When Garagiste Meadery owner Chad Wiltz announced the meadery’s impending closure, he cited the main reason as rent increases. When the meadery closed its doors in June 2024, it was not because of a lack of interest.
Fast forward to September, and the meadery announces that they have found new life.

From Garagiste Meadery:

As most of you are aware, we closed our Tampa Heights tasting room back in June. There was a number of reasons which basically boiled down to it wasn’t working out and it was time for us to move on.

We have since found a new home less than 2 miles away at Cigar City Cider & Mead in Ybor City. The move makes a lot of sense. It will hopefully allow us to eventually resume production as well as find ourselves in front of a much larger number of potential patrons. It’s a bigger and better space with a great cider program and one of Tampa’s best hot chicken joints under the same roof.

Beginning this month we have been offering limited draft there as well as some package to go. We’re going to take it slow and grow organically. This is new for both businesses and we’re going to listen to you our customers. There’s still a few hoops to jump through; but, I like the direction this is heading. Stay tuned.

We continue to offer online sales for mail order. For those looking for local pickup; please reach out.

I want to take a moment to thank all of you have continued supporting us. It means a lot and will help springboard the next phase for the business.

We recently loaded the online store with a bunch of vintage offerings. There are some Mazer Cup gold medal winners in there as well as other award-winning products. Some of which dating back all the way to our first year of operation in 2018.

Give them a look. We’re offering a Summer Discount which should eat into the cost of shipping.

Have a great weekend and cheers!

https://vinoshipper.com/shop/garagiste_meadery

Look for more information on Garagiste Meadery’s operation with Cigar City Cider & Mead as information becomes available.

About Garagiste Meadery
A Garagiste is defined as a small-scale entrepreneurial wine-maker who does not adhere to the traditions of wine making.
Garagiste Meadery started with humble beginnings as home meadmakers in 2015. In early 2016 we decided to make Garagiste Meadery a legitimate business.
Garagiste Meadery would be a full Meadery with a Tasting Room and become our family business. As the Meadery came together we felt the impetus to get better.
Thankfully, some great meadmakers embraced us and helped refine Garagiste Meadery to where we are today.
Come on in, experience mead with us. The exploration continues and we’re thrilled to have you along for the ride.