Inner part of BEE D'VINE honey wine company logo showing comb and bee in yellow
Inner part of BEE D'VINE honey wine company logo showing comb and bee in yellow

HONEY WINE MEETS SHARK TANK

Nov 3, 2020 | Bee d'Vine

Honey Wine Meets Shark Tank: Bee d’Vine Featured

Introduction to the Product

The world of wine has just gotten a little sweeter with the introduction of d’vine honey wine, also known as Bee d’Vine honey wine. This unique beverage is made from the fermentation of honey and water, creating a delicious and refreshing drink that is perfect for wine lovers. With its roots in ancient Ethiopia, honey wine called t’ej (mead in English) is a traditional drink that has been enjoyed for centuries. The Honey Wine Company, founded by Ayele Solomon, is at the forefront of this new trend, producing high-quality honey wines that are sure to please even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re a fan of sweet or dry wines, there’s a honey wine out there for you. So why not embrace honey wines and try something new today?

The Epic Battle of November 2020: BEE D’VINE Honey Wine vs Sharks!

On November 13, 2020, Ayele Solomon, BEE D’VINE founder and winemaker, presented on ABC’s Shark Tank. Did he get eaten or did he swim with the sharks? Kevin O’Leary critically questioned the pricing strategy and Ayele countered that artisanal brands are not high volume so they require larger margins. Lori Greiner expressed her enthusiasm for the product, calling it the first white wine she had liked. Mark Cuban played a crucial role in securing the investment deal finally saying, “take it or leave it.” Ultimately, Ayele received a rare four Shark deal, a significant and unusual investment opportunity. You can also read more about how the encounter played out on the Shark Tank website.

Bee D’Vine Honey Wine meets Shark Tank

Tasting the perfection of this timeless beverage for the second time on national TV (the first time was on the Today Show) Ayele Solomon sought a $750,000 investment for 20% equity in his honey wine business on Shark Tank.

Note, this once-in-a-lifetime Shark Tank event is best experienced with a glass of premium honey wine in your hand.

Ayele convinced the Sharkes that honey wines have the potential to be accepted by consumers, retailers, and fine restaurants – offering unique pairing possibilities with various dishes due to honey’s lack of tannins.

How did Ayele get on the show?

Shortly after The Honey Wine Company was forced to close the BEE D’VINE Tasting Bar in the iconic Ferry Building (due to the COVID-19 pandemic), Ayele reached out and re-ignited a previous conversation with Shark Tank. The importance of bees in honey wine production cannot be overstated, as they play a crucial role in both environmental and economic sustainability – and on getting on the show.

Now of course you don’t want any spoilers, so you’ll just have to imagine how the Sharks react when, all their lives, they’ve enjoyed grape wine and now they are tasting a sustainably made smooth sweet & dry wine from honey, no grapes!

Ayele brings his honey wine to life in the Sonoma Valley, intertwining his mission of environmental conservation with his production process. His dream of creating a sustainable product that combines traditional methods with modern techniques resonates throughout his journey.

Needless to say, after tasting four glasses each of honey wine – semi-sweet/Demi-Sec still & sparkling, and dry/Brut still & sparkling – the negotiations became animated. The entrepreneurial journey of Bee D’Vine, from initial struggles to successful recovery and ongoing innovation, highlights how the business has adapted and thrived.

Will Friday the 13th be a bloody feeding-frenzy horror? Solomon’s commitment to protect forests by monetizing trees for honey production emphasizes the positive impact that sustainable honey production can have on the environment. To be continued…

Product Description of Bee d’vine honey wine

Bee d’Vine honey wine is a type of wine made from the fermentation of honey and water. This unique beverage is produced by The Honey Wine Company, which sources its honey from local California beekeeper families, as well as families in African forests, including Ethiopia’s Kafa rainforest and Tanzania’s Miombo Forest.

The company’s honey wines are made in a variety of styles, ranging from semi-sweet to dry, and are influenced by French oak and stainless steel aging. With its crisp and refreshing taste, Bee d’vine honey wine is perfect for sipping on its own or pairing with a variety of dishes.

Unlike traditional grape wine, honey wine contains no tannins, making it a great option for those who prefer a smoother drink. Whether you’re looking for a new wine to enjoy with friends or a unique beverage to serve at your next party, Bee d’vine honey wine is sure to impress.