Our origin began long before Bee & Barrel Vineyard took shape in the foothills of Marion…

High school sweethearts who built a life through curiosity and adventure, my wife and I have been on a journey that carried us across the world. After crossing oceans and experiencing new cultures, we ultimately chose to settle at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making North Carolina our permanent home.

My passion for winemaking was sparked at just thirteen, when I helped a family friend harvest their vineyard in Germany. I learned firsthand how much care goes into a single harvest — a lesson that stayed with me and quietly forged the path ahead. Years later, while living on the island of Guam, I discovered a love for beekeeping and co‑founded the Guam Beekeepers Association, deepening my appreciation for craft and stewardship of the natural world.

Our time in Sicily strengthened that connection even further. Surrounded by old‑world vineyards and long‑held traditions, my wife and I found ourselves inspired by the way wine brings people together — how it carries a sense of place, family, and history in every bottle. How each pour sets the stage for friendship to unfold and evenings filled with laughter.

Bee & Barrel is the result of those experiences coming together. Today, three generations work side by side to build something meaningful: a family‑ and veteran‑owned vineyard anchored in excellence, born from a desire to craft exceptional wines, meads, and shared moments — especially for you.

This vineyard is more than a business; it’s the beginning of a legacy we look forward to sharing. Come be part of the tale we’re proud to be creating.

Cordiali saluti,

— Jason Crandall

Owner/Operator