In recent years, documentaries have become one of the most accessible and influential mediums for exploring complex subjects, offering viewers more than just information. They bridge education with storytelling, combining visuals, interviews, and research in a way that traditional media often can’t. Food and beverage documentaries, in particular, have experienced a surge in popularity. From Netflix series that dissect Michelin-starred kitchens to investigative exposés on global food systems, the genre has carved out a space for niche yet culturally significant stories. One such subject that has emerged is the cross-cultural world of coffee — a beverage often consumed daily, yet rarely fully understood in terms of craft, history, and sensory depth.
The documentary Caffè & Vino fits into this growing landscape, taking a comparative approach to two of Italy’s celebrated beverages: coffee and wine. It uses sensory language, regional storytelling, and interviews with producers to draw parallels between the two industries. The documentary does not just rely on visuals of vineyards and roasting machines. Instead, it dives into the core principles that connect wine and coffee: terroir, craftsmanship, heritage, and the human narratives behind every cup or glass.
Released in 2023, Caffè & Vino was co-authored by Mauro Illiano and Andrej Godina, both of whom have roots in sensory studies and coffee education. Illiano, with a background in music criticism and cultural journalism, brought a narrative tone to the project, while Godina, a known figure in the coffee science community, provided technical grounding. Together, they approached the project not as a mere presentation of facts, but as a story-driven educational tool. The film was produced independently, although it received recognition from Italian cultural institutions and several international festivals following its release.
The documentary’s structure is masterful in its simple comparative format. For each topic presented in the framework of wine, i.e., grape type, fermentation, or regional expression, a correlation is made with coffee bean type, roast profile, and altitude-based flavors. Quoted in interviews by the filmmakers, it was not to put one beverage above the other but to enlighten the public by finding commonalities. This literary selection contributed to the film’s connection with the general public and food and beverage industry professionals.
Illiano’s involvement in the project is notable because it reflects a broader shift in his career, from critic and guide editor to cultural communicator through multimedia. While he was already known in Italy’s coffee community through his work with the Guida dei Caffè e delle Torrefazioni d’Italia, this documentary allowed him to reach an entirely different audience. Unlike his writing work, which is often data-driven and analytical, Caffè & Vino placed him in a more visible narrative role. Interviews, festival panels, and roundtable discussions have further expanded his presence in public discourse, although the film remains a collaborative effort credited equally to both authors.
What also distinguishes the project is its cross-disciplinary ambition. Rather than staying within the parameters of beverage culture, the documentary situates coffee and wine within a broader cultural and philosophical context. Concepts such as ritual, memory, and identity are explored through the use of voiceovers, interviews, and archival footage.
As of 2025, there are plans to expand the Caffè & Vino format into a mini-series, potentially covering similar themes across other regions in Italy and Europe. The project is still in development and has not been formally announced by any production companies.
Caffè & Vino is a culturally ambitious and educational documentary, created at the intersection of storytelling, sensory analysis, and Italian tradition. Through its visual and narrative structure, the film bridges the often overlooked connections between two deeply ingrained elements of Italian life: coffee and wine. Mauro Illiano’s contribution to the project reflects a continued commitment to communicating coffee culture beyond specialist circles, through media that is accessible yet grounded in real expertise. His work with co-author Andrej Godina has helped shape a documentary that informs and invites discussion, connecting everyday rituals with larger cultural narratives.
