Since 1975, when per capita wine consumption in Spain peaked, the continued decline in domestic consumption has led to significant changes in the wine sector, particularly in production and marketing strategies. By 2005, the industry had shifted towards mass exportation, focusing on bulk wine, as domestic demand fell. Since then, Spain has become the leading global producer of bulk wine by volume. However, emerging consumer trends, prioritizing health, sustainability, and low-alcohol beverages, present both challenges and opportunities for the sector. This study explores the potential for Spain’s bulk wine industry to adapt by transitioning to dealcoholized wines, leveraging recent technological advancements and aligning with shifting consumer preferences. In this context, we examined what additional factors might influence the transition of Spanish wine producers to dealcoholized wine production and how consumer acceptance of these products in Spain compares to other international markets. In this context, it is crucial to examine what additional factors might influence the transition of Spanish wine producers to dealcoholized wine production and how consumer acceptance of these products in Spain compares to other international markets. Data collection was conducted through dual surveys targeting both consumers and producers, administered in December 2024 via the Sobrelias.com platform, with a total of 602 responses (387 from consumers and 215 from producers). Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and PERMANOVA, were performed to assess the influence of variables such as health-conscious consumption habits, demographic segmentation (age groups), and gender on market dynamics. To date, no prior academic research has addressed this specific intersection of bulk wine exports and consumer trends, highlighting the novelty of this study. A multiple linear regression model quantified the potential for market growth based on these factors.

Wine tourism has emerged as a thriving activity within the international wine sector, evolving from simple winery visits to immersive and experiential engagements. This study explores the role of wine tourism in Galicia, emphasizing its integration into the circular economy and sustainability frameworks. By analyzing visitor expectations and leveraging Galicia’s unique attributes—such as its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and renowned gastronomy—this research aims to position Galicia as a leading wine tourism destination in Spain. The study employs surveys targeting wineries, accommodation providers, and wine tourists to assess the impact of sustainable practices on economic performance and community development. Key findings indicate that activities related to renewable energy and sustainable tourism significantly enhance winery revenues, while also contributing to local economic growth and population retention in rural areas. The research concludes that a collaborative approach between public and private sectors is essential for designing a sustainable and circular economy in wine tourism, ensuring long-term benefits for both the environment and local communities.

Since 1975, when per capita wine consumption in Spain peaked, the continued decline in domestic consumption has led to significant changes in the wine sector, particularly in production and marketing strategies. By 2005, the industry shifted towards mass exportation, focusing on bulk wine, as domestic demand fell. Since then, Spain has become the leading global producer of bulk wine by volume. However, emerging consumer trends, prioritizing health, sustainability, and low-alcohol beverages, present both challenges and opportunities for the sector. This study explores the potential for Spain’s bulk wine industry to adapt by transitioning to dealcoholized wines, leveraging recent technological advancements and aligning with shifting consumer preferences. In this context, it is crucial to examine what additional factors might influence the transition of Spanish wine producers to dealcoholized wine production and how consumer acceptance of these products in Spain compares to other international markets. In this context, it is crucial to examine what additional factors might influence the transition of Spanish wine producers to dealcoholized wine production and how consumer acceptance of these products in Spain compares to other international markets. Data collection was conducted through dual surveys targeting both consumers and producers, administered in December 2024 via the Sobrelias.com platform, with a total of 602 responses (387 from consumers and 215 from producers). Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and PERMANOVA, were performed to assess the influence of variables such as health-conscious consumption habits, demographic segmentation (age groups), and gender on market dynamics. To date, no prior academic research has addressed this specific intersection of bulk wine exports and consumer trends, highlighting the novelty of this study. A multiple linear regression model quantified the potential for market growth based on these factors.

Rural territories continue to face persistent structural challenges related to depopulation, limited economic diversification, and unequal access to specialized knowledge. Although scientific research and applied expertise are widely recognized as critical resources for addressing these challenges, their effective transmission to local actors remains fragmented. In recent years, digital platforms have emerged as potential mechanisms to bridge this gap; however, their role within rural development frameworks remains conceptually underdeveloped. This paper proposes a conceptual framework for knowledge transmission platforms oriented towards rural development, integrating scientific research, applied analysis, and structured dissemination within a unified operational architecture. Drawing on a structured review of the literature on rural development, knowledge transfer, and digital platforms, the framework identifies key functional dimensions and design principles that shape platform-based knowledge intermediation. The framework is illustrated through a qualitative case study of CreandoTuProvincia, a Spanish platform focused on territorial analysis and rural knowledge transmission. The findings highlight the relevance of hybrid platforms that combine scientific rigour, accessibility, and territorial embeddedness, offering a scalable model for strengthening evidence-informed rural development strategies. By conceptualizing platforms as structured knowledge intermediaries, this study contributes to the emerging literature on knowledge-based rural development and provides practical insights for policymakers, researchers, and platform designers.

In any product whose evaluation involves taste factors, subjectivity is a determining factor. For this reason, a rating or evaluation system is sometimes proposed to help potential consumers navigate different decision-making alternatives. In recent decades, the wine sector has been characterized by the use of ratings issued by specialized critics. This access channel serves as a means of knowledge for potential customers who have not physically seen the product and who, upon seeing the ratings received by these critics, see them as an influential factor in their final decision-making. Making a decision based on the numerical rating given by a wine reviewer after tasting a wine, where the wine is awarded the maximum score (100 points), can have a positive influence on the consumer's decision. However, not all critics, and consequently their ratings, have the same relevance to the final buyer. This work designed a methodology and proposed a formulation that objectively assesses the real influence of a wine's highest rating by a critic, based on its increased online visibility, search volume, and references in digital media. Several indicators were designed to compare the influence of different critics' scores over a time horizon of one to four weeks after a wine received its highest rating. The study examined whether the highest rating awarded by a specialized wine reviewer has the same impact in all cases or whether it depends on the critic. It also determined the duration of its influence over time.

The Spanish wine sector faces structural challenges such as a decline in domestic consumption and increasing international competition. In this context, wine tourism has emerged as a key strategy for enhancing winery sustainability and revaluing wine-producing territories. This study examines the sociodemographic profile, travel habits, motivations, and satisfaction levels of 684 Spanish wine tourists, employing statistical techniques including Principal Component Analysis, K-means clustering, and Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA. The results indicate that the typical wine tourist is a middle-aged adult with a medium-to-high level of education and medium-to-high income, who particularly values gastronomy and the quality of tourism infrastructure. Furthermore, distinct factors associated with high levels of satisfaction are identified, highlighting the need to design flexible wine tourism offerings tailored to diverse visitor profiles, thereby providing useful evidence for tourism management and marketing.