Jamie Evans on Herbacée—Her French-Inspired, Cannabis-Infused, Nonalcoholic Sparkling Wine

Cannabis beverage expert, author and Certified Specialist of Wine, Jamie Evans unveiled Herbacée on July 15, billed as “the nation’s first nonalcoholic cannabis-infused sparkling wine to honor French-inspired wine blends,” containing both THC and CBD. Evans was inspired by selections from Bordeaux, Rhône, Provence, Champagne, Loire and France’s other renowned wine regions. 

How does a fine, sparkling rosé or blanc blend sound, in the heat of summer? It turns out there are alternative ways to enjoy delicately crafted wine blends, minus the alcohol. Herbacée—“herbaceous” in French—is a new botanical beverage that celebrates both the flower and the vine.

Cannabis-infused wines are taking over, and aficionados are starting to take notice. Evans couldn’t be more thrilled to share her offerings with the world. “Over the past few years, wine aficionados might have crossed paths with some of the cannabis wine pioneers that have paved the way including House of Saka, Rebel Coast and Viv & Oak,” Evans tells High Times.

“Collectively, we can continue to increase awareness for this exciting category and work together to introduce new consumers to cannabis-infused nonalcoholic wine products since it’s still a fairly new beverage segment,” Evans continues. “While Herbacée is the newest addition, we’re excited to collaborate and help educate to push the movement forward.”

There is considerable excitement among investors for the future of cannabis beverages, as  alternatives to alcohol are explored. The global cannabis beverages market is estimated to reach $2.8 billion by 2025, according to recent reports.

Evans is also known as The Herb Somm, providing a gourmet guide to the world of cannabis, and author of two cannabis-centric books: Cannabis Drinks: Secrets to Crafting CBD and THC Beverages at Home and The Ultimate Guide to CBD: Explore the World of Cannabidiol. 

After traveling the world, studying viticulture in the legendary winemaking regions of Champagne and Alsace in France—Evans has developed a pool of knowledge under her belt in the craft of wine, most recently earning the Wine Scholar Guild’s French Wine Scholar (FWS) certification with highest honors. 

“In many ways, it feels like my educational background and career has been leading up to this point,” said Evans. “Blending both of my passions into one product is a dream come true. Herbacée highlights the synergies between wine and cannabis. When combined together, it’s pure magic.”

The more we learn about THC and CBD, the more we learn about how they work together, synergistically. Adding this element to wine opens up new possibilities.

Evans said that many of the world’s most sought-after wines are based on blending, particularly in France, hence the concept of Herbacée.

Evans and the Rollout of Herbacée

Herbacée is set to launch in the California market in Fall 2021—beginning with Sparkling Rose, a “South of France” inspired rosé blend made primarily from Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. 

Sparkling Rose will first be available in single-serve cans and four-packs. Evans also plans to release Herbacée’s other offering, Sparkling Blanc, in Spring 2022 and as well as a line of still cannabis-infused wines and other wine-based elixirs, which we be sold in 750ml bottles and cans.

Each serving of Herbacée contains a blend of THC and CBD crafted by Vertosa, which calls itself a leading advanced infusion technology partner. Santa Rosa-based BevZero helped to craft the nonalcoholic wine blends, and the initial Herbacée launch will feature wine sourced from premier Central Coast wine regions in California, where Evans once lived and studied Wine and Viticulture at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. 

Once import restrictions due to COVID-19 are repealed, Herbacée will include French wines as the base for their boutique cannabis-infused products.  

Visit www.herbacee.com and sign up on the mailing list for the latest updates on the launch. Find Evans’ books on the Quarto website here.

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