Mead and Honey Tasting Experience

If you’re wandering around Newcastle and looking for something a bit different to do, this Mead and Honey Tasting Experience might catch your eye. It’s a chance to explore Australia’s tiny handful of meaderies—less than 30 in total—and to taste some of the most intriguing meads and honeys around. We’ve learned that this particular experience is highly rated, mainly because of its intimate setting and knowledgeable guide, but it also offers good value for the price.

What really stands out about this tour is that you get personal guidance from the mead maker himself—not just a self-guided tasting in some busy cellar door. Plus, the range of flavors on offer is surprisingly broad, from traditional to spicy, sweet to tangy. That said, it’s worth considering if you’re more into beer or wine, as mead is definitely a different kind of drink. But if you’re curious about fermented honey or love tasting new flavors, this tour is probably right up your alley.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is about an hour long, and it’s capped at a small group of 12, meaning it’s intimate but also possibly a little cozy. Since there’s a non-refundable policy, it’s best to plan ahead. This experience suits those who enjoy discovering niche beverages—whether you’re a foodie, a craft beverage enthusiast, or just want a fun, informative outing while visiting Broke or Newcastle.

Key Points

• Exclusive Opportunity: The only meadery in the Hunter Region with a guided tasting.
• Educational and Fun: Learn from the mead maker himself while sampling a variety of flavors.
• Affordable: At $20, it offers good value compared to many tasting experiences.
• Intimate Setting: Small group size ensures personal attention.
• Taste and Learn About Honey: Includes a honey tasting with multiple honey varieties.
• Suitable for Most Travelers: Most people can participate, with service animals welcome.

What is the Mead and Honey Tasting Experience?

This is a guided tasting tour located in Broke, just a short trip from Newcastle. As the only meadery in the Hunter Region, the owners pride themselves on offering a true, guided exploration into the world of mead—the oldest fermented drink in the world, crafted from honey instead of grapes. It’s a fascinating twist on the usual wine or beer tastings, and the charm lies in its personal, home-based setting.

The experience is designed to be both educational and enjoyable, allowing visitors to sample six different mead flavors, served on a paddleboard, along with a selection of honey varieties. The mead maker himself guides you through the tasting, sharing insights into each flavor, how it’s made, and what makes mead unique. It’s a wholesome, relaxed session perfect for curious travelers who want to understand more about this ancient beverage.

What Will You Experience During the Tour?

Expect to spend roughly an hour in a cozy, home-like environment. The tasting begins with six 30ml samples of mead, which equates to about 1.5 standard drinks. The selection typically includes traditional, flavored, and spicy meads, with options like Turkish Delight, Lemon and Ginger, Maple Syrup, Cherry and Coconut, and even Ginger and Chocolate. The variety makes it easy to find a favorite or two—something for all, whether you’re into sweet, tangy, or spicy profiles.

Meanwhile, the honey tasting showcases a broad spectrum of honey flavors, including raw, vanilla, creamed, cinnamon, and chili honey. This part of the experience really highlights the versatility of honey as an ingredient, and you’ll get to sample a few different types, learning how flavor can change depending on the flowers the bees visited.

The owner/mead maker’s friendly approach helps make the experience approachable, even for those new to mead. As one reviewer pointed out, “Our host was really friendly, very informative and knowledgeable.” That personal touch makes a difference, especially if you’re genuinely interested in understanding the craft behind these drinks.

The Value of the Experience

For $20, visitors receive not just the tastings but also a store credit to purchase mead after the session. This means you can walk away with a bottle or two if something catches your eye, giving the experience a tangible takeaway. Compared to other beverage tastings, this is pretty reasonable—you’re getting a guided session plus the chance to buy quality mead at a fair price.

Given the small group size, you’ll also enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and get personalized recommendations. The entire experience lasts around an hour, making it a manageable addition to your day without feeling rushed or overlong.

What’s the Setting Like?

The tasting takes place in Broke, a charming village surrounded by vineyards and rolling countryside. The meadery operates out of a home-based shop, so it’s quite intimate and inviting. This setting allows for a more personal connection to the process—you’re not just sampling in a commercial cellar door but engaging directly with the person who crafts the meads.

The space isn’t large, and group size is limited to 12, which keeps things cozy and friendly. Since the tasting is guided, you’ll find yourself comfortably chatting and learning in a casual environment.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous drinkers—those willing to try something different from their usual wine or beer. It’s also great for foodies and craft beverage enthusiasts eager to broaden their knowledge. If you love honey or have an interest in fermented foods, the honey tasting adds an extra layer of interest.

While it’s not specifically geared toward families, most travelers will find this suitable as a solo activity, a couple’s outing, or a small group adventure. Just be aware that it’s an adult-oriented tasting, and the focus is on the beverages—not a family-friendly activity for kids.

Final Thoughts

The Mead and Honey Tasting Experience offers a memorable look into one of the world’s oldest fermented drinks, all within a charming, intimate setting. The personal guidance from the mead maker makes it feel special, and the variety of flavors ensures everyone finds something to enjoy—whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious beginner.

The price point is fair, especially with the added store credit, and the small group size guarantees attentive service. If you’re in Newcastle or Broke and want an authentic, hands-on experience with a local craft producer, this is worth considering.

That said, keep in mind that the experience is somewhat niche, and if you’re not into trying new beverages or if you prefer larger, more commercial tastings, it might not be your top pick. Still, for those wanting to go beyond the usual wine tours, this stands out as a genuinely enjoyable, educational, and tasty encounter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Most travelers can participate, but since it involves tasting alcoholic beverages, it’s more suited to adults. Children are generally not the target audience, and the experience is focused on tasting and learning about mead and honey.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about an hour, which makes it easy to slot into a day of exploring Broke or nearby areas.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book 13 days in advance on average, to secure your spot since groups are small and popular.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers a paddleboard of six mead samples, a guided honey tasting, and a $20 store credit toward any mead purchase.

Is the tasting room accessible?
The experience takes place in a home-based shop, so accessibility details aren’t specified, but it’s generally suitable for most travelers.

Can I buy mead on-site?
Absolutely. The store credit can be used to purchase bottles or other products from the meadery.

What flavors of mead can I expect?
Typically, the selection includes traditional, fruit, spicy, and sweet options like Turkish Delight, Lemon and Ginger, Cherry and Coconut, and Ginger and Chocolate.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Yes, the tour is capped at 12 travelers, ensuring a personal experience.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted, making it accessible for travelers with disabilities.

What if I need to cancel or change my booking?
Unfortunately, this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly.

If you’re looking for something different from the usual wine tasting but still want a well-guided, authentic experience, this Mead and Honey Tasting in Broke could very well be a highlight of your trip. Cheers to discovering new flavors in one of Australia’s few meaderies!