041Wine writer Lelethu Zondani uncorks a bold conversation about the intersection of two thriving industries. Could wine and weed be the ultimate pairing, or is this a step too far?
With the decriminalisation of weed in South Africa, more dispensaries have opened, introducing us to new strains and innovations in cannabis. South Africans are adventurous when it comes to pairing wine, and I love how open we are to trying new things.
Beyond the massive profits these two multibillion-rand industries could generate by working together (get it? 😉), we also have to consider the potential chaos it could create. How far is too far? Does anyone still care about their health?
I have dabbled in this pairing for research purposes… of course. And I’ve discovered some amazing combinations. Some of the most popular and accessible strains in South Africa include Mango Cheese Kush, Cheese strains, Sativa, Green Magic, Exodus Cheese, Sunset Sherbet, Black and White Meadow, Green Crack, and Banana Clip. Special mention to Unicorn Poop!
The possibilities with this concept are endless. We have chefs and food scientists creating meals infused with cannabis and CBD—imagine curating experiences around that and pairing the food with wine. Brilliant. If I had to be honest, that’s my favourite way to consume because it brings the best of both worlds. I particularly love pairing infused chocolate chip cookies and banana bread with a white wine blend. I’d recommend Brookdale’s Sixteen 2023 Field Blend, Springfield Miss Lucy, and La Motte 2023 Chardonnay.
Pairing wine with weed may sound intimidating, but cannabis has a way of heightening your senses remarkably. My taste buds become even more receptive, and I love doing wine tastings while under the influence because I pick up flavours and colours more intensely. Tasting notes and the bouquet of the wine become much more pronounced. It’s such a vibe!
I’m not much of a smoker, but when I do indulge, I love pairing a deep red with a joint. The taste of a joint depends on the strain of weed as well as the rolling paper used. We even have grape-flavoured rolling papers these days, making pairing even more complex. Honestly, dealers should start matching rolling paper flavours to the weed strain—that would be a game changer.
Keeping the wine’s body medium is essential to avoid overwhelming your senses or making you feel too warm. Kanonkop Kadette is a favourite among many wine drinkers if you’re going old school. Other great picks include Vilafonté Seriously Old Dirt, a cold-climate wine I recently had from Minimalist Wines called Stars In The Dark, and La Vierge Noir Pinot Noir, which is perfect for its earthy tones.
I look forward to seeing what other pairings emerge as we evolve. I just hope you guys don’t do something as ridiculous as pairing wine with vapes.
Cheers!
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