Guide: How to make cannabis wine
Wine and cannabis both contain terpenes and other aromatic compounds that can have relaxing and stimulating effects. Although there are risks associated with combining alcohol and cannabis, combining the two components wisely can result in a unique and sophisticated experience that feels like floating on a cloud. Here's how to make your own cannabis wine.
Cannabis and wine are known for their rich variety of smells and flavors and often have a pleasant effect on the psyche. However, caution must be taken when combining these two ingredients in a drink. With the right approach, however, homemade cannabis wine can be an enriching experience. In this article, we'll go into detail on how to make such a mixture safely at home.
Why add cannabis to wine?
From cigars to coffee, from culinary delights to cars, many hobbies and interests have true experts who delve deeply into their fields of expertise. Among these interests are cannabis and wine, which are highly valued and often combined by enthusiasts for their distinct characteristics and wide range in their respective categories. It is therefore not surprising that each bottle of wine and each strain of cannabis brings with it its own special experience in terms of taste and aroma.
At first glance, the combination of cannabis and wine might seem unusual, but it can open up a wealth of complementary combinations and multi-layered experiences. Below we present the main reasons for enjoying cannabis wine and explain what you can expect from the experience.
Cannabis and wine: a recipe for a unique experience
Have you ever smoked a joint while relaxing with a glass of red or white wine? If so, you certainly have an idea of what this combination can offer. Enjoyed alone, both wine and cannabis promote mental well-being, relax the body, and encourage lively conversation at social gatherings. Used together, their effects are magnified: the soothing warmth of wine and the euphoric yet invigorating effects of cannabis complement each other perfectly. The key to the success of this combination, however, is moderation. Those who want to enjoy cannabis and wine at the same time should be extra cautious to ensure the experience remains pleasant and does not turn negative.
Experimenting with combinations of wine and cannabis
The synergistic psychoactive effects of wine and cannabis not only offer unique psychological experiences, but also taste revelations that are second to none.
In viticulture, which involves the science and cultivation of grapevines, as well as in winemaking and tasting, the concept of terroir plays a central role. This French term describes the environmental factors that shape the taste, character and overall sensation of a wine. These factors include sunlight, climate, soil composition, the rate at which grapes ripen, and post-harvest processes such as fermentation and aging in specific barrels. These elements significantly affect the concentration of aromatic compounds such as tannins, esters, terpenes and other chemical compounds in a wine.
Similarly, terroir is crucial to the final product of cannabis cultivation. The nutrient content of the soil, access to light, and the harvesting and processing methods used can significantly affect the production of secondary metabolites such as terpenes and cannabinoids, which are crucial to the taste, aroma, and potency of cannabis.
Considering these factors is essential when considering making a batch of cannabis wine. Much like carefully choosing which grapes to grow or which bottle of wine to select, combining cannabis with wine is an art that goes far beyond blending an indica-dominant hybrid with a Pinot Noir. By considering the terroir and specific processing methods of certain cannabis flowers and wines, you can refine your sensory experience down to the smallest detail.
What to expect when trying cannabis wine
Before diving into the world of cannabis wine recipes, it is important to understand what to expect when enjoying this aromatic drink. When consumed in reasonable amounts, cannabis wine can provide pleasant mental stimulation as well as physical relaxation. It can make you more inspired, sociable and introspective. Its rich composition of terpenes and other aromatic molecules will surely delight your taste buds with complex and profound flavors. However, it is important to handle consumption carefully and not to overdo it.
When drinking cannabis wine, caution is advised as there is little room for overconsumption. Compared to smoking, where THC quickly passes through the lungs into the blood and thus to the brain, the effects of orally ingested cannabis are much stronger and delayed. Oral THC first passes through the stomach and is then converted in the liver to 11-hydroxy-THC, a powerful metabolite that has a more intense and longer-lasting effect. This is why edibles, especially when combined with alcohol, can lead to intense and unexpected experiences that can be overwhelming, especially for newbies.
Consuming alcohol and cannabis at the same time, known as crossfading, can intensify the effects of THC. Studies have shown that consuming cannabis while drinking significantly increases blood levels of THC and 11-hydroxy-THC, so great care should be taken when consuming cannabis wine. Start slowly, enjoy a sip or two, then wait at least 30 minutes before consuming more. Over time, you will develop a feel for how much is appropriate for you to achieve the desired effect without experiencing negative effects.
Instructions: How to make cannabis wine
Now that you understand why cannabis and wine make a harmonious combination and how to enjoy them responsibly, it's time to create your own blend. Here are two easy methods for making cannabis wine.
Method 1: Infusing wine with a cannabis tea bag
This method is particularly simple and effective for producing cannabis-infused wine.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) of your favorite wine, whether dry red or white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir)
- 20–25 g cannabis (flowers or trim)
Tools:
- Baking tray
- Baking paper
- Cheesecloth
- line
- 1 litre preserving jar
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 110 °C. Cover the baking tray with baking paper.
- Grind the cannabis coarsely and spread it evenly on the baking paper. Decarboxylate the cannabis for 30 minutes to activate THC.
- Allow the cannabis to cool down while you pour the wine into the jar.
- Place the cooled cannabis on a piece of cheesecloth, wrap it up and tie it with string.
- Dip the cannabis tea bag into the jar, close the lid and let the wine steep in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.
- After the brewing time, remove the tea bag, pour a glass and carefully enjoy the wine.
- Store red cannabis wine in a cool, dark place and white in the refrigerator.
Method 2: Making cannabis mulled wine
For a warmer and more aromatic option, try this easy cannabis mulled wine recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 28 g decarboxylated cannabis trim
- 4 cloves
- 1 sliced orange
- ¼ tsp cardamom
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Tools:
- Large pot
- Cheesecloth
Directions:
- Place the large pot on the stove and pour in the wine.
- Add the decarboxylated cannabis, spices and orange slices.
- Let the mixture simmer gently with the lid closed for 2 hours.
- Check regularly and add more wine if necessary.
- Strain the mixture through cheesecloth.
- Serve the cannabis mulled wine hot and enjoy it in good company.
How to infuse wine with CBD
If you want to avoid THC and instead experience the benefits of CBD combined with wine, you can simply replace THC-rich plant material with CBD-rich one. Another simple method is to use CBD oil, which is easy to obtain due to its popularity and availability. Simply add a few drops to a glass of wine or a whole bottle to enjoy the mixture! However, keep in mind that consuming CBD and alcohol together can intensify the effects of the alcohol and lead to drowsiness, so enjoy this CBD-infused wine with the same caution you would with a THC-containing wine.
Cannabis wine – a gateway to a sophisticated high
Cannabis wine opens the door to a new dimension of taste and effects. However, the mix of terpenes, esters, cannabinoids and flavonoids can quickly become overwhelming if you overdo it. However, if you treat this composition with due respect, you can enjoy an unforgettable and unique experience.
