Wine coffee in London
2 speciality roasts from 2 London roasters feature wine notes.
A wine-like quality in speciality coffee presents as a rich, slightly fermented fruitiness with a soft acidity and lingering depth, often reminiscent of red wine, port, or grape juice rather than any sharp tartness. The sensation tends to sit mid-palate with a rounded, almost velvety texture that can carry notes of dark fruit, berry, or even a gentle tannic quality. This character is largely the result of fermentation chemistry during processing, where naturally occurring sugars and organic acids develop compounds that mirror those found in wine, and it is typically most pronounced in naturally processed or anaerobic coffees rather than washed ones.
Wine-like notes in coffee carry a deep, fermented fruitiness — think ripe red berries and a lingering, almost tannic warmth on the finish. Coffees with this character tend to come from Ethiopia or Kenya, where the bean's natural sugars are allowed to develop fully through natural processing, meaning the fruit dries around the seed and imparts its richness directly. In London, Acorns and Gotham are among those coaxing this quality into the cup.
Top rated wine coffee roasts in London
Speciality roasts carrying wine notes, ordered by community rating.
Roasters producing wine coffee
London roasters with the most approved coffees carrying wine notes.
Flavours that pair with wine
Notes that most commonly appear alongside wine in the same roasts.
Where wine coffee comes from
Origin countries that most often produce wine-forward coffees among London roasts.
How wine coffee is processed
Processing methods associated with wine notes in London roasts.
How wine notes develop
Wine-like notes are often associated with Ethiopian coffees, particularly those from regions such as Yirgacheffe, Sidama, and Harrar, where natural processing and heirloom varieties contribute pronounced fruit fermentation qualities. Ethiopian naturals in particular are well regarded for producing this character, though similar notes can also appear in naturally processed coffees from Yemen, which has a long tradition of dry processing on the plant itself. Brazilian naturals occasionally show a milder, grape-like quality as well, typically with a softer, less complex expression than African counterparts.
What to look for
On a bag or menu, look for descriptors such as "natural process", "anaerobic", "wine-like", "red fruit", or references to specific Ethiopian or Yemeni origins, as these are reliable indicators that a wine character may be present. Lighter roast levels tend to preserve this quality, so roast descriptions towards the lighter end of the spectrum are worth seeking out. Brew methods that allow longer contact time and highlight body and sweetness, such as cafetiere or a slow pour-over, generally allow wine-like notes to express themselves more fully than espresso preparation.
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