Jennifer and Chris Holmes never thought they’d open Martin County’s first meadery.
It was a gradual process for the beekeeping couple that began in 2014 when they created Hani Honey Co. in Stuart. In January this year, they opened a storefront with a cafe. In July, they started making and selling mead, an alcoholic beverage like wine but fermented with honey instead of grapes.
“Mead is just one of the most ancient beverages that has been written about throughout human history,” said Jennifer Holmes, a master beekeeper at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. “Mead is popular throughout our country and internationally.”