Selection of wines for wine lists in restaurants of Bosnia-Herzegovina: A comparative study

This study examines the wine list strategy preferences among restaurateurs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on identifying which criteria are deemed most and least important. A structured analysis categorizes strategies based on their frequency of selection as “Most Important” and “Least Important,” establishing a clear hierarchy of value among various criteria. The findings highlight two predominant strategies: “Preference for local wine” and “High reputation brand,” which is significant in the decision-making process. Restaurateurs consistently prioritize these strategies, with a dual emphasis on promoting local wine traditions and responding to market demands for reputable brands. The study underscores a pragmatic approach among Bosnian-Herzegovinian restaurateurs, who prioritize familiarity and perceived market security in their wine selections, potentially at the expense of enhancing gastronomic experiences and customer education. Further analysis using Z-scores confirmed the statistical significance of these findings, identifying Strategy Choices 4 and 6 with notably high Z-scores, indicating their distinct importance compared to other criteria. This quantitative approach enhances the understanding of how these strategies stand out within the surveyed context, emphasizing their relevance in shaping wine list strategies. The study contributes insights into the strategic decision-making processes of Bosnian-Herzegovinian restaurateurs regarding wine selection, highlighting the dominance of local wine preference and brand reputation considerations. It underscores potential areas for improvement in integrating gastronomic expertise and enhancing customer experiences, suggesting avenues for future research and strategic refinement in the local restaurant industry.