Amid the vines and garden rows at Pippin Hill, one of our most essential farm partners is also one of the smallest. Our nearby honeybee colonies are a vital part of the ecosystem here, pollinating flowers, fruit trees, and vegetable beds throughout the season.
In return, they produce something just as special: Pippin Honey. Sourced from bees that forage on the same blooms surrounding the property, this honey reflects the character of the land. You’ll find it featured in seasonal recipes in our Tasting Room and bottled so you can take a little piece of Pippin home.
How We Harvest Our Honey
When it’s time for the summer harvest, our horticulture team, led by Head Gardener Celina DeBrito, suits up and begins the careful work of inspecting the hives. Each frame is checked for combs that are evenly capped with wax. That capping is key—it signals that the honey is ready. The frame must be at least 70 percent capped to ensure the honey is mature and of the highest quality.
Once the right frames are selected, the extraction begins. The honey is gently removed, filtered, and bottled, preserving the natural flavors created by the bees and the landscape they pollinate.
Harvest Highlights
Due to persistent humidity, we had to delay collecting the frames for a few weeks but were finally able to begin the harvest in late June. We ended up harvesting from only two of our three colonies, as one is currently in the process of re-queening. This means the colony is replacing its queen and shifting its focus inward, not on honey production. This harvest totaled 45 pounds, and we’re hopeful to gather another 20 pounds later in the season.
Overall, nectar flow was lower than usual. The health of the hives and their productivity were impacted by tough weather across Virginia. A chilly, windy spring and unusually dry conditions early on limited bee activity. Just as things started to warm up, a stretch of rainy days and more cold snaps made foraging difficult. All of this added up to less nectar collected, and therefore, less honey stored in the hives.
Despite these challenges, our bees worked tirelessly, and their efforts produced a beautiful honey with a rich golden color. This year’s harvest carries delicate tasting notes of Black Locust, Tulip Poplar, blackberry, and clover, with sweet and complex flavors sure to be enjoyed by all.
Protecting Our Pollinators
Honeybee populations across North America and the South are facing growing challenges. Habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change have all contributed to a decline in colonies. This affects not only honey production but also the health of our food systems and the plants that rely on pollination.
What You Can Do
Support local beekeepers. Plant pollinator-friendly flowers. Avoid using pesticides in your own garden. Small actions can make a meaningful difference.
And of course, come experience it for yourself. Enjoy Pippin Honey in our Tasting Room dishes or take some home by the jar. It’s a sweet way to support the bees and the beauty they help create.
