Guided tour « from the bee to the bottle » with tasting – English

Taking a tour that connects you directly to the source of your favorite spirits can be both enlightening and delicious. The “from the bee to the bottle” experience at Apikol in Quebec City offers just that — a chance to see how honey and spirits are made on a small, sustainable scale. We haven’t personally participated but have gathered plenty of details to help you decide if this is the right fit for your trip.

What we love about this tour is its hands-on approach — you’ll observe bees in action in their hive and learn about honey extraction, which adds a genuine, tangible layer to the experience. Plus, the tasting component of our reviews’ favorite spirits, like mead, vodka, and gin, makes it a flavorful highlight. One potential drawback? The tour lasts about an hour, so if you’re short on time or prefer larger groups, you might find it a bit intimate or quick.

This experience will appeal most to those interested in sustainable practices, local craftsmanship, and authentic storytelling. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or curious about small-scale distilling, you’ll likely come away with a new appreciation for the art of honey making and spirits production.

Key Points

• Authentic connection to the process of honey and spirits production in an urban farm setting
• Expert guides who are knowledgeable and friendly, making complex processes understandable
• Tasting of three products, including mead and spirits, offering great value for the price
• Small group size (max 8 travelers), ensuring personalized attention
• Accessible location near public transportation in downtown Quebec City
• Sustainable practices highlighted through reusable bottles and eco-conscious methods

What is the « from the bee to the bottle » Tour?

This guided tour offered by Apikol invites you into the heart of Quebec City’s urban farm scene, focusing on the journey of honey from hive to bottle. It’s a concise, well-structured experience designed to give visitors an understanding of urban beekeeping, honey extraction, and artisanal distillation — all in about an hour. For those who appreciate genuine, small-scale craftsmanship, this tour offers a peek into a world that often remains hidden behind supermarket shelves.

The tour begins at Apikol’s downtown location, an innovative space where beekeeping and distilling come together. Led by one of the beekeepers and co-owners, the guide walks you through each step, transforming what could be a dry lesson into an engaging story that emphasizes sustainability, tradition, and passion.

The Itinerary in Detail

Visit to the Hive

The tour kicks off with a visit to a working beehive, allowing you to see bees in action across all four seasons. This part of the tour is especially appealing for those who love nature and want to see beekeeping in a real urban setting. The guide explains bee behavior and the importance of pollinators, giving a valuable ecological perspective.

Several reviewers, like Tisha_Y, have noted how much they appreciated learning about bees and beekeeping from knowledgeable and approachable hosts. She mentions, “I loved learning about bees, seeing the distillery, and trying the delicious vodka, gin, and mead!”

Honey Extraction and Transformation

Next, the guide demonstrates the process of honey extraction — how raw honey is collected, filtered, and prepared for use. You’ll learn about sustainable practices and see firsthand how honey is transformed from hive to jar. This segment is praised for being clear and well-presented, with CarloSGERARDO_L calling it “claro y con conocimiento” (clear and knowledgeable).

Artisanal Alcohol Production

The focus then shifts to fermentation, distillation, aging, and bottling. The owners explain their methods for creating artisanal spirits from honey, highlighting the craftsmanship and care involved. This part of the tour is both educational and inspiring, especially for those interested in small-batch distilling.

Tasting Experience

The tour concludes with a 15-minute tasting of three products, tailored to your preferences among their selections, which include sparkling mead, vodka, gin, and spirits. According to reviews, the tasting is a major highlight — Mary_H notes how much she enjoyed the delicious vodka, gin, and mead. The fact that the spirits are served in reusable bottles also adds an eco-conscious touch.

Participants have the option to add more tastings for a small fee, making this a flexible experience for those wanting to explore more flavors.

Practical Details and What You Should Know

The tour is priced at just over $21 per person, offering excellent value considering the personalized guidance and tasting. It lasts about one hour — perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing schedule without feeling rushed.

The group size is capped at 8 travelers, ensuring the guide has plenty of time to answer questions and tailor the experience. The tour is accessible via public transportation and begins at 627 Boulevard Charest E in Quebec City.

Booking is straightforward with mobile tickets and free cancellation up to 24 hours — flexible enough if your plans change unexpectedly.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

This experience is ideal for curious travelers who enjoy learning about local products and sustainable practices. It’s especially suited for foodies, nature lovers, and eco-conscious visitors. If you’re someone who appreciates expert guides, you’ll find the hosts at Apikol highly knowledgeable and friendly — a sentiment echoed in rave reviews.

It’s also perfect if you want a small, intimate tour that emphasizes quality over quantity, providing genuine insight rather than a superficial overview. Plus, the tastings add a flavorful element that makes the visit memorable.

The Sum Up

The « from the bee to the bottle » tour at Apikol offers a rare peek into urban beekeeping, honey production, and artisanal distilling. For a modest price, you gain a detailed understanding of how honey is harvested, processed, and transformed into spirits, all in an eco-friendly, sustainable environment. The guided explanation and tastings make it especially appealing for those who enjoy authentic, hands-on experiences.

This tour’s small group size, knowledgeable guides, and focus on sustainability make it a standout option for visitors wanting to connect with Quebec City’s local craftsmanship in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply curious about honey and spirits, this tour is likely to leave you with a greater appreciation for the art of small-scale production.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or family groups?
While the tour is primarily designed for adults interested in honey and spirits, children might enjoy seeing the bees and learning about beekeeping. However, the tasting element is geared toward adults.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately one hour — about 45 minutes of guided explanation and 15 minutes of tasting.

Is the tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transportation options in downtown Quebec City, making it easy to access without a car.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, ensuring flexibility.

Are additional tastings available?
Yes, you can add more spirits or products for a small extra fee if you’d like to explore further.

Is this experience suitable for someone with dietary restrictions?
While not explicitly mentioned, the focus on spirits and honey suggests minimal dietary concerns. If you have allergies or restrictions, it’s best to check directly with the provider.

What’s the price of the tour?
The tour costs $21.34 per person, which is quite reasonable given the personalized attention and tasting experience.

Who leads the tour?
One of the beekeeper and co-owner guides you through each step, ensuring you get expert insights and answers.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, the maximum group size is 8 travelers, creating a more intimate and engaging environment.

This tour at Apikol offers a delightful and educational way to discover Quebec’s local beekeeping and craft spirits scene. Whether you’re a curious traveler or a seasoned foodie, it’s a compact, meaningful experience worth considering during your visit.