Cannabis beverages are booming. Sales of infused seltzers and sodas continue to climb as people shy away from alcohol but still seek a familiar way to unwind. Mariona, a THC wine alternative, is a newcomer to the space but is already creating a buzz (yes, pun intended).
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The New York-based brand currently offers three varietals that act as tributes to different wine categories: Plush (red), Sunny (white), and Vivid (pink). Each 750 ml bottle contains 10 mg of hemp-derived THC, equating to roughly 2.5 mg per glass. Instead of fermented grapes, the drinks are made from a blend of juices, herbs, and extracts along with THC emulsion (the wine is not made from weed itself).
Naturally, I had to try each one—and I brought my friends along for the ride.
I brought the bottles to a meeting of my monthly vinyl club. Between spins from Leroi Conroy, Willie and the Bumblees, and Tenacious D, I poured samples of Mariona in the kitchen as the weed-friendly members of the group excitedly looked on. Let’s just say it wasn’t the first time I had them act as volunteers for my cannabis journalism, and intrigue levels are typically elevated.
For many, it was the first time they’d seen a THC wine. Other brands like House of Saka had already introduced products like this on the regulated cannabis side, but for the Farm Bill-compliant space, Mariona is fairly unique.
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Along with small cups filled with sweet-smelling weed wine, I handed each participant a notepad and a pen. They were instructed to quietly write down their thoughts about each flavor, being careful not to react out loud in case others wanted to save their taste tests for later in the day.
After reading through the comments, one flavor stood out as a clear favorite. But before I reveal the winner, here’s the honest feedback on this innovative new brand.
Vivid – a delightful blush
The first Mariona variety we sampled was Vivid, the brand’s version of a “blush.” Crafted from the juices of white grapes and plums with a hint of white tea and Himalayan pink salt, it’s perfect for patio season. While the flavor felt less rosé and more peach bellini, no one in the group was mad at it.
Here are a few of the notes:
“Crisp, clean, a little tart – delightful.”
“Great summer drinker.”
“Candy, but not sickly sweet.”
Many in the group asked for seconds of Vivid, a clear indicator of quality. But before I grabbed the bottle again, we needed to finish the gauntlet.
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Sunny – an unexpected citrus journey
Next on the docket was Sunny, Mariona’s version of a white. Also crafted with white grape juice, Himalayan pink salt, and white tea, the pale yellow elixir replaces the plum juice with an extract from chinotto oranges. The result is a more muted flavor, which left my friends wanting more.
Here’s some of what they had to say:
“Melon, green apple, mellow finish.”
“Needs more flavonoids.”
“Bubblegum scent, weak flavor.”
Many of the notes suggested the taste leaned on the sour side and had room for improvement. This round was also the shortest, with everyone quite ready to move on to the third and final flavor.
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Plush – not your average red
Last but not least was Plush, a bright bevvy that’s giving pinot noir energy minus the hangover. The ingredient list leads with plum juice (along with Mariona’s standard white tea and Himalayan pink salt), mixing in extracts like raisin, rooibos tea, anise, and oak. The blend offers the most accurate experience, with many in the group getting plum and then some.
Here’s what my friends said:
“Decent, probably a good drinker.”
“Shirley Temple-esque.”
“Sweet-ish, fruity, but needs more acid/punch.”
Some felt the flavor was more reminiscent of sangria, with deep berry the star of the show. Others thought the bouquet could have been stronger, but that the experience was still pleasant.
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Which Mariona THC wine was the favorite?
When all was said and done, I asked my wax-adoring friends to rate the three Mariona varietals. If you haven’t guessed by now, the first-place winner was clear: everyone loved Vivid.
Nearly everyone in the group praised the pale pink offering for its big fruit flavor, crisp finish, and sweet but not saccharine notes. Many asked where they could purchase a bottle—you can order three at a time for $90 online or inquire at your preferred location for delta-9 drinks.
Overall, Mariona is a lovely wine alternative that offers an adjacent experience that feels wholly unique. My hope is that Mariona expands its catalog (I have yet to see a THC orange wine) and continues to refine the current offerings. With so much promise in its Vivid variety, the future looks bright for the brand.
