Healthberry Farm has been awarded a silver medal in the sweet varietal mead category for its Honey River Basswood Mead, made with raw honey and spring water sourced on the farm in the Allegheny Mountains.
Healthberry Farm owner Benjamin McKean says he's honored to represent the state's honey industry.
“It is an honor to be recognized by a national organization that specializes in honey,” McKean said of the medal. “We are proud to represent West Virginia by winning this award.”
Organized by the National Honey Board, the Mead Crafter’s Competition received nearly 350 entries for the inaugural competition.
Located in northeastern Randolph County near the Canaan Valley, Healthberry Farm specializes in producing varietal raw honey, the main ingredient in its Honey River wines.
Healthberry Farm makes its wine using historic old-world methods that do not employ sulfites, added sugar or any chemicals—just their raw honey and spring water.
Melomel is the name for mead with fruit added, McKean said, and many of the fruits in the Honey River melomels are grown at Healthberry Farm.
“We love having visitors to the farm. People enjoy seeing how we process the honey and how much care we put into running our small business. Plus, wine tastes better when you know where it is made.”
Healthberry Farm is open for tours and tasting by appointment only. Those interested may find contact information on the website healthberryfarm.com
Honey River Meads & Melomel are also available at select retail outlets, including Capitol Market’s Wine Shop in Charleston, Tammy’s Del Monte Market in Elkins, and many state-wide festivals.
A full list of outlets farm products is available online at Healthberry Farm.
Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. Sign me up!
