Created by master winemaker and entrepreneur, Gize Negussie, Negus Winery and Meadery Tasting Room opened in Alexandria, Virginia, in late fall 2023. The Tasting Room, which is the first and only honey wine tasting room in the US, features Ethiopian Honey Wine, or Tej, brewed to taste just like the fermented honey wine Negussie’s mother made in Ethiopia for family gatherings, and made on premises with modern fermentation processes and equipment.
Ethiopian Honey Wine, a fermented beverage made from raw honey, dates back more than 3000 years to the time of Queen of Sheba, and is enjoyed at Ethiopian meals, gatherings, and celebrations.
The wildflower honey that Negus uses to brew its honey wine comes from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and was carefully selected to reproduce the flavor of traditional Ethiopian honey wine. The tasting room also carries a variety of wines grown and produced in Purcellville, Virginia, and bottled for Negus Wines. The honey wine is 100% natural, made with raw honey, and free of sulphites.
The Washington, DC area has the largest Ethiopian community outside of Ethiopia and is a thriving hub for entrepreneurial businesses inspired by Ethiopian culture and flavors, such as Negus.
Negus Winery and Meadery Tasting Room is a place for people to taste, enjoy, and purchase Tej. The honey wine is poured from traditional Ethiopian serving vessels and is served with customary Ethiopian snacks including Kolo, roasted barley often enjoyed in Ethiopia, and Ethiopian Injera crisps from local woman-owned company, Tsiona.
Groups can tour the production facility by appointment. In addition to the honey wines, Negus carries 100% Virginia grape wines, which are available for tasting and purchase.
The tasting room is located at 5509 Vine Street in Alexandria, Virginia.
