Greenville brewery announces it will close just shy of 7-year anniversary

A meadery in Greenville’s Hampton Station development has announced it will close just shy of its seven-year anniversary of being in business. Wandering Bard Meadery announced on social media that it will close when its lease runs out in November, and that the closure has nothing to do with state-mandated liability insurance that many establishments are blaming for skyrocketing expenses.

Wandering Bard’s last day will be Nov. 3 — exactly one day short of its seven-year milestone, according to the post. Owners hinted in the post that there may be life for the meadery after Hampton Station. “I’d like to thank everyone who joined us on this journey,” the post reads. “Is there a post Hampton Station future for Wandering Beard Meadery? Maybe.”

Wandering Beard’s announcement follows other high-profile closures on Greenville’s brewery scene. In late May Habitap off Woodruff Road abruptly closed after five years in business. And last week, Tetrad Brewing Co. announced it would close its Overbrook location, though it will be opening a new brewery in a yet-to-be-disclosed spot.

While the closure of Wandering Bard Meadery may come as a surprise to some, the challenges faced by breweries in Greenville and across the country have been well-documented. Rising costs, increasing competition, and changing consumer preferences have all contributed to the difficult operating environment for small craft breweries.

In addition to these challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the industry. Many breweries were forced to close their doors or scale back operations during the height of the pandemic, leading to a loss of revenue and increased financial strain.

Despite these challenges, the craft beer industry in Greenville remains strong. The city is home to a vibrant community of breweries and beer enthusiasts who continue to support local businesses.

Wandering Bard Meadery was known for its unique selection of meads, which are made from fermented honey. The meadery offered a variety of flavors, including traditional meads, fruit-infused meads, and barrel-aged meads.

The closure of Wandering Bard Meadery will undoubtedly be felt by the Greenville community. The meadery was a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, known for its welcoming atmosphere and high-quality products.

As the brewery prepares to close its doors, owners and staff are grateful for the support they have received over the years. In a social media post announcing the closure, they expressed their thanks to the community for their patronage and loyalty.

While the closure of Wandering Bard Meadery is undoubtedly a loss for the Greenville beer scene, it is also an opportunity for the community to reflect on the challenges faced by small businesses and the importance of supporting local establishments.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the economy, it is more important than ever to support local businesses. By patronizing small breweries and other establishments, residents can help ensure that these businesses continue to thrive and contribute to the vibrancy of the Greenville community.

While the closure of Wandering Bard Meadery may be a sad occasion, it is also an opportunity for the Greenville community to come together and show their support for local businesses. Whether through purchasing craft beer, visiting local breweries, or simply spreading the word about the importance of supporting small businesses, there are many ways to make a difference.

As the closure date approaches, the owners and staff of Wandering Bard Meadery are hopeful for the future. While the meadery may be closing its doors at Hampton Station, there is potential for a new chapter in the brewery’s story.

Owners hinted in their social media post that they may continue their mead-making journey in a new location. Whether this means opening a new brewery or exploring different avenues for sharing their craft, the owners are excited about the possibilities.

As the Greenville beer scene continues to evolve, it is clear that there are many talented brewers and passionate beer enthusiasts in the community. While the closure of Wandering Bard Meadery is undoubtedly a loss, it is also an opportunity for new and exciting ventures to emerge.

In the coming months, beer lovers in Greenville and beyond will have the chance to discover new breweries, try new beer styles, and support local businesses. While change can be difficult, it also brings with it the potential for growth and innovation.

As the Greenville beer scene moves forward, it is important to remember the contributions of establishments like Wandering Bard Meadery. The meadery may be closing its doors, but its impact on the community will be felt for years to come.