Red Bee Apiary in Weston, Connecticut is a destination for anyone curious about the art, science, and magic of beekeeping.
Founded by Marina Marchese, a designer-turned-beekeeper and honey sommelier, Red Bee has become a local treasure, offering delicious products, workshops, tastings, and a deep dive into the world of artisanal honey.
Red Bee Apiary is a private working farm, but Marina opens this hidden gem to the public a few times a year for special events. These include garden tours, talks, and honey tastings, where visitors can stroll through the apiary’s wildflower gardens, learn about honey harvesting, and sample a wide variety of honey. The farm’s shop offers an array of unique honey varieties, from acacia and lavender-sunflower to cranberry and Oaxaca.
A Unique Journey into Honey Tasting & Beekeeping
Marina Marchese’s passion for honey is infectious.
What began as a simple hobby with a single beehive has blossomed into a thriving business and educational hub.
At Red Bee, visitors can participate in honey-tasting workshops (only held a few times a year!), where Marina guides guests through the sensory exploration of rare, single-origin honeys.
When we did the workshop a few years back, Marina took us on a tasting journey where we discovered the unique sensory qualities of 6 single varietal U.S. kinds of honey, each being somewhat rare and coveted for their distinctive flavor profile. We learned that honey bees play a vital role in our food chain, pollinating one-third of the food we eat and producing a wide range of artisanal honeys.
Throughout the sampling, Marina explained the characteristics of each honey and how the honey will take on the flavor of the flower from which the bees obtain the nectar. Marina described how she selected a variety of cheeses, fruit, and chocolate to pair with the alfalfa, thistle, wildflower, red currant, blueberry, and buckwheat honey we were tasting.
Marina has introduced the concept of terroir, the notion that soil, weather, and other natural phenomena can affect the taste of honey. As with wines, knowing the terroir of a honey varietal helps to inform an understanding of its flavor.
Like wine, cheese, coffee, and chocolate, honey has emerged as an artisanal obsession. Its popularity at farmers’ markets and specialty food stores has soared as retailers are capitalizing on the trend.
The finale of the sampling was fresh honey right from the honeycomb paired with cinnamon butter glazed toast with fresh blueberries and nuts.
It’s an experience that’s both educational and delicious, leaving visitors with a newfound appreciation for this golden nectar.
Workshops and Events: From Beekeeping 101 to Creative Inspirations
Red Bee Apiary isn’t just about honey tasting, though, it’s a place to learn and connect.
A few times throughout the year, Marina offers Beekeeping 101 workshops, where aspiring beekeepers can learn the basics of setting up and managing a hive. These sessions cover everything from bee biology to pest management and honey harvesting.
While the hives aren’t opened during the workshops, attendees get hands-on experience with beekeeping tools and equipment.
For those looking for a more creative experience, Red Bee hosts workshops in its Honey House Barn, where participants can explore the intersection of art, design, and beekeeping. Marina’s background as a designer is evident in the thoughtfully curated experiences that inspire curiosity and creativity.
Marina Marchese: A Pioneer in the World of Honey
Marina’s journey from designer to beekeeper is as fascinating as the honey she produces. After her first taste of fresh honeycomb, she was hooked. She traveled to Italy to study honey sensory analysis, becoming the first U.S. citizen to be accepted into the Italian National Register of Experts in the Sensory Analysis of Honey.
Her expertise has earned her the title of “honey sommelier,” and she’s the author of several books, including The Honey Connoisseur and Honeybee: Lessons from an Accidental Beekeeper.
Her work has garnered national attention, with appearances on shows like Dr. Oz and The Chew, and features in publications like The Washington Post. Marina’s latest project, The World Atlas of Honey, is set to release in 2024, further cementing her status as a leading voice in the world of artisanal honey.
Bring the Experience Home
Can’t make it to Weston? Red Bee offers an At Home Honey Tasting Party Kit, complete with four single-origin honeys and tasting scorecards. It’s a fun, interactive way to explore the nuances of honey with friends and family.
Plan Your Visit
Red Bee Apiary is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth or a love for nature. While the farm is only open to the public a few times a year, its workshops and events are worth planning for.
To stay updated on upcoming events, visit RedBee.com and sign up for their email list.
