How to Make Cannabis-Infused Wine?

Appreciation for the finer things in life spans many hobbies, from coffee to cigars and from classic cars to gourmet food. In this realm, both wine and cannabis also hold special places. And both are more similar than you’d think. 

Yes, one gets you high and the other drunk, but additionally, both are celebrated for their unique flavors and aromas, too. Imagine combining these two worlds into one experience. 

By infusing wine with cannabis, you’re not just mixing substances — you’re creating a very unique sensory experience that pairs the complex notes of wine with the rich characteristics of cannabis. 

This blend offers a new way to enjoy both, whether you're looking for a relaxing evening at home or planning a special gathering with friends. Let’s explore why you might want to try cannabis-infused wine and what you can expect from this unique blend.

What to Expect from Your Cannabis-Infused Wine?

Before we go ahead, let’s get a few things clear. 

If you’ve ever smoked a joint while sipping on wine, you’ve already had a glimpse of the synergy between cannabis and wine. Both elevate your mood, relax your body, and enhance your social interactions. 

When enjoyed sensibly, cannabis wine offers a pleasant cerebral buzz and bodily relaxation. You might feel more creative, social, and thoughtful, while rich terpenes provide complex flavors. However, caution is crucial to avoid overindulgence. 

Cannabis wine is potent, so it's better to drink too little than too much. Edible cannabis, including cannabis wine, has stronger effects than smoking. When smoked, THC quickly enters the bloodstream, reaching the brain almost instantly. This allows for better control and a lower risk of overconsumption.

On the other hand, edibles take longer to effect. THC passes through your stomach, then the liver, turning from THCA to THC. But edibles produce a more intense and long-lasting effect. This is why cannabis-infused edibles can sometimes catch you off guard. And alcohol only adds to this effect. 

Combining alcohol with cannabis, known as crossfading, increases the potency of both. Therefore, start with just a sip or two and wait at least 30 minutes before having more. Over time, you'll find your optimal amount, allowing you to enjoy the experience without going overboard.

How Strong is Cannabis-Infused Wine?

The strength of cannabis-infused wine is influenced by factors such as the strain and quantity of cannabis utilized, the infusion method employed, and the duration of the infusion process. Let's look at them in detail:

1. Strain and Quantity of Cannabis

Different cannabis varieties contain varying levels of THC and CBD. THC induces the narcotic and even euphoric effects cannabis is so famous for while CBD helps to calm you down without psychoactive effects. Naturally, strains high in THC produce a potent wine whereas those high in CBD may result in milder effects.

Moreover, the quantity of cannabis you use during infusion will influence the potency as well. While using large amounts of cannabis gives you a stronger wine, the opposite is also true. 

2. Decarboxylation

Since cannabis must be decarboxylated to activate the cannabinoids, you must heat it to convert THCA into THC. This step is a must to achieve the potency you want. Also, the time and temperature applied during decarboxylation can affect the wine's potency. 

3. Infusion Techniques

As the names entail, cold infusion involves no heat whereas warm infusion requires heat. Typically, cold infusion will produce mild wines whereas warm infusion will produce stronger wine as more cannabinoids dissolve at higher temperatures. 

In addition, the duration for which you infuse cannabis in the wine impacts its potency. A longer infusion time enables cannabinoids to dissolve into the wine, resulting in a stronger wine. 

How to Calculate the Potency of Cannabis-Infused Wine?

To determine the strength of cannabis-infused wine, you can follow this formula:

Cannabis (in grams) × Percentage of THC or CBD × 1000

Let’s say you use 10 grams of cannabis containing 20% THC;

Total THC = 10 grams × 0.20 × 1000 = 2000 mg THC

This tells you the amount of THC you will incorporate into the wine. However, remember that wine contains alcohol, so the ultimate potency will be influenced by how much wine you use. If you infuse 750 ml of wine each milliliter will contain about;

THC per ml = 2000 mg THC / 750 ml = 2.66 mg/ml. 

Apart from this, you should remember that some factors also influence how you perceive the potency. For example, while the wine may be too potent for you, your friend may not feel anything at all. This is because individual responses to cannabis can vary significantly. Also, if you’re a regular user, you might need higher doses to feel the effects whereas others who don’t use cannabis may feel stronger effects with smaller doses.

The speed at which your body processes cannabinoids can impact the speed and strength of the effects experienced. When you drink cannabis-infused wine, you're introducing both alcohol and cannabinoids into your system. This combination can potentially enhance the effects because of how alcohol and THC interact. 

What Types of Wines Are Suitable for Infusion?

The type of wine you choose significantly influences the flavor, aroma, and overall experience of your cannabis-infused wine. Let’s explore various types that work well for infusion and how each type can enhance the process:

• Red Wine

Many people prefer red wines for their deep hues and rich flavors. Typically, they are derived from dark grape varieties with higher levels of tannin, which is the reason for that slight astringent taste. 

To make cannabis-infused wine, you can use any of the popular varieties like Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir. The advantage of using red wines is that the flavors can help mask the earthy or herbal taste of cannabis. The complexity of wine can also complement the terpene profile of cannabis strains resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors.

• White Wine

White wines are usually lighter in both color and flavor compared to other types of wines. Created using yellow or green grapes, they are crisp and tastier. Like red wine, even white wine can be refreshing when you combine it with cannabis. You can use any wine including Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Moscato, Riesling, and Chardonnay. 

• Rosé Wine

Rosé wines are derived from grapes and undergo a shorter fermentation period with the grape skins, resulting in their pink hue. They strike a perfect balance between light white wine and rich red wine as they have a fruity flavor that tastes fantastic with cannabis. You have some options such as Syrah Rosé, Sangiovese Rosé, Grenache Rosé, and Pinot Noir Rosé. 

• Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wines are famous for their bubbly nature and are crafted using techniques that introduce carbonation. They can vary from dry to sweet. While the bubbles in sparkling wine introduce a unique texture, the fizziness elevates the aroma, making it perfect for you to share with friends. Some options are Prosecco, Champagne, and Cava. 

• Dessert Wine

Dessert wines are wines usually enjoyed with or as dessert. They come from several types of grapes and production methods. Some popular types include Sherry, Port, Sherry, and Sauternes. The sweetness of dessert wine can effectively balance out the flavors of cannabis, so if you like sweet wines, this is the one for you. 

How to Choose the Perfect Wine for Making Cannabis-Infused WIne?

We listed several options, but how do you choose the perfect one? Well, first you need to consider the taste profile. Opt for a wine with flavors that complement the cannabis strain you're using. For instance, a fruity cannabis strain might go well with dessert and white wine while earthy strains work with red wines. 

Try to create a blend of flavors between the wine and cannabis. The infusion should enhance the taste of the wine without overshadowing it. Experimenting with several batches can help you achieve that balance.

In addition, remember that the ideal infused wine is one that you genuinely enjoy sipping on its own, so make sure you select something that matches your palate.

Methods for Infusing Cannabis With Wine

When it comes to infusing wine with cannabis, the process involves extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant and mixing them with the wine. There are two ways to infuse cannabis into wine: warm infusion and cold infusion. Each method has its advantages and drawbacks which can greatly impact the outcome. Let's take a look at both techniques:

Cold Infusion

Cold infusion is a technique where cannabis is soaked in wine at room temperature or chilled for a specific period. This method is slow as it relies on time rather than heat to extract the cannabinoids.

To make cannabis-infused wine with cold infusion, you can decarboxylate the buds as usual. Next, place the cannabis in a jar or container, pour the wine over it, and seal the container tightly.

Now, store your container in a safe, dark area and let the ingredients infuse for at least 2-4 weeks, gently shaking it every few days.

Next, strain out the cannabis from the wine using a mesh strainer or cheesecloth.

A major advantage of using this approach is that the flavors of the wine remain unchanged as there's no heat. This applies to cannabinoids as well. Also, this is a set-and-forget method and you don't have to monitor the process much. 

However, you won't be able to achieve the infusion quickly as this process needs quite a bit of time. Compared to warm infusions, the potency may be lower as well. 

Warm Infusion 

As the name implies, warm infusion involves heat where you heat the cannabis and wine mixture to extract cannabinoids. To do this, just follow the steps mentioned in the recipe below. 

Warm infusion takes only about 30 minutes to an hour and the result is a potent product as well. Similarly, this process allows for more cannabinoids to be extracted too. However, one disadvantage is that there's a risk of losing some cannabinoids and terpenes due to the heat. Also, the flavor of wine may be altered as well. 

Ultimately, you can choose either a warm or cold infusion, depending on your preferences. If you have some time and prefer to retain the flavors of wine, cold infusion is best whereas warm infusion works for those that are short of time. 

How to Make Cannabis-Infused Wine at Home?

There are a couple of ways to make cannabis wine. The first, and easiest, is to fortify wine by infusing it with cannabis. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, it’s also possible to make a grape-free cannabis wine.

This recipe is perfect for holidays and special occasions with friends. Even better, it’s relatively easy to make.

Here’s What You Need:

• 30 grams of cannabis 
• A bottle of red wine 
• Four cloves
• An orange 
• ¼ teaspoon of cardamon and nutmeg each 
• Half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon 
• A saucepan 
• Cheesecloth 

Follow These Steps:

1. Pour the wine into the saucepan and place it on the stove 
2. Add the spices, cannabis, and orange to the pan — you can use other spices, too, based on your taste preferences 
3. Simmer and boil the mixture together for two hours — this is to decarb the cannabis 
4. Ensure it does not evaporate 
5. After two hours, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and serve 

Remember, your freshly made cannabis-infused wine may be a bit stronger than you’d expect, so be careful and take it easy. 

How to Brew Cannabis Wine at Home?

You can also brew your cannabis at home! For this, you must set up a brewing setup in your home. It’s straightforward, though, and you can purchase brewing kits for cheap on the internet. 

Here’s What You Need:

• Around 120 grams of decarbed cannabis buds or trim 
• A couple of oranges and a lemon 
• 1.4 kg of sugar 
• A fresh yeast cake 
• 3.5 liters of water 
• Two 5-liter brewing bottles or demijohns 
• A brewing airlock 
• A meter of siphoning tube 
• A thermometer
• A hydrometer 
• A decently sized cooking pot that’s not made of aluminum 
• Lightweight muslin cloth
• Airtight bottles

Follow these Steps:

1. Cut and grind the cannabis buds and place them in one of the brewing bottles or demijohns 
2. Then, juice the lemon and orange and add the juice to the same demijohn as step 1 
3. Take a large pot and bring the water to a boil in it 
4. Once boiling, dissolve all the sugar in it and mix everything 
5. Then, evenly split the mixture between the demijohns 
6. Dissolve the yeast in a bit of warm water that’s around 20 degrees C — any lower and it may not ferment at all 
7. Add the yeast mixture to the demijohn and add more water to bring the mixture level close to the brim of the bottle 
8. Relocate the bottle in a warm, dark place, like a closet or cupboard, and maintain a temperature between 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C)
9. Soon enough, you’ll notice the yeast beginning to ferment, leading to bubbles and fizzing 
10. After a day, add the airlock on the demijohn to allow the built-up CO2 to escape while preventing the mixture from coming in contact with oxygen — important as it can turn your wine into vinegar — you don’t want that 
11. Let it all ferment for 2 to 4 weeks 
12. Check the mixture every 24 hours; use a sterilized wooden spoon to push the plant materials down 
13. You can also use a hydrometer to check the alcohol levels 
14. When the bubbles stop, your wine is fermented

Storing and Enjoying Your Cannabis Wine

After fermentation, it’s time to move on to storing your cannabis wine. Begin by carefully removing the demijohns from their dark cupboard, making sure not to disturb the sediment that has settled at the bottom. 

Set up a clean workspace for this process. Use a siphon tube to transfer the cannabis wine from the brewing demijohn through muslin into a new clean demijohn. Don’t worry if the liquid appears a bit cloudy; this is normal and will clear up as time goes on. The muslin will filter out the larger pieces of trim and any sediment.

Next, place an airlock on the new demijohn and return it to the dark storage space, where it should remain undisturbed for another month. This secondary fermentation stage is crucial for the wine’s maturation. 

Once the month is up, you can prepare for bottling by boiling your bottles to ensure they are properly sterilized.

With your bottles ready, carefully move the demijohn with the wine from its storage spot, taking care not to disturb the sediment. If you do accidentally disturb it, wait at least an hour for it to settle before proceeding. 

Remove the airlock, and then cover the tops of the bottles with muslin as you siphon the wine into them. This final siphoning step will help remove any remaining sediment.

Seal the filled bottles with airtight seals. If you’re using corks, you might want to melt some wax over the corks to ensure an airtight seal. 

Although the wine is ready to drink at this point, it’s best to let it age for at least another six months in a dark place. This additional aging will help the flavors meld and smooth out the wine, enhancing your final product. 

Don’t Forget to Experiment with Different Flavors

Pairing wine and weed isn’t just about the combined effects; it’s also a unique way to explore flavors. 

In winemaking, the term terroir refers to all the environmental factors that shape a wine’s taste and character. This includes the soil’s composition, sunlight exposure, and the methods used in fermentation and aging. 

Cannabis also has its own version of terroir. Factors like soil nutrients, sunlight, and harvesting techniques affect the strain’s flavor and effects. Terpenes and cannabinoids play a key role in shaping the final experience, similar to how different grapes produce different wines.

When making cannabis-infused wine, think about these factors to create a richer, more enjoyable experience. It’s more than just mixing an indica with a red wine — explore how different strains and wines interact to enhance their unique qualities. This approach opens up a world of possibilities for refining your cannabis wine experience.

Common Mistakes and How to Troubleshoot Them

If this is your first time making wine infused with cannabis, you'll naturally encounter some issues. 

Let's take a look at some of these common issues and how you can solve them. 

1. Heating the Wine Excessively

The taste of the wine may change if you heat the wine excessively during the infusion. Plus, the alcohol may evaporate while the cannabinoids begin to degrade. 

Therefore, you must carefully monitor the temperature to ensure it stays below 160°F (71°C). Utilize a boiler or a slow cooker with temperature control to maintain a gentle heat.

2. Inadequate Filtering

Sometimes, you may not strain the mixture properly, leaving cannabis particles in the wine that impact its texture and taste.

To avoid this, use a proper mesh strainer or cheesecloth. You can also strain the wine numerous times with a coffee filter for that extra perfection.

3. Decarboxylation

Whether you forget to decarboxylate or just don't want to do it, the outcome would just be wine sans cannabis. Decarboxylation is very important for the cannabinoids to work, so don't skip this step. 

4. Excessive Cannabis Usage

We understand you're very excited and want a potent wine, but adding too much cannabis will mess up your dosage calculation. You don't want an unpalatable wine that gives you bad trips, do you?

Therefore, stick to the recommended measurements and you'll do just fine. 

On the other hand, if the potency is too low, you can increase it slightly the next time you try the infusion. Or, simply extend the infusion time, especially when you're doing a cold infusion. For warm infusion, extending the infusion time means extra heat and extra risks, so just get a different batch of potent cannabis to enjoy the effects. 

5. Inconsistent Infusion

Remember how you must shake the wine every few days when making cold infusions? Yes, this step is important if you want an even infusion. 

Do not forget to mix the wine properly every time you get a chance as it distributes the cannabinoids evenly throughout the wine. 

6. Unpleasant Flavors

If the wine carries intense cannabis flavors, try combining your infused wine with another bottle of the same type to reduce those overwhelming flavors. Or, get another batch of cannabis that compliments the wine flavor for the best results. 

7. Hazy Appearance

Sometimes, the wine looks cloudy and also contains suspended particles.

It simply means that you haven't strained the wine properly. If the problem persists, you'll need to clarify the wine with a fining agent meant for wines. 

FAQ

1. Is cannabis-infused wine legal? 

The legality of cannabis-infused wine varies depending on the location. In regions where both recreational marijuana and alcohol are legal, you'll have no issues, especially in the USA. 

2. What does cannabis-infused wine taste like? 

The flavor depends on the wine and cannabis strain used. Generally, it maintains the wine flavor with hints of earthy or citrusy notes from the cannabis. The infusion process may also subtly change the wine's aroma and texture.

3. What are the effects of drinking cannabis-infused wine?

The potency of cannabis-infused wine is determined by the quantity and type of cannabis you have used during infusion. As this may be new to you, you must measure the dosage to prevent any negative side effects. Remember, you're drinking both alcohol and weed, so the effects will be significantly more than just drinking regular wine or smoking cannabis. You may feel some effects like euphoria, relaxation, and changes in perception. Of course, the sedative effects will be more as well. So, to avoid issues, drink just a little in the beginning and wait for a few days before increasing the dosage. This way, you'll know your body's limits and will be able to adjust better. 

4. Can you use cannabis-infused wine for cooking?

Yes, you can cook with cannabis-infused wine just like regular wine. It can add that extra zing to your dishes. However, cooking processes might affect potency, especially if you heat it for a long time. 

5. Are there any side effects?

Like any product containing alcohol and cannabis, there may be effects such as lightheadedness, dry mouth, and increased heart rate. In addition, excessive consumption could lead to paranoia, nausea, and other unflattering circumstances. So, again, check the dosage and start slow. Increase it only if your body responds well. 

6. How should I serve cannabis-infused wine? 

Serving cannabis-infused wine is similar to serving wine. You can enjoy it cold or at room temperature depending on the type of wine.

Summary: How to Make Cannabis-Infused Wine?

You’ve now got the essentials for crafting your own cannabis-infused wine, from understanding what to expect to the detailed steps for brewing and storing. This unique combination of wine and weed offers a fascinating way to explore flavors and effects that go beyond their individual qualities.

As you start this journey, remember that the key is balance. 

Enjoy the mellow buzz of your homemade cannabis wine, but always start slowly to find your perfect dose. Whether you’re infusing a bottle of red for a cozy evening or brewing up a batch for a special occasion, there’s a lot of fun to be had experimenting with different strains and flavors.

So, grab your ingredients, set up your brewing station, and let the process unfold. With patience and a bit of creativity, you’ll be sipping on a delightful and potent creation in no time. Cheers to your new adventure in the world of cannabis wine!