Wine Enthusiast – October 2019

36 | WINE ENTHUSIAST | OCTOBER 2019

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GET ON THE CANNA-BUS

VINES AND WEEDS

Wine tourism meets cannabis in some states.

As

states across the country

move to decriminalize and,

in some cases, legalize

cannabis, many industries

seek to take advantage of the growing

consumer demand for all things pot, aiming

to get their slice of the so-called “Green

Rush.” The wine industry is no exception.

Ahead, three wine and weed tours to

consider for your next weekend getaway.

—Mekita Rivas

DENVER

MY 420 TOURS (PICTURED)

On January 1, 2014, Colorado

became the first legal recreational

cannabis market in the U.S., and

the state has since paved the way

for what’s become known as pot

tourism. In the Mile High City, the

Wine & Weed walking tour begins

at a private lounge, where guests

will learn about cannabis strains,

edibles and concentrates. Next, a

guide leads visitors to the popular

River North Art District. Here, the

guide will direct you to an urban

winery, where you can sip the day

away. The route covers about 1½

miles, so wear comfortable shoes

and pack lightly.

SONOMA COUNTY,

CALIFORNIA

WINE COUNTRY WEED TRIPS

Recreational use in California

became legal in January 2018, and

self-described “cannaprenuers”

wasted no time merging with

the area’s well-established wine

tourism industry. For those who

seek a more bespoke experience,

there’s Wine Country Weed Trips,

which specializes in fine wine and

top-notch Northern California

cannabis. The company provides

door-to-door chauffeur service,

so guests can navigate the

area safely and responsibly in a

luxury vehicle. Small groups will

experience selected local cannabis

dispensaries, award-winning

wineries and craft beer pubs

during the tour. Expect to explore

western Sonoma County, Rohnert

Park, Santa Rosa, Healdsburg,

Sebastopol, Guerneville and

surrounding areas.

WILLAMETTE VALLEY,

OREGON

HOMEGROWN WEED&WINE

TOURS

Choose-your-own-adventure

types will ride in a fully stocked,

14-passenger bus deemed the “chill

bus” as they visit local wineries

and dispensaries throughout

Oregon’s picturesque wine country.

This tour pledges to be interactive:

In addition to the wine tastings

and lessons about the difference

between sativa and indica strains,

there will also be swag bags,

games and prizes.

To learn about the science behind

pairing cannabis with wine, visit

winemag.com/vinesandweeds