Have you ever wondered why your love for strong, black espresso seems to go hand-in-hand with your fascination for a bold glass or red wine? Coffee and wine share more than you might think. From how we taste them, to why we’re drawn to them, the worlds of coffee and wine often collide in the most flavourful of ways. As a lover of both, come with me as we discover their connection.

1. Shared Senses: The Aroma Connection

One of the most obvious links is in the way we experience them. Both coffee and wine are aromatic powerhouses. Swirling a glass of Syrah might release notes of blackberry, pepper, or smoked meat — just as a freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee might surprise you with its floral, citrusy top notes.

In both cases, it’s our sense of smell doing the heavy lifting. Training your nose to pick out those elusive tasting notes in coffee can make wine tasting feel like second nature — and vice versa.

2. Bitterness Is (Often) a Badge of Honour

Neither coffee nor wine is instantly lovable to everyone. Why? Bitterness and acidity.

A rich, tannic red wine or a high-acid white can be as polarising as an unadulterated black coffee. Yet for many of us, these sharp, intense flavours become addictive — an acquired taste we grow to crave. Interestingly, people who prefer their coffee black tend to gravitate toward drier, more structured wines. Coincidence? Science says maybe not…

3. Taste Buds and Genetics

Some studies have found that genetics play a role in how we perceive bitterness. The TAS2R38 gene, for example, is linked to bitter taste sensitivity. People with certain versions of this gene might find both dry wine and black coffee too intense. Others — the lucky ones — find the bitterness intriguing, even enjoyable. It’s like your tongue’s way of saying, “Bring it on.”

4. Terroir Tales: From Vineyard to Coffee Farm

Another major overlap lies in origin stories. Wine lovers often explore grape varieties and vintages, comparing how a Pinot Noir from Burgundy tastes different from one grown in Central Otago.

Coffee drinkers? They’re doing the same — just with beans instead of grapes.

From altitude to soil, processing to picking, terroir matters in both drinks. That curiosity about how geography and human touch influence flavour is a common thread between the two worlds.

5. Ritual, Exploration, and Pleasure

Beyond taste, there’s something about both wine and coffee that appeals to the ritualist. Grinding beans in the morning and pouring that perfect brew isn’t so different from uncorking a bottle before dinner and savouring that first sip. Both experiences invite you to slow down, notice details, and appreciate craftsmanship.

They’re also deeply social. Whether you’re chatting over a cappuccino or toasting with a glass of Riesling, both drinks have a way of bringing people together.

Curious to Explore Further?

If you’re a coffee aficionado just beginning your wine journey (or the other way around), use your existing tasting skills as a springboard. Ask yourself:

• What flavours am I picking up?
• How’s the acidity or body?
• Do I prefer fruity, earthy, floral, or spicy notes?

Before long, your palate will be jumping back and forth between wine glasses and coffee cups — and loving every minute of it.

Do you find your coffee habits influence your wine preferences? Or vice versa? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear your flavour stories.