❖ What is mead?

Mead is an ancient fermented beverage made from honey, water, and yeast. Often called “honey wine,” it’s one of the oldest known alcoholic drinks—enjoyed by Vikings, Celts, and cultures across the world. At Vinland Meads, we craft small-batch mead using raw Texas honey, wild fruits, and time-honored techniques passed down through the ages. SEE OUR MEADS

❖ Where is Vinland Meads located?

We handcraft every bottle right here at Vinland Meads, which is located at Hays Manor in Murchison, Texas—a family farm rooted in Scottish heritage and guided by Norse tradition. Our meadery sits on land rich with stories, livestock, and old-world values. LEARN ABOUT HAYS MANOR

❖ Do you use local ingredients?

Absolutely. We source raw Texas honey, wild botanicals, and fruits whenever possible—often from our own land or nearby producers. Our limited-edition batches, like “Cemetery Mead,” even come from unique foraging experiences you can read about on our blog.

❖ What types of mead do you make?

We focus on small-batch, seasonal releases. Some meads are traditional, while others are infused with fruits, spices, or herbs. Every bottle is a little different—crafted with intention, aged with care, and tied to a story.

❖ Can I visit Hays Manor or the meadery?

Not yet for full tours, but we often appear at Texas markets and festivals where you can meet us, hear our stories, and taste our meads. Check our event schedule or follow us on social media to find us near you. EVENTS

❖ How do I buy your mead?

You can order directly through our website when our seasonal meads are released. Because of our small-batch process, they often sell out quickly—so make sure to join our email list for early access and launch dates. SEE LOCATIONS WE ARE IN

❖ Is your mead available in stores?

We’re a licensed Texas winery, and you can request Vinland Meads at your local wine or liquor store. If they don’t carry us yet, ask them to reach out—we’re always happy to partner with local businesses that support small producers.SEE LOCATIONS WE ARE IN

❖ What’s the story behind “Cemetery Mead”?

“Cemetery Mead” was born from a winter bee rescue in a family cemetery, where we extracted dark, oak-scented honey from a queenless hive hidden in a hollow tree. It's one of our most meaningful brews—steeped in memory, land, and legacy. You can read the full story on our blog.

❖ Do you make health or spiritual claims?

No. While we honor the symbolism and spiritual roots of mead in Norse and Scottish tradition, we make no health or ritual claims. Our mead is a handcrafted wine sold under Texas winery licensing. All symbolic references are artistic and personal.

❖ How strong is your mead?

Our meads typically range from 14% to 18% ABV, depending on the style and ingredients. They’re closer to wine in strength—not beer. Every bottle is labeled with the exact alcohol content, and we recommend sipping slowly to enjoy the full flavor.

❖ Is your mead sweet or dry?

We make both! Some of our meads are dry and crisp, others are semi-sweet or dessert-style, depending on the honey, fruit, and fermentation. We include tasting notes and sweetness levels on each product page to help you find your favorite.

❖ How should I serve mead?

You can enjoy mead chilled like white wine, room temperature, or even warmed like a mulled drink—depending on the style. Fruit-forward and sparkling meads are great cold, while spiced or heavier brews shine when slightly warmed.

❖ How long does mead last?

Our mead will keep for years if stored in a cool, dark place—often improving with age.

❖ Do you carbonate your mead?

Some of our seasonal batches are still (non-carbonated), while others are lightly sparkling. We let the recipe and character of the ingredients guide us. Sparkling meads will be clearly marked on the bottle and website.

❖ What’s the difference between mead and wine?

Both are fermented, but wine is made from grapes, while mead is made from honey. Mead can be flavored with fruit, spices, herbs, or aged like wine—but honey is always the main fermentable sugar. That’s what makes it special.

❖ Is your mead gluten-free?

Yes! Our meads are naturally gluten-free, since we don’t use grains in fermentation. Just honey, fruits, herbs, and a lot of patience.

❖ Is mead vegan?

Most of our meads are vegan-friendly, but because they’re made with bee products, we recommend checking each batch if you’re concerned. We never use animal-based fining agents.

❖ Do you add sulfites?

No, we do not add sulfites to our mead. However, there are naturally occurring sulfates in the fruits, honey, and ingredients we use. These are a natural part of fermentation and are present in very small amounts. We never add artificial preservatives, chemicals, or flavor enhancers—just real ingredients and traditional methods.

❖ What kind of honey do you use?

We use raw, single-origin Texas honey, sourced directly from our bees at Hays Manor and nearby local apiaries we trust. Each harvest captures the unique flavors of the season—from spring wildflower nectar to summer clover bouquets. This means every mead batch is a true reflection of its place and time, with nothing refined, processed, or artificial added.

❖ Why are your meads seasonal and small-batch?

Our process follows the land’s natural rhythm. We harvest honey and gather wild fruits when they’re at their peak, then craft meads in limited, small-batch releases. This ensures every bottle showcases real seasonal character—bright and floral in spring, rich and spicy in fall. Once a batch sells out, that specific seasonal moment is gone—making each one uniquely special.

❖ Does the quality of honey affect the taste of mead?

Absolutely. Honey is the soul of mead. Lighter honeys like clover or wildflower bring soft, floral notes, while darker honeys (like those from oak, buckwheat, or rescued wild hives) create bold, earthy, even smoky undertones. Because we never over-filter or blend generic honeys, each bottle reflects the true flavor of the hive and the land it came from.

❖ Do you use artificial honey flavors or syrups?

Never. We believe real mead should be made with real honey—raw, unrefined, and full of natural character. You won’t find corn syrup, honey “flavoring,” or synthetic additives in any of our bottles. If it didn’t come from a hive, it doesn’t go in our mead.

❖ Do you rescue wild hives?

Yes, we do. Some of our most meaningful meads—like Cemetery Mead—come from rescued wild hives. These are often found in hollow trees, old barns, or even family cemeteries. When possible, we safely relocate the bees and harvest honey that’s rich, dark, and layered with wild complexity. It’s part of our commitment to ethical stewardship and honoring both land and life.

❖ Is there wax or pollen in your honey?

Our honey is unfiltered, so trace amounts of beeswax, pollen, and propolis can remain. These natural elements are full of character and flavor, and they contribute to the uniqueness of each batch. We believe in keeping the honey as close to the hive as possible—rich, raw, and full of the land’s signature.

❖ Do you pasteurize your honey?

No—we do not pasteurize our honey. However, many of our meads are made in the brochet style, which means we caramelize the honey before fermentation. This process creates deep, toasty flavors and adds richness to the final mead. Caramelization also locks in certain sugars that yeast can't ferment, contributing to a smoother, more complex finish—especially in our darker or spiced varieties.

❖ How can I support Vinland Meads?

• Buy our seasonal releases when they’re available.

• Share our story on social media or with your favorite local shops.

• Support Hays Manor by reading our blog, watching our YouTube channel, or backing us on Patreon.

• And most of all—raise a horn with us in good company. Every sip keeps the Saga going.