Words and Images courtesy City of Williamsburg
Williamsburg, VA – Silver Hand Meadery has been named the recipient of the 2023
Williamsburg Business Appreciation Award by the Williamsburg Economic Development
Authority.
Mayor Douglas G. Pons presented Silver Hand Meadery the 2023 Business Appreciation Award
at the June 8, 2023, Williamsburg City Council meeting.
Each year, the Economic Development Authority recognizes a Williamsburg business for its
contribution to the betterment of the City. Any person or business is able to nominate a City
business for the Business Appreciation Award. Criteria used for award consideration include a
physical presence in the City of Williamsburg, being in business for at least five years,
employing fewer than 100 people, demonstrating innovation along with excellent customer
service and environmental sensitivity. At its May meeting, the EDA discussed the nominations
and voted on a recipient.
Prior to making mead, Silver Hand Meadery owner and founder, Glenn Lavender spent 12 years
touring with his band throughout North America. It was during this time that he began his
education on the ancient drink of mead. In 2012, he and his wife and Meadery co-founder,
Sherri, moved from Ontario, Canada, to Williamsburg where Glenn took a job with a local
church, all while still making batches of mead. After participating in the Mazer Cup, the largest
mead competition in the world, the Lavenders took home two awards and made the decision to
open their own Meadery.
After getting a special use permit approved by Williamsburg City Council in June of 2015, Silver
Hand Meadery officially opened its doors on Monticello Avenue that November. The Meadery
continues to offer new and expanded tastings and educational opportunities on mead, honey,
and honeybees. All tastings can be booked directly online.