EnlargeA UNCG study finds that road signs alerting tourists to wineries nearby are helping to… more
More signs for wine, please.
A new study by the University of North Carolina at Greensboro suggests that road signs that alert tourists to nearby wineries and vineyards are having an impact.
The N.C. Agricultural Tourism Directional Signage Program has played a major role in connecting tourists with that booming industry, according to the study, and every winery interviewed that has signs under the program reported positive impact.
UNCG says a research team at the Bryan School of Business and Economics reviewed 21 road sign programs in 10 states as part of its study. In addition to finding positive results from the N.C. Agricultural Tourism Directional Signage Program, created in 1999 by the N.C. General Assembly, the team also listed recommendations for greater efficiency.
One recommendation includes looking into the possibility of allowing the terms “winery” and “wine” on the signs. Though other states, such as California, New York and Virginia, permit the use of those terms, North Carolina does not, even if “winery” is part of a business’ full name.
The team also found North Carolina to be among the most expensive in the states studied for the signs, with smaller wineries challenged by building and posting fees that range from $25,000 to $50,000 up front. The researchers suggest a staggered payment program to help.
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