Wild West Mead Company

Saddle up for a sweet time at this Vista taproom, serving up traditional and experimental meads along with local winery collaborations. As a nod to its title and the Texas roots of its founders Michael “Mead Mike” Weidemann and Keith Weidemann, Wild West pushes the boundaries of the mead-making frontier.

But first, a little background on the drink referred to as the “nectar of the gods” by ancient Greeks. Likely the ancestor of all alcoholic beverages, mead has enjoyed audiences across history, from humble working folk to soldiers and pirates and even royalty. Now, in the modern era, the golden-hued fermented beverage made from honey, water and yeast is savored around the world, including right here in San Diego County.

Among local craft meaderies, Wild West stands out for its organic ingredients, selection and relaxed atmosphere. The venue’s honey is imported from Brazil and Mexico, where beekeepers promote sustainable, natural and regenerative beekeeping practices while sourcing some of the most exquisite honeys from around the world. The brothers Weidemann then brew everything from “traditional” meads that showcase unique honey varietals, to those that feature various fruit, spices or hops. The Texas brothers further partner with local breweries, wineries and most recently, a hot sauce company.

Jump into the honeycomb that is the on-site production facility, taproom, and rotating tap list at Wild West. Customers can try out the “Sweet Plains” traditional mead with notes of honeysuckle and gardenia, or rotating meads, such as the “Jaded Plains” made with a refreshing green tea. Guests are also invited to explore the pyment recipes – blends of mead and wine – such as the “Gren and Bare It” made with Wild West’s mead paired with Grafted Cellars’ 2020 Grenache. Enjoy four, 2-ounce tasters in a flight, or a full 6-ounce pour. The owners will also gladly fill growlers for guests who would like to carry their mead home.

Each fall, the meadery showcases its creations at Novemberfest, the annual craft beer, mead and wine festival at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. In the spring, check out “Meading at the Garden” featuring meaderies, cideries, and breweries. Enthusiasts, home brewers, aficionados, and fans gather for tastings of the world’s oldest alcoholic drink.

The venue at 2332 La Mirada Drive, Suite 700, in a Vista business park, offers welcoming round tables for socializing, and games to pair with its tasty libations. Drop in and say howdy anytime from 4-9 p.m. Wed.-Fri.; 2-9 p.m. Sat.; and 2-6 p.m. Sun. Call (760) 826-9610 or visit wildwestmeadcompany.com.