Sheraton Survey Reveals Wine May Trump Social Media and Sex

To supplement their latest Selects Spotlight wine installation, Sheraton in conjunction with StudyLogic announced last month the results of a survey done in the US, Germany, Argentina and Chile to take a look at the wine habits of global travelers. Some statistics turned out to be surprising indeed. Here are some of the questions and results from the survey.

Question – After a long day would you rather reach for a premium glass of wine, a smartphone/tablet, or your spouse?

1 out of every 2 people chose the wine.

Did you guess that one? I was surprised.

Let’s try another. Would you be most likely to give up your smartphone for a day, sex for a week, or your social media accounts for a week in return for a single highly rated glass of wine?

29% of respondents were willing to give up their smartphone for a day, 23% said they’d give up sex for a week, and 23% would choose to give up their social media accounts for a week.

We’re talking a single glass of wine here.

The survey also found that 57% of respondents chose wine as the most desirable way to unwind while traveling, which beat out the spa (at 23%) and the gym (just 12%).

While traveling, the survey found that wine consumption shoots up drastically. 60% of respondents saying that they drink the most wine while on the road. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of holding back, either. Over half (54%) of respondents said they would be likely to pay more for a premium bottle of wine while traveling, and 67% said they would spent the most on wine while away from home.

While traveling, those that may want to appear knowledgeable about wine may feel intimidated though.

Have you ever avoided ordering wine for the table because you were worried that others wouldn’t like it? If so, you’re not alone. Over 2/3 of respondents (68%) said the same.

Don’t be afraid to speak with a wine expert before ordering, though 59% reported that they feel trepidation. The same percent also said they felt embarrassed to ask for a tasting before purchasing. It may make sense though.

If you just smile and take the glass you’re offered without questioning you’d be in good company, since 86% of the respondents said they’d had a glass of wine that they didn’t like. 22% drank it because everyone else was doing it, 20% said it was the only wine available, and 20% said it came highly recommended.

All statistics need to be taken with a grain of salt, as there are always variables. It’s interesting to hear the results of the study though.

Sheraton Selects Spotlight on Pinot Noir is their fourth installment in the series. The program includes two Pinot Noir choices on participating menus, and some hotels offer Pinot Noir flights and food pairings. The Sheraton Selects Wine program has seen continued success, with hotels reporting an average of 20% increase in year over year beverage revenue in their lobby bars.

How similar are the study results to your own travel habits concerning wine?