kiselev et al. examined how information and communication technologies (ICT) contribute to the promotion of Russian wines. This study concluded that ICT tools, including social media, digital marketing platforms, and online sales channels, are vital for improving the visibility and appeal of Russian wines. These technologies enabled a broader audience reach and more effective consumer engagement [
76]. Internet and mobile technology have positively influenced wine trade patterns, according to Fleming, Thiemann, and Mueller [
77]. An important element of the modern smart label is also related to the modern changes regarding GDPR data, providing a comprehensive and updated framework for data protection that reaffirms and expands upon previous data protection principles [
78]. The correlation points appear in
Table 8.
4.4. Nutritional|Taste Information
The label is a channel that helps wine producers communicate better with potential consumers who are particularly interested in accessing health-related nutritional details and have an interest in being aware of all side effects due to excessive alcohol consumption [
84]. Based on the findings of Higgins and Lanos [
19], the health benefits of wine could be effectively used as a marketing strategy. Annunziata et al. [
84] focused on Generation Y consumers’ preferences for health warnings on labels. According to their research data, this generation is more aware and more involved than others when it comes to providing useful information on labels. An interesting factor remains that alcohol consumption is the cause of 25% of deaths in this age group. The research concluded that warnings through labels can set the stage for a regulated labeling system. On the contrary, Lategan et al. [
90] claim that African Generation Y considered nutritional information only in relation to taste, which seemed to be their main interest. On the other hand, Mokrý et al. [
79] studied the perception of Generation Z about the informational value of labels in relation to nutrition and found that the respondents assessed the significance of information about the wine producer, variety, growing region, country of origin, vintage year, and sugar content. It should be taken into consideration that different levels of subjective knowledge influence wine consumption behaviors among young adults [
80].
Jürkenbeck and Spiller [
81] found that sensory quality signals are crucial, and participants prefer sensory descriptions to names of varieties or interpretive sensory labels. The conclusion reached by Pabst et al. [
6] is also interesting because most of the consumers surveyed did not seem to find the nutrition information on the label particularly useful. Additionally, Pabst et al. [
82] claimed that consumers across all three sampled countries (Germany, Italy, and Australia) placed a high value on transparency regarding nutritional information for wine, and nutrition information had a notable influence on their wine selection. Rupprecht et al. [
10] conducted research across five countries (Japan, USA, Germany, China, and Thailand) and came to the conclusion that there is a high level of public trust in scientific experts for ensuring food safety and quality, suggesting a strong demand for information sourced from these experts in the food market. Kubota et al. [
83] examined Japanese consumer preferences for additive-free wine labeling, concluding that women value the antioxidant-free label more and that more broadly, marketers strategically use labels with dominant hygiene information to ensure consumer trust.
As reported by Vecchio et al. [
91], consumers have limited knowledge about the nutritional value of wines but at the same time show great interest when they see such a label. Moving forward with their research in this direction, they were led to the conclusion that consumers are more interested in labels with the traditional way of displaying nutritional information in compliance with the self-regulated industry. Yoo et al. [
85] compared consumers’ preferences in Asia and Australia and concluded that Korean consumers are more inclined to select wine products based on their potential health benefits. The cross-country analysis of Annunziata et al. [
84] regarding the consumers’ interest in nutritional labeling showed very useful insights for the development of future policies about the optimization of labels concerning information about health. Through the results run in Italy, France, and Spain, they saw that consumers were particularly confused about the issue of nutritional labeling; however, they wanted all this necessary information to be written on a label and even considered it decisive for their final choice. For example, the research by Costanigro et al. [
87] investigated consumers’ perceptions of sulfites and their willingness to pay for wines without sulfites. Although the number of consumers who are sensitive to sulfites is relatively small, the belief that sulfites may have negative health effects is more widespread. For instance, Popovich and Velikova [
88], who investigated how consumers viewed nutrition labels on wine and how this information influenced their perceptions of the wine’s health benefits, found that consumers who implement nutritional boundaries give different meanings to nutritional information. In fact, there is a connection between environmental awareness and consumer motivation, as Vecchio et al. [
8] studied European consumers’ perceptions of the health effects of moderate wine consumption and concluded about the perceived connection between environmental labeling and the health benefits of wine. It is a fact that the European Union wine market is subject to extensive regulation. Although these regulations have led to numerous market distortions, efforts to reform them have been challenging [
89]. Regarding the issue of labeling regulations, Parga-Dans and Alonso González [
7] discussed that the absence of labeling regulations negatively impacted winemakers focused on producing high-quality wines, creating significant information gaps that could ultimately reduce the overall quality of wine. The correlation points appear in
Table 9.
4.6. Quality
In this sub-section, research refers to the communicative use of the label with quality information as the dominant element. We consider it appropriate to point out that this categorization includes studies concerning sub-parameters such as origin, purity, and organic wine.
To understand the way consumers perceive the term quality, the interested parties in the wine industry need to interpret quality indicators and identify consumers’ preferences [
99]. Especially regarding sensory marketing, wine branding strategies attempt to emphasize the critical cue of quality [
100]. Wine lovers have raised awareness of concentrating on label information in correlation with quality indicators. By extension, this led them to look for the inscription “natural” on the label and information about ingredient content, production methods, and sensory characteristics [
101]. Kustos et al. [
102] attempted to clarify the quality of Australian wine, with the Chardonnay and Shiraz varieties as the study object. In their results, it is claimed that respondents identified wine quality with diversity and balance. Research by Mann et al. [
103] also agrees. They studied the “organic” parameter, with respondents answering that the organic cue in the quality element is the most important information to them. The female respondents especially connected this information with the perception of good health. Tardy and Medema [
104], on the other hand, argued that producers were unsure how to effectively promote their labels, a fact that led to a lack of customer understanding regarding the significance of organic labels. The characteristic term organic on the label creates the conditions for a completely different perspective in the branding strategy, as it creates a positive attitude toward the consumer [
16]. Quality information is often related to the socioeconomic background of the consumers. Consumers with a high educational background are more familiar with the geographical indications and characteristics of specific wine regions. Therefore, they take into account the “origin” factor on the label more [
105]. For both experts and wine lovers with little knowledge, additional aspects of wine quality are the origin wine zone, the vineyard, and variety [
106]. Deselnicu et al. [
107] seem to agree as they examined how authenticity and uniqueness are linked with geographical indications. Coppin et al. [
108] argued that subjective responses about quality wines are influenced by factors such as self-reported expertise in wine, tasting conditions, and perception of the wine’s reputation. Quality and subjectivity are both relevant to the different age categories of the niche market [
109]. Young adults who perceive themselves as cognizant of wine quality will probably want to participate in wine-related activities like tastings, vineyard visits, and wine events [
110]. Their drinking habits reveal a variety of wine types they choose to enjoy [
80]. The combination of objective and subjective knowledge about wine combination led to the identification of four categories of consumers: novices, snobs, modest, and experts [
111]. Atkin and Johnson [
112] researched, in 46 states in the US, a sample of 400 wine consumers who correlated their choice based on their perception of quality regarding the origin. The participants found information about the brand and place of origin, such as region, country, and state, to be very important for their wine selection [
113]. Sensory experiences strongly shape consumers’ preferences, which is why the wine industry needs a clear understanding of what equals quality for potential consumers [
114]. Another important idea is that consumers sometimes feel that they are succeeding quickly in their wine purchase goals, a fact that could be creatively exploited by communicators and marketers [
115]. The “organic” cue affects both the hedonic evaluation of wine and the purchase intention [
116]. Wineries producing such wines may benefit from being able to add SO2 to wines labeled “organic” [
117]. Hilger et al.’s [
118] experiment showed that the sense of wine quality may determine the relationship between purchases and reviews The study by Martin et al. [
15] provided useful insights about the link between the regional identity of wine in Australia and how the perception of consumers is shaped in relation to the corresponding quality. Zanzig [
119] proposed that the US and China could cooperate by taking measures to strategically strengthen the protection of geographical indications in order to have both countries benefit and at the same time manage quality in the wine trade. An example is the one of Monterey County, with wine labels based on regional appellations enhancing the recognition of the region’s wines. Thus, it was easier for them to identify the quality of wine [
120]. Banks and Overton [
121] suggested another aspect regarding the quality perception of wine quality by understanding the mixtures of wine regions. The process of shaping consumers’ preferences must always be harmonized with modern life habits and consequently with what quality actually means in every different period of time [
122]. Famularo et al. [
123] highlighted the significant impact of regional origin on consumer choices by examining the way knowledge and wine tourism are linked with it. Additionally, they found out that in many cases, consumers become very sensitive about climate change, and this reflects their wine choice in relation to how they perceive its quality. In this direction, Simard [
124] underlines that it is a necessity for the wineries to communicate their protective attitude toward climate change.
Consumers tend to associate the idea of natural wine primarily with the methods of production rather than with certification and labeling standards, as proposed by Bazzani et al. [
125]. The VAB (value–attitude–behavior) model research by Dong and Gao [
126] indicated that the process of purchasing organic wine involves several stages, starting from consumer values, progressing through attitudes, and ultimately influencing behavioral intentions toward organic wine. Consumers are progressively appreciating the importance of terroir—the interplay of soil, climate, and vineyard practices—in shaping the quality and unique characteristics of local wines, such as in the case of local wine in Ukraine [
127]. Warman and Lewis [
128] claimed that terroir is the key factor for boosting the value of premium wines, especially regarding the way quality could be better communicated. From another point of view, the experiments of Russell and Boakes [
129] are interesting, as they linked the communicative tactic of quality with the characteristics of smell. Precise labeling of wine aromas seemed to improve the capability of distinguishing quality elements. Ponce [
130] added an interesting dimension to quality parameters, revealing that precise translation enables consumers to better comprehend product information, which could be positive for sales. Effective labels and marketing strategies that clearly convey this information can significantly predict consumer decisions [
131]. Recently, the internet and social media have become crucial tools for attracting new consumers focusing on high-quality products [
132]. Also, reviews and recommendations seem to play an important role in shaping consumer choices. The clear and effective communication of these elements can significantly affect purchasing decisions [
133]. The correlation points appear in
Table 11.
4.7. Sustainability
In this sub-section, studies concerning the communication of the label with the central element being sustainability are included.
Wine marketing attempts to raise awareness of sustainable wine production by promoting information related to environmental factors [
134]. Consumers seem to be interested in sustainability certifications but they do not always understand fully them, and this is reflected in their purchase decisions [
135]. Berghoef and Dodds [
136] studied consumers’ interest in eco-labeling in the Ontario wine industry. They found that most respondents do not regularly prefer a wine based on eco-labelling but are positive about the idea of a label that leads to digital content about ecology. Consumers need to feel confident about the eco-labels before they decide to pay for trustworthy eco-labeled products. Eco-labeling certification is very important because only accredited organizations can confirm the suitable standards [
137]. Sogari et al. [
138] examined Italian consumers’ attitudes towards eco-labels and sustainable wine. Their findings indicated that the eco-label on a wine bottle leaves a positive impression on the consumers and proposed that all stakeholders should take into consideration eco-labels as a strategic tool for shaping opinion. However, Delmas and Grant [
139] claimed that the successful appeal of eco-labels is relative because they may be competitive but there is not a clear link between a target group and specific characteristics. In another study by Delmas and Lessem [
134], it is discovered that while some consumers are prepared to pay more for eco-labeled organic wines because they perceive them as premium products, others consider them to be poorer in quality. Tait et al. [
140] questioned participants who consumed Californian Sauvignon blanc and found that certifications regarding organic elements are very important to how they consider the specific wine in their consuming conscience. Ugaglia et al. [
141] compared different eco-friendly labels and concluded that for French consumers, it is very important to understand that eco-labels are transparent.
Mazzocchi et al.’s [
142] experiment regarding wine choice showed, firstly, that the wine industry could use biodiversity labels to reinforce consumers’ credibility and, secondly, that a lack of information regarding the agricultural production methods could lead to informational gaps, especially for the promotion of organic wine. Rahman et al. [
143] proposed that wine producers and marketers should consider promoting essential product features that harmonize with consumer values. This fact is also proposed by Flores [
144], who studied the way communication of sustainability is implemented in labeling, underlining that wineries should establish specific targets in communicating the sense of sustainability to wine consumers. Sellers-Rubio and Nicolau-Gonzalbez [
145] combined sustainability with the price factor and concluded that Spanish wine consumers are willing to pay more for a label that reflects the element of sustainability. In the same direction, Castellini et al. [
146] recommend that biodynamic wines achieve wider market acceptance because better consumer education and industry support have spread knowledge of the advantages of eco-friendly practices.
Newsome et al. [
147] also agree that it is very important for the consumers to be informed properly about sustainable practices in the wine industry to better understand the communicative function of this element on the label. On the other hand, Sgroi et al. [
148] found a certain lack of awareness of sustainability issues regarding wine labeling mainly due to confusion within the industry. Rugani et al. [
149] argued about carbon footprint assessments and pointed out that their analysis could assist wineries in reducing their environmental impact. Parga-Dans and González [
7] suggested that the natural wine industry especially struggles between managing a wider consumer acceptance, without losing the initial basic principles, and succeeding in their sustainability goals. Fernández-Serrano et al. [
150] proposed that incorporating logos into sustainability labels could eventually multiply the chances of selecting sustainable products. Borrello et al. [
146] tried an experiment that led to the assumption that when consumers received information about sustainability, such as the use of organic methods, they considered the wines of better quality and were more willing to pay for them. Mantere [
151] studied the circumstances in the Finnish wine market and argued that there are indeed nuggets of skepticism due to transparency problems in relation to the consumers’ beliefs and suggested sustainability initiatives to solve this problem. The correlation points appear in
Table 12.
4.8. Verbal Communication
This subsection includes research regarding verbal elements on the wine label.
López Arroyo and Roberts [
154] claimed that wine producers use traditional ways to describe the wine on the label but suggested that this is not enough to properly communicate the taste and quality of the wine. They explained that this occurs because the wine language is influenced to a severe degree by the cultural background. For example, French consumers often focus on traditional and terroir-related qualities, whereas Portuguese and South African consumers consider important factors like price or branding more [
155].
Basic verbal cues on the label provoke potential purchases because they convey core emotional elements that create consumer awareness [
108]. Esau [
135] conducted research divided into five phases and applied the consumer culture theory as a conceptual text. He concluded that the label’s typographic elements can influence consumers’ expectations regarding wine tasting. Nevertheless, he claimed that these elements could create a potential basis for establishing a strong perception of the wine. Jaud and Melnyk’s [
45] experiment demonstrated the results of comparing labels with only verbal content and labels with a combination of image and verbal text. It was recorded that most participants had more positive reactions towards the label with a double message, visual and verbal, than those that had only one verbal one. When Burgundy wine consumers selected wines, they seemed to emphasize external factors and considered them more valuable than qualities like taste and aroma [
156]. In some cases, the names of specific varieties with appropriate inscriptions become objects of special interest because consumers consider them to be premium and create an identification with prestige in their mind [
157].
Sillani et al. [
47] found differences in their questioned target groups in relation to the way they receive the verbal or visual message of the label. More specifically, wine experts preferred the verbal part over the photographic language, while wine tourists did not show any preference for any of the two types. The qualitative content analysis by Wang et al. [
158] was used to compare what occurs when different description types are used on the label. Wines were described with metaphorical language, which led to better memory recall among participants compared to those described with plain, literal language. Regarding the verbal information on the label, Ferreira et al. [
159] showed that there was a differentiation in the degree of preference in relation to gender. Men tended to prefer information regarding the variety and history of the wine, while women showed a preference for information regarding the origin and possible wine awards. The verbal load that a producer communicates through the label is even influenced by the etymology of the winery’s name and acquires a historical and symbolic message that not only gives good marketing results but creates a strong innovative structure in the wine industry [
160].
Labels with foreign brands make it easier for consumers to perceive the credibility of the winery and if it is competitive in a global market; on the other hand, they convey the risk of eventually failing to meet the consumers’ expectations [
156]. In South Africa, it is common to name wines after historical figures, which harmoniously blends branding with historical and cultural context [
161]. In particular, wine tourists who want to plan a relative trip to USA wine zones systematically rely on sources such as the safety of a winery’s label based on verbal cues about the region [
162]. The final selection of wine through label communication could also be related to phonetic pronunciation, which, according to Marbach et al. [
163], affects the perception of sophistication and conceptualization. The same assumptions are included in the study by Teodorescu [
164], who argued about the importance of verbal content, which is especially critical for experienced consumers who seek relevant information to confidently make their purchase decisions. Verbal-centered labels give the opportunity for more organized descriptions and seem to capture the complexity of sensory experiences as they evolve over time [
158]. Especially when it comes to premium wines, Wright et al. [
165] claimed that wine characterization through verbal description on the label is as complex as the wine itself.
Consumers who have a certain degree of previous knowledge about wine influence the way they attempt to categorize external information about it [
166]. The verbal element of a label that describes geographical information could link much more effectively with the local market and create a specific wine identity [
167]. Labels with direct information, simple cues, and easy access make consumers evaluate the wine in a whole different way, which benefits promotion and sales [
3]. Communication based on the regional wine zone as an extension of the label could contribute a lot to the commodification of wine products [
168]. This is why it is important for wine producers not only to simply translate the verbal cues or the brand name of a wine but to adjust to the conceptual text of each market as well [
169]. Lupu [
170] went one step further and studied paraverbal cues concerning wine communication through advertising and promotion and concluded that these elements are also important for the wine industry in general. The correlation points appear in
Table 13.