Homestead 1870

06/28/2026

A quick look at things to come. Recipes approved at TTB, and with the new flavors.

I started making new labels! Can’t wait to get all the approvals done for these and get them bottled.

06/28/2026

All setup at for Hillsboro’s Fireworks for Independence Day. It’s been a while since this tent has been out. Not since the farmers market!

Town of Hillsboro, Virginia - The Gap Old Stone School Hillsboro Virginia

06/22/2026

Homestead 1870 Meadery Earns Gold and Silver Honors at Mid-Atlantic Winemakers Challenge
Rowena's Crown Receives Gold Medal, Phineas Fable Awarded Silver

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VIRGINIA — June 2026 — Homestead 1870 Meadery is pleased to announce that two of its handcrafted meads were recognized at the 2026 Mid-Atlantic Winemakers Challenge, earning both Gold and Silver Medal distinctions.

Rowena's Crown, a rich bochet-style mead crafted with caramelized honey and notes of vanilla, was awarded a Gold Medal, while Phineas Fable, the meadery's off-dry traditional mead, received a Silver Medal.

Produced at Homestead 1870, a historic farm and meadery in Loudoun County, Virginia, both award-winning meads showcase the character of locally sourced honey and the meadery's commitment to quality fermentation and craftsmanship.

Homestead 1870 Meadery Earns Gold and Silver Honors at Mid-Atlantic Winemakers ChallengeRowena's Crown Receives Gold Medal, Phineas Fable Awarded Silver

06/15/2026

I spent so much time designing this little queen bee. I wanted it to be clean and modern. I never expected how long it would take to design something so simple. At any rate, I think it came out as I had hoped. I've still been designing lots of graphics. I hope to do some shopping for myself soon.

Lightweight, cropped comfort with a quietly powerful message. This cropped hooded sweatshirt layers easily over high-waist jeans or leggings, settling at the ribcage for a relaxed, modern silhouette. The soft cotton-rich face and medium-weight fabric feel cozy without weighing you down. A simple, stylized bee emblem and the words "BE KIND" sit centered on the chest in a warm, muted tone — a gentle reminder that fits into everyday life. The adjustable hood, ribbed cuffs, and reinforced seams give it a lived-in durability, while the tear-away label keeps the neckline comfortable. Wear it on slow mornings, breezy walks, or during low-key meetups when you want comfort with quiet intention.

Lightweight, cropped comfort with a quietly powerful message. This cropped hooded sweatshirt layers easily over high-waist jeans or leggings, settling at the ri

06/14/2026

Tested out 6 new meads. Blueberry is a definite favorite. Beautiful color! So, I’ll experiment some more, but I am submitting for approval the Blueberry, the Hawthorn Berry, the Ginger, and the Spiced Bochet.

Now… I need names! Moving away from the goats, I am thinking the purple will be the pups name, Bellatrix. But what about the others?

06/13/2026

Good morning! Someone thought I had goodies as I was unloading the bags of chicken feed. Unfortunately, these aren’t the bags she was looking for. Unfortunately another scorcher today. Not as bad as yesterday, but I have to get into that bee suit.

06/06/2026

At the Hillsboro Appalachian Trail Festival. We are getting set up. I’m joining the main drink sales tent 🏕️.

Old Stone School Hillsboro Virginia

06/04/2026

If you're attending the Appalachian Trail Festival, stop by for some mead.

When: Saturday, June 6th, from 11am to 5pm.
Where: Old Stone School grounds in Hillsboro, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro, VA.

We'll be offering our local, small-batch meads made from raw wildflower honey produced by our own bees at Homestead 1870. Our meads begin with the raw local wildflower honey collected from the nectar of the trees and wildflowers growing along the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Trail. The nectar collected by our bees becomes the honey that gives life to every glass. Come taste the nectar of the Appalachian Trail from our hives to your glass.

Learn more about the Appalachian Trail Festival

If you're attending the Appalachian Trail Festival, stop by for some mead. When: Saturday, June 6th, from 11am to 5pm.Where: Old Stone School grounds i

05/25/2026

The rainy cold weather unfortunately kept me from the work I have been wanting to do, but I at least spent some of the time making up some fun things to add to the store. What do you all think about this puzzle? Thought it made a great poster and puzzle. What should I make next?

Lose yourself in a cozy, hands-on exploration of the world of honeybees. This illustrated puzzle brings together vintage-style botanical art, labeled bee anatomy, and warm, honeyed tones to create a slow, satisfying experience. Each piece snaps together with a glossy, vibrant print that highlights tiny details — from lavender sprigs to wooden hives — so the image rewards close attention as the scene emerges. The finished puzzle makes a quiet centerpiece for an evening of tea and conversation, or a relaxing solo ritual when you want to unwind and connect with nature.

Lose yourself in a cozy, hands-on exploration of the world of honeybees. This illustrated puzzle brings together vintage-style botanical art, labeled bee anatom