DENVER — At this year’s IndoExpo, one of the nation’s largest cannabis related events, Broome County based company Sovereign Vines was awarded “Best Terpene Product.” Terpenes are responsible for the flavor and aromas infused into Sovereign Vines’ hemp infused wines and have become incredibly popular across the country. These added qualities have been described as earthy, herbaceous, and adding a smooth finish to the wines. This award adds to the widespread recognition shown to the unique flavors and aromas of Sovereign Vines’ products. In 2018, their Harvest Red Blend was awarded a silver medal in the double blind “blend” category at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.
Being the first and only hemp infused wine in America, the company’s use of hemp derived terpenes for winemaking date back to 1997 when current President Jim Castetter first marketed the product across the country. Unfortunately, the federal government stopped production of his hemp infused wine in 1999 due to misinformed regulations regarding hemp. It was not until 2017 that Sovereign Vines reintroduced the wine with the help of lawmakers and regulators in New York State. Currently, the wines are only available in New York State, but the company expects to be distributing nationwide in the coming months following the recent passage of the Farm Bill and language in it removing hemp as a controlled substance. The national attention comes as Sovereign Vines plans to open a tasting room on Skaneateles Lake to showcase the quality of hemp farming and craft beverage production in New York State to visitors across the world.
“After over two decades of working with hemp derived terpenes, when no one really understood what they were, this shows that we’ve been onto something special. The amazing and unique wines we’ve been able to create are a testament to the immense opportunities for hemp terpenes to be included in food and beverage products.”
– Jim Castetter, President
“We are very excited that our craft products are receiving the national recognition they deserve. New York already is a leader in craft beverages, apples, and dairy products… I believe hemp will be added to that list very soon. Without the support of Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Governor Andrew Cuomo, we would not have been able to be innovating our amazing wines over the past couple of years.”
– Kaelan Castetter, CEO
“I’d like to congratulate Sovereign Vines on this well-deserved recognition. Creating opportunities for New York producers was at the heart of my legislative efforts to jump start our hemp industry. With this national award, Sovereign Vines is really poised to take off, especially now that hemp has finally been legalized at the federal level.
– Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, 123rd AD
–Innovative Bottling Inc.
Producers of Sovereign Vines
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