In May 2007 Bardic Wells Meadery completed a four year long licensing process and became Michigan's first licensed, commercial meadery. A meadery is a winery that produces ONLY meads. Mead, sometimes called Honey Wine, is fermented honey and is the original alcoholic beverage - predating both beer and wine. All mead contains honey but some have fruit, herbs or spices added to make different flavors. Meads with only honey are called Traditional Mead, Fruit meads are called Melomels and Metheglins are meads with spices or herbs added. Bardic Wells Meadery makes all three varieties, two of which have won a national  award.