From Paperwork to Pouring: Our Journey to Opening a Texas Meadery
Mistakes are always made when there is never a how to..
Starting a Meadery in Texas isn’t just about honey, yeast, and patience — it’s also about paperwork, filings, and learning to navigate a maze of agencies. When we started Vinland Meads, we couldn’t find a single clear guide that covered it all. Winery business plans? Plenty. Meadery-specific ones? Almost none. Here’s how we did it — shortcuts, stumbles, fixes, and all.
We Joke that to make Mead, you do this: Honey+Water+Yeast = MEAD, but it is sorta true
Step 1:
Build the Business Plan
(Even if it’s not perfect)
I read winery business plans from everywhere I could find. Meadery-specific plans? Couldn’t find one at the time. (I’ve since heard the American Mead Makers Association has examples if you join — we didn’t in the beginning.)
We kept it simple and focused on production first. We skipped tasting-room buildout to start (that’s coming later this year) and put our energy into recipes, equipment, and compliance.
What helped
Treat the plan like a roadmap, not a novel.
Decide what can wait (for us, the tasting room, expensive equipment).
Step 2:
Form the LLC & Get an EIN
Before any alcohol paperwork:
We formed our LLC with the Texas Secretary of State.
We got our EIN from the IRS so we could open accounts, sign applications, and keep taxes clean.
Tip: Use the exact legal name everywhere. The tiniest punctuation can bite you later (more on that below).
Step 3:
Lean on the Community
We used a lot of knowledge from other meadery owners — especially on Discord. ( Man Made Mead Mazers, especially the Meadery Chat). Big shout-out to Fox & Raven and Texas Longhouse Meadery. When we couldn’t find answers in official docs, that community filled the gaps.
Step 4:
Register with the Texas Comptroller
(Our First Big Mistake)
This is where we hit our first pothole. While getting everything lined up for state licensing, we registered with the Texas Comptroller (Sales & Use Tax Permit, Franchise Tax account).
Our mistake? We typed a period before “LLC” on the paperwork. That tiny dot caused a big mismatch. We had to go to the Comptroller’s office twice to fix it. Lesson learned: copy your legal name exactly from your formation document every time you submit anything.
Infographic of the Steps to Start a Texas Meadery.
Step 5:
File with the TTB (Federal) — and Start Formulas Early
We filed with the TTB and got approved surprisingly fast. They have a processing time chart on their website, if your interested. TTB WEBSITE. Then we immediately started submitting formula approvals. If your mead uses fruit, spices, or otherwise falls outside “standard,” you’ll need formulas approved before moving forward with labels.
Tip: Submit formulas as soon as you can. They can run in parallel with other steps.
Step 6:
File with the TABC (State)
With federal approvals moving, we filed with TABC. That process went quickly for us, though not as quickly as federal. Important nuance we learned:
You need TABC to sell, not to ferment.
Once formulas are approved federally, you can start fermenting even if your TABC license is still processing — you just can’t sell yet.
Step 7:
COLAs — The Tricky Part
Formulas weren’t bad. Labels (COLAs) were. The system isn’t really built with mead in mind, so approvals can be frustrating. I have been hearing for over 15 years that the American Mead Makers Association was lobbying TTB to get Mead its own category, which hopeful should help with this, but still today we do not, we are just considered a winery.
Best advice: Find a TTB label agent and build a relationship. A real human who understands mead labels will save you weeks.
Step 8:
Filings — The New Full-Time Job
Once you start selling, filings ramp up fast. We’re a production meadery that self-distributes to retailers, so we track every invoice and every case.
Surprise: Both TABC and the Comptroller want the same sales data.
It’s like two divorced parents — and you’re sending both the report cards. We missed eight months of RITS at first and got a $5,000 penalty. We called, explained, and they waived it — but it was a wake-up call.
Our filing routine now
Monthly: TABC excise tax reports; RITS (due by the 25th)
Quarterly: Sales & Use tax
Annually: Franchise tax (Texas) + IRS business return
Federal excise tax: depends on production volume (semi-monthly/quarterly/annual)
Infographic of the Compliance Report for Texas Meaderies.
Step 9:
Event Permits — Nearly Weekly
We do a lot of events, which means lots of TABC event permits. The process is straightforward, but the timing is strict:
If you file under 10 working days before the event, you’ll pay about $300 per day it’s short — weekends don’t count, so watch your calendar.
Image of Our Mead Tent a Markets and Festivals.
Lessons We’d Pass On
Community is gold. Ask other mead makers — they’ve probably solved your problem already.
Match your legal name perfectly everywhere. One stray period can cost you time and trips.
TTB lets you brew; TABC lets you sell. Use the waiting time to ferment.
COLAs are the pinch point. Befriend a label agent.
Treat filings like production. Put them on a calendar and don’t miss them.
Starting a meadery is equal parts passion and persistence. It’s not just fermenting honey — it’s learning systems, building relationships, and staying stubborn through the red tape. If you’re thinking about it: do it. And file on time.
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