Why has the average rating for Cabernet Sauvignon wines on Vivino dropped by 0.3 points in the past month?

Introduction

The recent 0.3-point drop in average Cabernet Sauvignon ratings on Vivino is a concerning trend that requires immediate attention. To address this issue, I'll employ a systematic approach to identify, validate, and resolve the root cause while considering both short-term and long-term implications for our product and users.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Considering the timing, I'm wondering if there's been a recent influx of new users. Has there been a significant change in user demographics or acquisition channels in the past month?

Why it matters: New users might rate wines differently, affecting the overall average. Expected answer: There's been a 20% increase in new users from social media campaigns. Impact on approach: If confirmed, we'd need to analyze new user behavior and potentially adjust onboarding.

• Looking at the specificity of the drop, I'm curious about our rating system. Has there been any change to how ratings are calculated or displayed in the last month?

Why it matters: Technical changes could inadvertently affect ratings. Expected answer: No changes to the rating system have been implemented recently. Impact on approach: If changes were made, we'd focus on technical issues; if not, we'd look elsewhere.

• Considering the wine industry's seasonality, I'm wondering if this drop aligns with any known patterns. Do we typically see rating fluctuations for Cabernet Sauvignon during this time of year?

Why it matters: Seasonal trends could explain the rating drop. Expected answer: There's usually a slight dip in ratings during summer months. Impact on approach: If confirmed, we'd need to determine if this drop is within normal range or unusually large.

• Given the focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, I'm curious about other varietals. Have we seen similar rating drops across other wine types, or is this isolated to Cabernet Sauvignon?

Why it matters: Helps determine if this is a Cabernet-specific issue or a broader trend. Expected answer: The drop is most pronounced in Cabernet Sauvignon, but other reds show slight decreases. Impact on approach: If isolated, we'd focus on Cabernet-specific factors; if widespread, we'd look at broader issues.