Heidrun California Orange Blossom Sparkling Mead is a distinctive sparkling wine made from honey instead of grapes, using the traditional French Méthode Champenoise. This method includes steps like riddling, disgorgement, and secondary fermentation, typically associated with Champagne production. The mead features spring-harvested honey from the orange groves of San Joaquin Valley, imparting delicate floral notes and a mineral finish.

Described as "Springtime in a bottle," this mead is not sweet but refreshingly dry and effervescent, characterized by subtle aromas and flavors unique to the honey used. It's recommended to be served with dishes that pair well with a chilled, floral, and citrus-noted wine, making it suitable for everything from traditional Sunday brunch to spicy Thai and Indian cuisine.

Heidrun Meadery, where this mead is produced, was founded in Arcata, California, in 1997 by Gordon Hull, a former geologist and commercial brewer. The meadery is now located on a 16-acre former dairy farm near Point Reyes Station in West Marin, where they also run a horticultural program and commercial beekeeping operation. The meadery's aim is to reveal the distinct characteristics of each type of honey, producing varietal meads that are light, delicate, and distinctively aromatic

Cocktail Idea

Ingredients
1½ ounces bourbon
¾ ounce orange blossom mead
½ ounce simple syrup
2-3 dashes orange bitters
3-4 dashes aromatic bitters
Ice
Blackberries for muddling and garnish

Instructions
In a mixing glass,  muddle the blackberries, and add ice, bourbon, mead, simple syrup, and bitters.
Stir rapidly to chill.
Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with 2 blackberries.