The Factors Behind Changes in Your Wine Taste

Liz Ogumbo-Regisford
Jul 11
2 min read

It’s Not Just Your Palate!

Ever opened a bottle of wine you loved last month, only to wonder why it suddenly tastes... different?

Don’t worry—you’re not imagining things. Your taste in wine isn’t just about your preferences or “palate training.” It’s a complex mix of genes, hormones, mood, food, and even your daily stress level!

Here’s why your wine enjoyment keeps evolving:

1. Your DNA Plays a Role (Yes, It’s Genetic!)

In your body, around 25 genes help build your taste receptors. One superstar gene called TAS2R38 (a.k.a. the bitter gene) influences how sensitive you are to bitter flavors—including certain wines.

People with two copies of its most sensitive version tend to find alcohol more bitter and may naturally avoid bold reds or high-alcohol styles. Others, with a less-sensitive version, tend to enjoy intense flavours like dark chocolate, kale... and rich, tannic wines.

In other words, your genes can subtly nudge your wine preferences—but they’re only the start.

2. Hormones Can Hijack Your Taste Buds

Hormonal shifts can alter how you taste:

Menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause can heighten or dull taste sensitivity (especially to acidity and bitterness).
Stress hormones like cortisol can blunt taste, making wines feel “flat” or less exciting.
Even your body’s hydration level affects taste sensitivity.

3. Mood Matters More Than You Think

Feeling stressed, anxious, or distracted? Studies show that emotional states can dramatically change how you experience flavors:

Stress may dull sweetness and reduce your enjoyment of delicate notes in wine.
Happiness and relaxation can heighten your sense of taste and smell, making wine more enjoyable. In short, wine just tastes better when you’re in a good mood—and science backs it up.

4. Food, Environment & Social Vibes

That charcuterie board or spicy dinner? It’s changing your wine too!

Fatty, salty, or umami-rich foods can smooth out tannins and make wine feel softer.
Sweet foods can make dry wines taste sharper or more acidic.
Your surroundings matter too—ambient music, lighting, and even who you’re drinking with can shift your taste experience.

5. Age & Experience Evolve Your Palate

The more wines you taste, the more your brain learns to appreciate complex flavors:

You might start off loving sweet or light wines, then gradually enjoy drier, more structured styles.
As you age, your taste buds naturally become less sensitive—often leading people toward bolder flavors.

Bottom Line:

Your wine taste isn’t static—and that’s what makes it beautiful!It’s a dance between your genes, hormones, mood, life experiences, and even the food on your plate.

So next time your favourite wine tastes different, just smile and know: You’re evolving, and your wine journey is too.

Want to Discover Your Wine Mood?

Take our quick quiz