Is it possible to see sound and, by extension, see color through that sound? We know that sound waves can be visualized through a medium like water—or in this case, wine. As we explore the five senses and sensory perception, we recognize that wine has color, and we assign meaning to its hues. But can we also attribute sound to wine as our fifth sense?

If you've explored the Sensory Wine Experience playlist (found in the Resources tab), you've already begun to make connections between sound and color. Both light and sound travel as waves, and by mapping wine colors to the visible light spectrum, we can take this concept further.

Step 1: Mapping Wine Colors to the Light Spectrum

Using the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) wine color categories, we can translate these hues into RGB spectrum light and their corresponding nanometer wavelengths within the visible spectrum:

Step 2: Adding Depth Through Clarity and Opacity

Beyond hue, clarity and opacity impact perception. A wine’s transparency can be clear and crisp or dense and opaque, much like musical timbre.

• Clear, high-toned colors may resemble bright, flute-like sounds.
• Warm, rounded hues might evoke the resonance of a violin.
• Deep, opaque shades could align with the depth of a bass or cello.
• Hazy wines might suggest a reverb or shimmering effect in sound.

Step 3: Pairing Jazz with Wine’s Light & Sound Frequencies

By correlating light frequency (color) with sound frequency (tone), we can connect classic jazz recordings to specific wine hues:

As we continue to explore the relationship between wine, light, and sound, we discover new ways to deepen our sensory experience. Could a sip of wine have a soundtrack? Could a melody take on color?

This journey into multisensory perception is just beginning.