Heidrun Meadery: Sparkling Mead in Point Reyes

Heidrun Meadery offers a distinctive tasting experience, producing sparkling meads that are more akin to champagne than traditional mead. Founded in 1997 by Gordon Hull, a former geologist and brewer, the meadery began in Arcata, California, before moving to its current location in Point Reyes Station in 2012. Hull's fascination with the variability of flower nectar led him to experiment with honey-based sparkling wines, using the French Méthode Champenoise to create a dry, refreshing beverage. The meadery produces varietal meads from both monofloral and wildflower honeys, sourcing honey from beekeepers across the US and around the world, as well as from their own hives. The diversity of flower species determines the flavor of the honey, and the mead-making process preserves and reveals this botanical individuality. Visitors can take guided tours of the production facility to learn about the mead-making process, observe the honey bees, and explore the bee forage farm. Tastings are available, allowing guests to sample a variety of meads and appreciate the unique flavors derived from different honey sources. Heidrun Meadery is open daily, offering a tranquil garden patio where visitors can relax and enjoy the sparkling mead. The location also emphasizes sustainable practices, cultivating bee-friendly, high-yield nectar crops and working to restore native wildflowers. The "flower to flute" experience allows visitors to see the entire process from the flowers to the bees to the extraction of honey and the creation of mead.