This is a collaborative post At first glance, you might think these two drinks have very little in common. One gives us a lift while the other may make us sleepy. Plus, they don’t taste very similar, right?
Actually, once you delve into it, there are some real similarities between these two beverages as we explore in this guide.
Both Have an Impact on The Brain
Most of the drinks we consume don’t have a direct impact on the brain. Though they are vital for our body and we need them to function properly. However, both the alcohol from wine and the caffeine in coffee interacts with our brain. They cause higher serotonin levels and trigger dopamine responses with transmitters in our brain reacting to both.
These transmitters also help with migraines and can make you feel more alert, though wine can also make you feel sleepy in the long term.
Geography and Growing Conditions Make a Difference
Geographical conditions make such a big impact on both coffee and wine, to the point where people have their favourite regions. For instance, you might prefer a South American coffee, but an Australian wine.
Because both need certain conditions to grow, it can be rare to find varieties from certain countries. Though English wine is currently doing pretty well, Britain still imports the majority of the wine it drinks.
According to eVineyard, certain criteria are required in order to grow vines: “Adequate sun, heat, and water during the growing season, and enough cold during the dormancy phase are crucial for the healthy growth of vines and production of premium quality grapes.”
This is why certain locations are not suitable for growing the grapes for wine.
Coffee is similar in its requirements, as it needs a lot of sunshine and plentiful water, but coffee is affected very badly by frost.
All of these factors contribute to the flavour, which is why so many people are obsessive about where they source their wine, or where they source their coffee.
“Single Origins” Are Sought After
With some food and drinks, the origin doesn’t really make a difference to the flavour. Some are even grown in hydroponic farms which really take a lot of the environmental factors out of the flavour of the product.
Different growing locations and methods give different characteristics to the taste. There are even regulations for marketing mashed on locations. For instance, if wine is marketed as “champagne” it has to have been grown in this specific region of France.
Coffee or wine that stems from a certain region might become renowned all over the world. For example, the growing conditions for the Jamaican Blue Mountain have made it sought after and extremely expensive. Certain wine regions also have a similar reputation and super high prices.
The Industries are Huge
Some people would drink coffee and wine exclusively if they could. Some of the facts about these two industries are pretty mind blowing.
In 2019, an incredible 12.59 million hectoliters of wine went through HM Revenue and Customs in the UK. That’s a lot of wine!
The figures for coffee are similar, and it is estimated that 95 million cups of coffee are consumed by Brits daily. So many of us couldn’t go without our morning cup of coffee or our evening glass of wine.
Moderation is Important
Caffeine and alcohol both require people to be a little careful, and not to consume too much. Up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine each day is safe enough for the majority of people, but this depends on your height, weight, and what else you are consuming. Stick to your limits and ensure that you don’t overdo it. Don’t worry, 400mg of caffeine is plenty for most of us.
There Are So Many Varieties
One of the things that people love about both wine and coffee is that there are an incredible amount of drinks to choose between. Because there are so many coffee farms, and companies processing and roasting in different ways, you could drink a different type of coffee pretty much every day. The same goes for wine. There are tiny vineyards out there to explore while you are on your holidays, and chances to find a new favourite pretty much every time you visit the supermarket or order online.
Coffee’s varieties can even be prepared in different ways to open up a world more opportunities. The way you grind and brew your coffee, and whether you use a machine or just brew in a cafetiere, this is entirely up to you, but experimentation is always possible.
Conclusion
Both coffee and wine stimulate the brain in different ways. People often become fanatical about both wine and coffee, and it is easy to see why. You can get lost in a world of tasting notes and flavours so you can whittle down your favourites.
Coffee might help you to get going during the day, while wine might help you to relax at night. For many people, coffee is woven into daily life and very much part of the routine.