Is wine consumption an aesthetic experience?

Authors

Steve Charters, Edith Cowan University
Simone Pettigrew

Document Type

Journal Article

Publisher

Taylor and Francis

Faculty

Faculty of Business and Public Management

School

School of Marketing, Tourism and Leisure

RAS ID

2956

Comments

Charters, S., & Pettigrew, S. (2005). Is wine consumption an aesthetic experience? Journal of Wine Research, 16(2), 121-136. Available here

Abstract

There has been occasional debate amongst aesthetic theorists about whether or not the consumption of wine can be considered an aesthetic process. This paper examines this debate empirically, using data from an exploratory study into wine consumption practices to elucidate the arguments. The findings of the study suggest that consumers perceive some key similarities between the consumption of wine and the appreciation of art forms. These similarities include: the pleasure provided by each; the interrelated role of sensory, emotional and cognitive responses; the focus on evaluative processes, particularly in relation to the concentration and training which they require; and the issues of personal taste. It can also perhaps be argued that both wine and art forms prompt a common perception of beauty.

DOI

10.1080/09571260500327663