Show me the Honey

Martin Jackson has been a home brewer and backyard beekeeper for years. With an abundant supply of honey, he started producing honey wines otherwise traditionally known as mead. After experiencing strong demand through local markets, Martin launched his online Honey Wine Australia business in 2020.

Martin purchased a property in Broke and after renovations, opened his new Cellar Door. Despite his hives having to be destroyed last year due to Varroa mite, he has restarted his hives and is back on track.

Honey is used as the base, with water and yeast added and the wines are fermented over 2 months and then left for 8-10 months in barrel to mature. According to Martin, “it’s like making wine but there are unlimited flavour varieties, so I’m always trying out something new. It’s so different and people have been loving it”.

Think Turkish Delight, Lemon and Ginger, Chai, Vanilla, Cherry and Coconut and Watermelon among the 11 options available, each of the varieties is infused with real fruit and spices. With a mix of sweet or sour flavours, they are refreshing and can be served straight, added to cocktails or used to infuse flavour into desserts and sauces.

Martin also sells a range of honey including creamed, raw unpasteurised, vanilla bean, chilli and chocolate creamed honey.

If you are looking for a unique experience and an adventure for your tastebuds, Honey Wines is open Friday – Sunday. You can choose a paddle of 6 honey wines to sample for $15, with the honey tasting included.

Learn more at honeywinesaustralia.com.au.

Discover more in the Autumn Edition of Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle Magazine or subscribe here.

Written by Cathy Gadd