How To Pair Weed With Wine

It seems that the world of cannabis is getting more and more sophisticated. Long gone are the days of mediocre weed consumed with cheap beers and greasy takeout—at least for some! With Michelin-star chefs producing fine cannabis foods, and weed-infused wine populating the shelves in America, just how sophisticated can we get?

There is something to be said about the magical mix of cannabis-infused wine, but what about pairing the two, where each component elevates the other? Both cannabis and wine share numerous aromatic compounds, and wine also brings tannins and biomolecules that affect the ageing of wine and its mouthfeel to the mix. Let’s learn more about these components and how to achieve the perfect match.

Does wine pair well with weed?

Picture this: a fine dining setting, a sommelier explaining the subtle characteristics of each glass of wine, and then… a canna-sommelier, pairing each single wine with the perfect cannabis strain. As two substances renowned for elevating any gathering, it seems only natural to explore what wine and weed can do when consciously coupled.

Is weed wine a thing?

Cannabis-infused wine is a drink that has been around for centuries, albeit forgotten and rediscovered by various populations over time. Fortified wines, which are wines enriched with various herbs, are as old as the Old Testament, and nothing forbids us to think that one of these magical herbs could have been cannabis.

What do weed and wine have in common?

Both wine and cannabis contain aromatic compounds called terpenes that give them distinctive flavours and aromas. The terpenes in wine come from the grapes, while cannabis terpenes originate from the plant’s trichomes. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, and play a crucial role in nature by attracting pollinators and deterring herbivores.

In cannabis, terpenes contribute to the plant's unique scent and flavour profiles, enhancing the overall sensory experience. In wine-making grapes, the specific combination and concentration of terpenes can influence the wine's bouquet, adding floral, fruity, spicy, or herbal notes, which are crucial to the complexity and character of different wine varieties. By understanding terpene profiles, you can pair wines and weed strains that share similarities, or create new contrasting blends.

• Aroma and flavour similarities: For example, many of the notes found in cannabis strains—like clove, black pepper, and cinnamon—are due to the terpene beta-caryophyllene, which is also found in wines.
• Concept of terroir: Wine connoisseurs are probably familiar with this concept. Similarly to wine grapes, the growing region, climate, and soil of a cannabis strain can impact its terpene profile.
• Cannabis tasting experience: With increasing cannabis legalization, users are now indulging in more sophisticated cannabis experiences, really valuing things like the flavour and even adjusting the method of consumption to further elevate a strain’s unique characteristics—much like wine tasting.

How to pair weed with wine

Now that we have learned a bit more about these two magnificent elements, it’s time to discover how to match wines with the endless number of strains available, and vice versa.

White wine and uplifting sativas

Let’s start with a wine that everyone enjoys: white wine. Light, crisp wines like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio pair nicely with fruity, citrusy cannabis strains high in terpenes such as limonene. A strain like Lemon Power Haze will bring out all the fresh notes of these lighter wines.

As for the effects, Lemon Power Haze provides a very potent, energetic, and uplifting high. It boosts creativity, motivation, and mood. Generally, it’s best to pair white, dry wines with energising sativas, as they both tend to uplift and revitalise.

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Lemon Power Haze (Zamnesia Seeds) feminized

(98)

Parents: Lemon Skunk x Amnesia Haze

Genetics: 25% Indica / 75% Sativa

Flowering Time: 8-9 weeks

THC: 20%

CBD: 0-1%

Flowering Type: Photoperiod

Red wine and couch-locking indicas

The next category is somewhat of an acquired taste. Bold, full-bodied reds like Rioja, tempranillo, syrah, or sangiovese have earthy, spicy notes that pair well with indica strains high in myrcene and caryophyllene terpenes. An Afghan strain like Hindu Kush would be a great match for these impressive reds.

Hindu Kush is a strain best suited for experienced cannabis enthusiasts, with its strong soothing effects that force even the most social butterfly to slow down and enjoy a moment of peace and quiet, perhaps while sipping on a robust glass of red wine.

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Hindu Kush (Zamnesia Seeds) feminized

(29)

Parents: Landrace

Genetics: Indica

Flowering Time: 8-9 weeks

THC: 20%

CBD: 0-1%

Flowering Type: Photoperiod

Rosé wine and fresh hybrids

Rosé is a fun wine, featuring refreshing notes of red berry and floral aromas that pair beautifully with strains high in terpinolene, like Jack Herer. The piney, floral notes complement the wine's delicate fruit flavours, and the upbeat effects go perfectly with a Spanish rosado or a semi-sparkling rosé, sipped on a warm and sunny afternoon.

Jack Herer is a storied strain that offers euphoric and uplifting highs. These effects are sure to elevate any boring day, which is the same feeling evoked by a chilled glass of rosé. The bubbly nature of some of these wines will dance on your taste buds—sounds like a party!

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Jack Herer Automatic (Zamnesia Seeds) feminized

(61)

Parents: Jack Herer x Ruderalis

Genetics: Auto Hybrid

Flowering Time: 10-11 weeks from seed to harvest

THC: 16%

CBD: 3%

Flowering Type: Autoflowering

Sparkling wine and fruity strains

Where to begin with sparkling wines: Champagne, prosecco, spumante? These decadent drinks have complex flavour profiles with fruity, floral, yeasty, and toasty notes. It feels almost too limiting to suggest just one strain to pair with this array of beautiful wines.

A mix of complementary strains like the Fruity Pack from Zamnesia will surprise you with each variety, making you the main character of this wine–weed tasting. What pairings will you create? Blueberry and Lambrusco, Watermelon Candy and Cava, or a classic flute of Champagne and zesty Sweet Lemon AK?

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Fruity Pack - Feminized Strains

(12)

Flowering Type: Photoperiod

Tips for pairing wine with weed

Now that we’ve given you some inspiration for specific wine–weed pairings, below we offer some tips to consider before your first tasting.

Start with white wines and uplifting strains

When pairing cannabis with wine, it’s better to start with drier, more acidic wines. White wines often complement the flavours found in many cannabis strains, giving you the chance to pair an endless number of cultivars. The acidity in the wine can cut through the richness of the cannabis, creating a refreshing and balanced experience. This initial pairing sets a solid foundation for more complex combinations, ensuring that neither the wine nor the cannabis overwhelms the other.

Match body and intensity

Matching the body and intensity of the wine to the type of cannabis is crucial for a successful pairing. Bold, full-bodied red wines pair excellently with indica strains, which are known for their strong, relaxing effects and rich, earthy flavours. On the other hand, light, crisp white wines are better suited to sativa strains, which tend to be more uplifting and have brighter, more citrusy profiles. This alignment in intensity and body ensures that the sensory characteristics of both the wine and the cannabis complement each other rather than clash.

Don’t forget the entourage effect

The concept of the entourage effect highlights the synergy between terpenes and cannabinoids. Since terpenes are found in both wine and cannabis, it’s important to understand that these molecules will enhance each other, creating a more complex experience. For instance, the citrusy terpenes in a sauvignon blanc can elevate the zesty notes in a Haze cannabis strain, giving new depth to both the wine and the cannabis chosen.

The key word is tasting

To fully appreciate the interplay of flavours between wine and cannabis, it’s essential to take small sips and puffs. This method allows you to savour the subtle nuances and shifts in taste as the palate melds and evolves. After all, this is an indulgent experience, not a sprint!

Cleanse your palate

Drinking water between tastes helps to cleanse and refresh your palate, preventing any single flavour from becoming overwhelming. This practice ensures that each new combination of wine and cannabis is experienced with a clean slate, allowing for a more accurate and enjoyable assessment of each component. Some cannabis strains are also known to cause cotton mouth, which water can help to quench.

Embrace weed's sophisticated side

Pairing fine wines with premium cannabis strains is a way to experience both at their highest level. With some knowledge of terpene profiles, you can craft multi-sensory experiences that delight. Weed and wine pairings elevate cannabis culture and allow you to embrace its sophisticated side. Your next canna-party could be an incredible wine tasting—the perfect place to showcase all the knowledge learned in this article!

Zamnesia

Zamnesia is an otherworldly expert in all things cannabis and psychedelic. Combining that specialist knowledge with hours of scrupulous research, Zamnesia creates outstanding content around the clock. Thanks to their divine personality, we're proud to say Zamnesia has become our ear-to-the-ground for everything to do with mind-altering substances.

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