Wine Country is getting a new pairing but it’s not the most unlikely couple. One of cannabis’s latest infusions has hit the wine market and it’s got a lot of buzz in Northern California’s beloved vino hotspot. With a growing cannabis scene in the areas originally most known for cultivating fine grapes, popular California wine counties like Mendocino, Humboldt and Trinity are reimagining the term “Emerald Triangle.” 

Cannabis-infused wine is one of the latest alternatives to consuming alcohol-based drinks. Though the name suggests it’s the best of both intoxicating worlds, it is a wine often devoid of any alcohol but infused with THC to bring forth the calming effects of cannabis. This offers consumers a much more “mellow high without being too stoned,” according to the founder of Santa Barbara’s Qupé wines, Bob Lindquist. 

The legalities around mixing two intoxicants are complicated, so commercial sales are presently limited to non-alcoholic cannabis drinks only. The process of making the product varies from creator to creator. Overall, the idea is that cannabis is extracted and infused in a liquid–in this case, wine–and the alcohol is removed once that process is complete. The infusion promotes relaxation and evokes a sense of calm, rather than getting you drunk.

The uptick in interest in cannabis-infused wine is hitting a high due to changing feelings about weed altogether. As America’s legislative relationship with cannabis has evolved, so have the perceptions of the substance. The use of cannabis has become more commonplace in recent years due to major factors such as legalization and access, resulting in a positive shift in attitude toward cannabis culture. Enthusiasm for cannabis legalization jumped to 70%, per Gallup’s November 2023 poll data. About half of the 50 states have opted into allowing the legal use of weed, and with a reported $20 billion in legal cannabis sales in just the first quarter of 2024 alone, the citizens are opting in, too.

California alone touts 3,659 cannabis dispensaries and counting, so it might not come as the biggest surprise that the first state to make cannabis consumption permissible is also the first (and currently, only) state to offer cannabis infusions in its wine offerings. One might even say it was a natural leap for the Golden State to merge two high-revenue drivers: wine and cannabis. According to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, California has generated $3.8 billion in legal cannabis sales, earning tax revenue exceeding $800 million. Not to mention, the area has some great circumstances for raising a successful crop. 

“Scenic regions like Sonoma and Mendocino County are…areas that grow some of the top grapes in the world [and] also offer ideal conditions for growing the best cannabis,” says Chelsea Davis, founder of cannabis dining company, Cannescape, specializing in Northern California experiences.

Once a popular destination mainly for wine enthusiasts, Northern California has expanded its audience to include cannabis connoisseurs. The successful crossover could be attributed to a desire for a superior experience that isn’t solely about getting buzzed. Davis asserts that the landscape has changed, and “younger generations are looking for not just unique wine tastings, but also upscale cannabis experiences.” Because of the dual effects of the wine and cannabis infusion, some cannabis wine experts say it’s the perfect intro to the ultimate dining experience and a way to transform cannabis consumption into a luxury wine tasting. 

“Sonoma and Mendocino Counties are ideal destinations for both wine and cannabis,” says Brian Applegarth of Applegarth Strategies, a small cannabis travel marketing agency.

This could also be perfect timing and a way to breathe new life into a sector facing significant hurdles. While the use of cannabis is on the rise in California, conversely, the wine industry is experiencing an unprecedented descent. Obstacles like climate change and adjustments in consumer behavior present new challenges for California wine. 

Specifically, alcohol consumption among Millennials and Gen Z is declining as these generations prefer drinks that offer unique experiences or elevated benefits. Health and wellness is a big driver in decision-making for younger generations and non-alcoholic beverages are perceived as more health-conscious. A 2023 Gallup poll reported that most adults believe cannabis is less risky than alcohol, which could help explain why “Cali sober” is gaining popularity. As buyers cut alcohol out of their lifestyles, brands are answering the call for more alcohol-free beverage options. California-based companies like Cann and Artet have an array of cannabis-infused wines, most products available in-store or otherwise onsite. 

Customers continue to be drawn to cannabis drinks as interest in drinking alcohol wanes and healthier alternatives grow in demand.

ONA offers fast cannabis delivery for a variety of premium cannabis-infused beverages, including cannabis-infused wines and non-alcoholic beverages from brands like Lagunitas and Artet. To order cannabis-infused wine online, check out our menu below.

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