From heritage to sustainability: a systematic literature review of family wineries

Purpose: Family wineries are important drivers of economic development and cultural conservation, but despite the academic interest in them, a comprehensive literature review is missing. This paper aims to contribute to this gap and examine the current knowledge of family wineries to determine the main topics of the literature and the opportunities and challenges for the sustainability and competitiveness of family firms in the wine sector. Design/methodology/approach: This research uses a bibliometric and systematic literature review (SLR) to present a broad view of the academic contributions focusing on family wineries. It reviews a sample of 94 articles identified from the Scopus and Web of Science databases and selected through rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria. Bibliometric mapping and qualitative content analysis highlight the field’s key topics and research gaps. Findings: Family wineries are characterized by strong heritage and deep relationships, which drive brand loyalty and market differentiation. Innovation, sustainability and digital transformation offer key growth opportunities to family wineries. However, excessive family control, slow adaptation to change and succession issues may challenge their capability to pursue these opportunities. Balancing global expansion with local identity, integrating sustainable practices and maintaining strategic agility are essential for long-term resilience. Success will depend on effective governance, eco-innovation and modernization while preserving tradition. Originality/value: This study provides the first bibliometric and SLR on family-owned wineries. It highlights key topics and identifies critical research gaps, suggesting future research directions. The findings have implications for family firms, policymakers and stakeholders.