Mead is an old English word for honey wine, a beverage that dates back over 8,000 years. The CHAUCER’S Mead story began in 1970 when winery owner Lawrence Bargetto produced his first mead. Our mead, made from pure honey, still reflects the same quality standards as the original batch made all those decades ago. In the spirit of Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, we hope that you will be inspired by this mead as Kight Palamon would have been while sweeping Maiden Emelye away for an adventurous pilgrimage.
CHAUCER’S CELLARS is a division of BARGETTO WINERY. You will be redirected to BARGETTO WINERY to complete your purchases.
Crisp. Nuanced. Elegant.
10.5%
Subtle Red Fruit
This award-winning melomel is made by co-fermenting pomegranate juice with organic honey for a bright, fruit-forward experience. Notes of juicy pomegranate and fragrant honeysuckle lead to a lively, refreshing finish that is both tart and balanced. Less sweet than traditional mead, it delivers a sophisticated interplay of fruit and honey that pairs beautifully with cheese boards, desserts, or aperitif service.
$18/ 750ml
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Bright. Fruity. Refreshing.
10.5%
Fruit-Forward
A vibrant co-ferment of organic honey and raspberry puree, this refreshing melomel bursts with flavors of ripe raspberry and delicate honeysuckle. It finishes crisp and clean with lingering berry notes that invite another sip. Crafted with Pacific Northwest raspberries and premium honey from artisanal beekeepers, it offers a lively balance of fruit and floral character.
$18/ 750ml
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Rich. Floral. Timeless.
10.5%
Clover & Honey
Crafted from a blend of organic honey sourced from small artisanal apiarists, CHAUCER’S Original Mead showcases the rich tradition of the world's oldest fermented beverage. Layers of sweet honey, floral aromatics, and subtle spice create a smooth, dessert-style wine with remarkable depth and complexity. Enjoy it chilled, gently warmed with spices, or paired with cheeses, nuts, and desserts.
$18/ 750ml
ShopCrisp. Nuanced. Elegant.
10.5%
Subtle Red Fruit
This award-winning melomel is made by co-fermenting pomegranate juice with organic honey for a bright, fruit-forward experience. Notes of juicy pomegranate and fragrant honeysuckle lead to a lively, refreshing finish that is both tart and balanced. Less sweet than traditional mead, it delivers a sophisticated interplay of fruit and honey that pairs beautifully with cheese boards, desserts, or aperitif service.
$18/ 750ml
ShopBright. Fruity. Refreshing.
10.5%
Fruit-Forward
A vibrant co-ferment of organic honey and raspberry puree, this refreshing melomel bursts with flavors of ripe raspberry and delicate honeysuckle. It finishes crisp and clean with lingering berry notes that invite another sip. Crafted with Pacific Northwest raspberries and premium honey from artisanal beekeepers, it offers a lively balance of fruit and floral character.
$18/ 750ml
ShopDrink it cold on the beach in the summer or learn how to make hot spiced mead for a cozy winter sip (spice pack included!). For our beer and cocktail lovers, try an ancient sweet-and-savory favorite: the braggot. Peruse our mead recipes & pairings and learn how to make it your way!
Browse Recipes & PairingsWe offer tastings daily at two locations. Visit our original Tasting Room in Soquel or enjoy our Monterey Tasting Room on Cannery Row a little further south along the Monterey Bay. Whether you’re just beginning to discover the world of mead or are a seasoned mead lover, you are sure to feel welcome as you taste our extensive portfolio. No time for a visit? Our mead is available online and distributed nationally.
3535 N Main Street, Soquel, CA 95073
Open Daily 12 - 5pm
Open Late on Wednesdays 12 - 8pm
700 Cannery Row G, Monterey, CA 93940
Sunday - Wednesday 12 - 6pm
Thursday - Saturday 12 - 7pm
Harvesting nature’s sweetness. Every grea mead starts with exceptional honey. We source premium organic honey rich in floral character to create the smooth, naturally sweet foundation that defines every bottle.
Blend to create magic. Honey is blended with pure water and carefully selected yeast, then left to ferment slowly. During this process, the yeast transforms natural sugars into alcohol while preserving the honey's unique aroma and flavor.
Time creates character. Patience is one of our most important ingredients. As the mead matures, its flavors soften, deepen, and develop the smooth complexity that makes every sip memorable.
Find balance in every bottle. Our meadmakers taste and refine each batch to achieve the perfect harmony of sweetness, body, and aroma. For our fruit meads, called melomels, honey is co-fermented with fresh fruit purees and juices to create vibrant, refreshing flavors.
Raise a glass to tradition. Once the mead reaches its ideal character, it is bottled and ready to be shared. Whether enjoyed chilled, warmed, or paired with food, every glass celebrates a tradition that's thousands of years in the making.
CHAUCER’S is available throughout the year at your local renaissance faires and medieval festivals! Find your nearest event and let the feasting begin.
Colorado Renaissance Festival
Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Faire
Texas Renaissance Festival
Louisiana Renaissance Festival
North Carolina Renaissance Festival
Arizona Renaissance Festival
Delaware Renaissance Faire
