New York State offers unique opportunities for mead producers through its Farm Meadery License, which is regulated by the New York State Liquor Authority (“NYSLA”). This license allows the holder to manufacture up to 250,000 gallons annually of New York State-labeled mead and/or braggot. It also provides wholesale and retail sales privileges—offering flexibility for producers looking to build and grow their brands within the state.
This article outlines the key licensing requirements and considerations for businesses seeking to operate as a farm meadery in New York.
Federal Permitting Also Required
Before obtaining a state license, it’s important to understand that a federal permit from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) is also required. Mead is typically classified as a wine under federal law (assuming it is made from fermented honey and may include other ingredients such as fruit, spices, or hops). Accordingly, producers generally must obtain a TTB winery permit.
Note: If the farm meadery intends to produce braggot, the production method may change the type of federal TTB permit needed, especially if the braggot is not produced using traditional wine production. Consult your alcohol beverage attorney before applying for permits and licenses to determine the best pathway for your business. To schedule an initial consultation with Lindsey Zahn P.C., please contact us at info@zahnlawpc.com.
Why Choose a Farm Meadery License?
A Farm Meadery License offers several strategic advantages compared to a traditional winery license in New York:
| License Type | Total Fee | Surety Bond |
| Farm Meadery (3-Year License) | $703.75 | N/A |
| Mead Producer (3-Year License) | $906.25 | N/A |
- Cost Savings: The application fee for a farm meadery license is somewhat lower than that of a mead producer license.
- Sales Flexibility: Farm meaderies may sell their products directly to consumers (retail), to licensed wholesalers, and to other licensed New York manufacturers. Bulk sales are also permitted under current regulations.
- Branch Offices: Farm meaderies in New York may operate up to five (5) branch offices within the state.
Additional Factors to Consider
A key consideration of the farm meadery license is that it only allows production of New York State-labeled mead or braggot. This means that at least 75% of the honey used in production must come from New York State, and the final product must qualify under the state’s labeling requirements.
For entrepreneurs who anticipate sourcing ingredients from outside New York or producing non-qualifying formulations, a mead producer or even a traditional winery license may be more appropriate. These strategic decisions should be carefully evaluated prior to applying, as changing license types later can be administratively burdensome.
How Our Law Firm Can Help
Our firm provides legal guidance to alcohol beverage businesses navigating the complex permitting process at both the federal and state levels. We assist producers with:
- Evaluating whether a NYSLA farm meadery license best supports your business model.
- Preparing and submitting TTB and NYSLA applications accurately and efficiently.
- Ensuring your labels, formulations, and operating plans comply with applicable regulations.
- Counseling on long-term compliance obligations and strategic expansion.
We have extensive experience working with alcohol beverage startups, family-owned producers, and national brands. Whether you’re in the early planning stages or seeking to formalize operations, we’re here to support your growth and regulatory peace of mind.
Schedule an Initial Call Today
If you’re interested in launching a meadery in New York or need assistance with obtaining the appropriate permits, we invite you to schedule an initial consultation with our team. We’ll walk you through the regulatory landscape and help determine the most efficient and cost-effective path forward.
Contact us today to get started.