Honey Lane Winery: From Hobby to Award-Winning Meadery Built on Love
In 2011, LuAnn McHugh worked with clients as a real estate broker and Scott Verzinskie managed his construction business, which left little quality time to spend with each other. Then, one fateful day, LuAnn asked Scott if he would be interested in taking a beekeeping class at the Chester County Adult Night School as a fun date night activity and without hesitation, Scott agreed. Little did they know that this seemingly small decision would spark their journey in creating one of the most unique meaderies in the southeast Pennsylvania region: Honey Lane Winery.
A Buzzing Beginning
The beekeeping class ignited a passion in Scott, who became a mentor for the Chester County Beekeepers Association. Through this connection, LuAnn met Donna J. who taught LuAnn how to make her first batch of mead. Determined to refine her skills, she began experimenting with small batches of different types of mead. She learned the art of fermentation through trial and error and each batch became better and more nuanced. Family and friends were the first taste testers and when LuAnn’s brother Jim tried her Black Raspberry Mead, he insisted, “I have to have a case of this!” That moment marked the start of something more momentous than anyone realized.
Fail Forward and Turn a Dream into Reality
The beekeeper and mead-maker continued to hone their craft and just as the idea of a full-fledged meadery was beginning to take shape, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. So, with real estate temporarily shut down and more time on their hands, LuAnn dove deep into the world of mead and wine making, learning from books, podcasts, and YouTube channels. On December 11, 2022, LuAnn and Scott received their full licensing and Honey Lane Winery was born. LuAnn firmly believed the name should be easy to pronounce, feminine (as most bees are female), and connected to their 15-acre farmette. So, Honey Lane Winery was inspired by the winding lane that meanders along a creek, opens up to the bee boxes on a south-facing hill, and alights at the winery. The honeyed lane to success had only just begun.
First Sale to Medals and Recognition
On December 17, 2022, LuAnn made the first sale of their mead at the Artisan Exchange Market in West Chester, PA with her sister Ann. In 2023, Honey Lane Winery entered its first mead competition, the Orpheus Commercial Mead Competition, with their Cherry Grape Mead, which won a gold medal! Later that same year, their Cherry Grape Mead advanced to the Best of Show judging at the Mazer Cup. In 2024, Honey Lane Winery’s Black Raspberry Mead won both a gold medal and Best in Show at the Orpheus Mead Competition, while their Semillon Pyment earned a bronze medal. A few months later, both their Black Raspberry Mead and their Semillon Pyment each won its own gold medal at the Mazer Cup. “Winning the Mazer Cup Gold is a dream come true,” LuAnn says, still in awe. “Just 10 years ago, I’d never even tasted mead.”
Growing a Family Business through Love
Despite their success, the journey has not been without uncertainty. “We don’t have a tasting room yet,” LuAnn explains, “but we’ve chosen to invest our funds in scaling up production. Our sales have doubled every year, and we now make 300-liter small batches.” As LuAnn and Scott, both in their 60’s, continue to navigate the challenges of growing a business while balancing other professional commitments, their love for each other and their craft remains the driving force that has provided support from family, friends and community. This includes LuAnn’s right hand, Donna T., her official taste tester and partner in production. Together, they continue to build an outstanding reputation and loyal following. Honey Lane Winery’s meads can be found at farmers markets, festivals, and events, and customers can order online or make an appointment to pick up at the farm. What started as a simple date night has blossomed into a thriving meadery, built on a foundation of passion, love, and persistence. LuAnn and Scott have proven that with dedication and a willingness to “fail forward,” dreams can come true.
