The Experience Economy: Wine & Weed Symposium 2018
The legalization of cannabis in California has left the Wine industry asking itself if cannabis is a threat to their industry. For the last 50+ years Wine hasn’t had to compete with another emerging industry like this before. The Wine & Weed Symposium panels looked at unique and collaborative ways that both industries could work together, with tourism being a big topic for the day.
We had the opportunity to offer an exclusive, full-day tour to attendees that took place the day before the symposium. We all had a blast! Combining our Wine & Cannabis and Craft Beer & Cannabis Experiences, the attendees got a taste of both tours.
We started at CannaCraft, the largest cannabis manufacturer in the country. Fun fact: Bill Silver, CannaCraft CEO, is a great example of a transition into the cannabis industry. Being the former Dean of Business and Economics at Sonoma State University, Bill resigned to take over as CEO of CannaCraft. MIND BLOWN.
We toured the facilities, got to see first-hand the edible making process, and our visitors got to ask all the questions they had about creating the delicious marijuana infused products they consume on a regular basis.
The day ended at Sonoma Hills Farm in Petaluma, a ‘Cannery’ style farm. Sam, the COO, walked our group through their five-acre vegetable garden, the site plans for what their farm will look like once they are done renovating it, as well as the demo cannabis garden. To top it off, we were able to see what it’s like coming out of prohibition, with signs opposing cannabis on every electrical pole leading up to their farm.
With stops at a dispensary, winery and brewery along the way, the symposium tour was a total success. All in all, the Wine and Weed Symposium was a great event to be a part of and we look forward to seeing it grow. As the dust settles and regulations loosen, it will be interesting to see the new ways these two industries can collaborate together, and we’re excited to contribute to that success!