Wine And Tea Are More Similar Than You May Think

Tea and wine are two beverages consumed for pleasure and for how they make you feel, but their similarities don't stop there. An exploration into each drink reveals similarities from how they're grown and harvested, to how they're served, and finally to their human benefits.

Plant to Cup

Whether it's the grape vine or tea bush, both crops have certain climates that they're best suited for: the temperate climate of vines or the humid near-tropical conditions preferred by tea. The geography, geology, elevation, soil, weather conditions, picking time, and more all directly influence the final product, leading to discussions of "terroir" and in-depth sensory evaluations by connoisseurs of each.

Both beverages, despite all their final form variations, largely come from only one species in their respective genus: wine from Vitis vinifera and tea from Camellia sinensis. Wine growers focus more on variety, eg Vitis vinifera Variety Merlot or Var. Chardonnay, which produce Merlot and Chardonnay varietals when bottled. In tea, the variety is de-emphasized, as there are only two main ones Var. Sinensis or Assamica, in favor of cultivar nomenclature. For example, a large loose white leaf tea would likely be from Camellia sinensis Var. Sinensis da bai ("big white"), and be referred to by the cultivar, Da Bai.

For both grapes and tea leaves, picking season is very important for water content, taste, and ultimately, sales price. Following picking, whether grapes or tea leaves, both pass through a very specific and highly controlled processing method. Perhaps surprisingly to the tea novice, one type of tea even goes through fermentation during processing, suggesting another similarity with wine; that tea is called Pu-erh. Again, as with fine red wines, a high quality Pu-erh tea can be aged over years or even decades.

Cup to Mouth

As Georg Riedel taught the wine world, different glasses affect the enjoyment the wine, so too are different types of teaware preferred for different types of tea. A wine tasting may offer you Champagne in a flute, Sauvignon Blanc in a standard white glass, and a Pinot Noir in its own glass. If you drink Japanese Matcha the traditional way, it will be served in a Matcha bowl. A Russian samovar might be used for Russian Caravan tea while an YiXing clay pot and small cups would be employed for preparing and serving Pu-erh tea. In both wine and tea, drinkware matters.

Temperature is an important variable in both preparing tea and in serving wine. Both white tea and sparkling and white wines prefer cooler temperatures; white tea is on the order of 158-167*F and sparkling wine about 38-45*F. Black and dark teas (such as Pu-erh) are like red wines that do well at warmer temperatures: 195-212*F for tea and 53-69*F for the wine.

Perhaps the most common comparisons and similarities between wine and tea occur with tasting. Both a sommelier and a professional tea cupper will observe the appearance and color, take in the smell, and finally, savor the flavor. They may swish, swirl, and spit it out to experience all the tastes across their palette. To overhear an expert taster commenting on tannins, acidity, mouth feel (body), sweetness, fruit or floral notes, earthiness, or how an aftertaste lingers on the tongue, you'd be hard-pressed to correctly guess which beverage was being discussed.

Mouth to Body

Someone might argue the biggest difference between wine and tea is that wine contains alcohol and too much can cause drunkenness. Yet, there's a phrase in the tea world of being 'tea drunk,' or feeling sometimes loopy, boisterous, or dizzy, all of which could easily describe a state of alcohol inebriation.

Both beverages are rich in plant polyphenols and antioxidants. The antioxidants, tannins, and polyphenols are responsible for the health benefits associated with both drinks. Tea and wine are both correlated with lower risk of heart attack, stroke, cataracts, and type 2 diabetes. Both beverages are also thought to increase longevity and improve heart health.

Finally, wine and tea can bring relaxation and pleasure to the imbiber. Whether it's an afternoon tea break to calm the senses or a post-work happy hour with wine, these beverages are often used as a way to unwind, reduce stress, and bring sips of relief and relaxation into the day. Plus, they provide enjoyment and pleasure in their tastes, the experience they provide, and the rituals cultivated around them. Whether your drink of choice is tea or wine, sip, savor, enjoy, and perhaps try a cup of the other every now and again and see what similarities you discover.