Keep Your Brew on Point: Espresso Tips for NZ’s Wet and Chilly Seasons
Dairy Beanz Team☕ Brewing in Autumn & Winter: Why It Changes Things
Let’s face it — New Zealand’s weather doesn’t hold back. One week it’s sunny, the next we’re living in a cloud. And as autumn rolls into winter, that mix of colder temps and higher humidity can really mess with your espresso game.
But don’t worry — with a few simple changes to your home routine, you can keep pulling delicious, balanced shots, rain or shine.
🔧 1. Grind a Bit Finer in Humid Weather
Coffee beans are like little sponges — they soak up moisture from the air. In a humid Auckland kitchen or a damp Dunedin morning, that extra moisture can make your beans softer, and your espresso run faster than you'd like.
What to do:
Try dialing your grinder just a little finer if your shots are racing through or tasting a bit thin — that extra moisture in the air can change how your beans behave.
☝️ That said, humidity isn’t the only player. Cooler morning temps, a still-warming-up espresso machine, or even your tap water temperature can also slow things down — in those cases, you might actually need to grind coarser instead.
📌 Bottom line: trust your taste and don’t be afraid to tweak. Espresso is part science, part art — and a little trial and error is just part of the joy.
🔥 2. Warm Everything Up — Especially in Winter
When it’s cold, your espresso machine, portafilter, and cup all start out chilly. That can drop your extraction temp and flatten your flavours.
Pro tip:
Let your machine warm up for at least 20–30 minutes. Run some hot water through the portafilter and warm your cup. It’s like a mini spa session before the magic happens.
🛑 3. Don’t Let Moisture Mute Your Beans
Wet months can really zap your beans of flavour if they’re not stored right. Open bags, steam-filled kitchens — all big no-nos.
Your beans deserve better:
• Use an airtight, opaque container
• Store away from heat and humidity (skip the windowsill)
• Toss in a food-safe moisture pack if things get extra damp
• Or — just keep them in our sleek, one-way-valve and resealable Dairy Beanz bags. They’re built for freshness and look great on your bench too. 😉
💧 4. Watch That Water Temp
In winter, even your tap water gets icy. And if your espresso machine isn’t great at keeping water hot, your shot might suffer.
What helps:
Use filtered water that’s not fridge-cold. Make sure your machine is properly warmed up before pulling that first shot. Your taste buds will thank you.
🗒️ 5. Taste First, Tweak Second
Seasons change, and so does your coffee. Even the same beans can behave differently week to week. That’s part of the fun (and challenge) of home brewing.
Keep it simple:
If something tastes off — maybe too sour or flat — tweak one thing at a time: grind, dose, or brew time. And if you’re a nerd like us, keep a little brew log!
🎯 Final Sip
Brewing great coffee at home isn’t just about fancy machines — it’s about knowing your beans, your gear, and yes… your weather. So as the New Zealand skies get greyer and your jumpers come out of storage, make those tiny tweaks that keep your espresso consistently delicious.