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Bee D’Vine: A Sustainable Honey Wine Revolution from Sonoma Valley
Bee D’Vine, a honey wine brand, gained recognition on Season 12 of Shark Tank. Produced sustainably in Sonoma Valley, California, this wine is crafted using just two main ingredients: honey and spring water, both sourced locally.
The Honey Wine Company, the parent company, offers Bee D’Vine in two variants – Brut (dry) and Demi-Sec (semi-sweet).
The brand has also expanded its range to include sparkling honey wine and grape wine, all of which are aged for at least 15 months, distinguishing Bee D’Vine from other honey wines.
Bee D’Vine honey wine stands out for its clean finish thanks to its tannin-free composition. This creates a unique taste profile that differs from traditional grape wines.
The simple ingredients – local honey and spring water – ensure a pure flavor that has become quite popular.
Bee D’Vine is committed to ethical and sustainable practices. The brand donates a portion of its sales to the Kafa community in Ethiopia, helping them transition to modern beehives and increase honey production. This initiative supports local economies and aids in preserving the Kafa rainforest.
Ayele Solomon, a conservationist from Ethiopia, founded the Bee D’Vine: A Sustainable Honey Wine Revolution from Sonoma Valley. Solomon aimed to create an economic incentive for preserving the Kafa rainforest.
His approach combined traditional honey wine production with modern beekeeping practices, leading to the launch of Bee D’Vine in 2014.
Bee D’Vine’s mission extends beyond producing high-quality honey wine. The brand supports local beekeepers and communities in both California and Ethiopia, appealing to consumers who value sustainability. With the backing from Shark Tank, Bee D’Vine’s future looks promising.
In addition to its wines, Bee D’Vine runs the HoneyBee Fund, promoting sustainable beekeeping and conservation efforts. They also offer honey tastings and educational experiences to raise awareness about bees and honey production.
Ayele Solomon, the founder, moved to the United States at 12 and settled in California. He earned a degree in Environmental Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and focused on natural resource development at Michigan State University.
His background includes an internship at the Environmental Protection Agency and consulting work in Ethiopia.
Bee D’Vine’s unique product stems from Solomon’s observations of honey bees in the Kafa rainforest. He noticed the bees’ method of collecting honey and was inspired to create a product from this resource.
By turning honey into a valuable product, Solomon aimed to protect the rainforest and provide an alternative to deforestation.
Before appearing on Shark Tank, Solomon invested $600,000 of his own money and contributions from family and friends to establish The Honey Wine Company.
By the time Bee D’Vine was presented to the Sharks, the company had generated $400,000 in sales over six years, with $115,000 in the 12 months leading up to the show.
Bee D’Vine Shark Tank Pitch
During his pitch on episode 05 of Season 12, Solomon presented Bee D’Vine as a unique wine made from fermented honey.
Bee D’Vine, a brand of Honey Wine, also known as “Mead,” was introduced on Shark Tank by its founder, Ayele Solomon.
Originally from Ethiopia, Solomon aimed to bring a new class of wine that combined traditional and modern tastes through honey fermentation.
Solomon requested $750,000 for a 20% equity stake in his company, valuing Bee D’Vine at $3.75 million.
He sought a substantial investment to expand his product’s reach. The wine retained all the health benefits of natural honey, was non-GMO, and gluten-free.
Solomon highlighted the health benefits of his product, including its medicinal properties. He also emphasized the blend of tradition and modernity, making it appealing to a wide audience.
The production cost of the wine was $5.93 per bottle, and it sold for $39.95. While the sharks initially had concerns about the figures, the wine’s unique taste and Solomon’s vision won them over.
Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, and Daniel Lubetzky showed interest in Bee D’Vine. However, they were not satisfied with the proposed 20% equity and countered with a 40% share in the company.
Each shark proposed to contribute equally, with each receiving a 10% stake for a combined investment of $750,000.
Despite initial hesitation, Solomon accepted the offer from the four sharks, resulting in a significant change in equity distribution and securing the necessary capital for his venture.
Bee D’Vine’s Shark Tank pitch was successful. The product’s uniqueness, combined with Solomon’s passion and vision, ultimately convinced the sharks to invest, albeit at a higher equity stake than initially proposed.
This highlights the potential for innovative and health-conscious products in today’s market. It also underscores the importance of flexibility and open-mindedness for entrepreneurs when negotiating deals and considering potential growth and expansion.
Bee D’Vine Honey Wine: Thriving Beyond Shark Tank
Following its appearance on Shark Tank, Bee D’Vine Honey Wine experienced a notable increase in sales, thanks to the show’s influence.
The exposure from the popular television program ignited public interest, leading to a surge in orders and selling out five of their ten wine offerings.
Interestingly, the deal proposed by Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, and Daniel Lubetzky during the show did not come to fruition after further due diligence off-air. Despite this, Bee D’Vine continued to thrive and expand its market presence.
Bee D’Vine offers various honey wine options made with local honey and spring water, aged for 15 months to develop distinct flavors. Its commitment to eco-friendliness resonates with customers, leading to increased sales post-show.
The company has introduced new wine varieties and faced stock shortages due to high demand. Customers can order wines online, and Bee D’Vine remains actively engaged with its mission.
Bee D’Vine’s business strategy was shaped by feedback from the Sharks. They recommended introducing a lower-priced product to attract more customers. In response, the company launched a $39 pack alongside its $49 pack.
Today, Bee D’Vine operates successfully nationwide, with many of its premium products consistently selling out. Customers can purchase their wines through the company’s official website and other e-commerce platforms.
Bee D’Vine has managed to sustain and grow its business post-Shark Tank by leveraging the show’s exposure to expand its customer base and product offerings, even without finalizing the initial deal.
The brand, which hails from Sonoma Valley, specializes in producing honey wine or mead, blending unique flavors with a commitment to sustainability.
Bee D’Vine replenished its stock and celebrated its 8th year in business in May 2022.
The brand’s dedication to sustainability includes contributing one percent of sales to the Ethiopian Kafa community.
Bee D’Vine combines traditional winemaking techniques with honey wine craftsmanship, creating flavorful beverages that appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
The focus on innovation and sustainability has helped cement its place in the wine industry.
Bee D’Vine is still in business and thriving, with an effective net worth estimated at $2 million. The brand’s dedication to creating unique and high-quality honey wines continues to drive its success and growth.
Bee D’Vine remains a viable business, offering distinctive products to customers who appreciate its focus on sustainability and innovation.
