DECODING THE SWEET SPOT OF CONSUMER SATISFACTION IN EASTERN AUSTRIAN WINE TOURISM
Publication Name: Deturope
Publication Date: 2026-01-01
Volume: 18
Issue: 1
Page Range: 55-73
Description:
This study investigates the pivotal role of experiential wine cellar visits in fortifying the applied marketing system of traditional wineries operating in North-Burgneland, Austria; thereby contributing to the current discourse on Central European wine tourism and regional development. Drawing on the experiential marketing framework, the research examines how winery tours and tasting experiences can build customer loyalty, drive repeat purchases, and elevate brand image, all of which are critical for sustainable wine destination development. Using a netnographic approach, the study analyzed approximately 1,900 customer reviews harvested from the Vivino platform to rigorously assess the multidimensional nuances of the visitor experience. This analysis was anchored by the experiential marketing framework, focusing on the key dimensions of learning, recreation, and aesthetic pleasure. The empirical results demonstrate that co-creational aspects of knowledge transfer, specifically in the form of professionally assisted tours and structured cellar door experiences, make a significant contribution to overall visitor satisfaction. Crucially, the scenic "winescape"—the environmental and sensory qualities of the destination—alongside tailored entertainment offerings, were also found to play essential and synergistic roles in shaping the holistic customer experience. This evidence strongly reinforces the contemporary shift in wine tourism research, specifically relevant to Central European regional development, where the focus moves from the mere product to the comprehensive, integrated wine destination concept (as highlighted in recent Deturope research).The study also identifies practical challenges faced by Central European tourism providers, such as the imperative to differentiate unique offerings in a competitive market and address staffing issues. This work is looking to optimize the marketing strategies for family-owned wine businesses through experiential engagement, particularly concerning the effective development and promotion of the winescape in a cross-border Central European context.
Open Access: Yes