When most kids dream of pets, they imagine dogs to cuddle or kittens to chase. But for one Santa Ynez-based beekeeper, his “pets” number in the thousands—and they all have wings.
Flying V Apiaries isn’t just a honey company. It’s a buzzing ecosystem rooted in stewardship, science, and a surprising amount of heart. Founded by Dakota Votaw, who first suited up in a bee suit as a college student in North Carolina, the business now spans the Central Coast of California and the wildflower-filled fields of northern Minnesota. While most of us were spending the summers of our youth at camp or the beach, he was out in the beeyards, dodging stingers, learning the rhythm of the hive, and unknowingly falling in love with one of the oldest professions in the world.
Today, Flying V Apiaries treats bees less like livestock and more like beloved, high-maintenance pets. They are relocated seasonally between the Santa Ynez Valley and Minnesota to ensure healthy forage, protection from pests like the destructive varroa mite, supplemental nutrition, and shelter in warmer climates for winter. “We go to sleep thinking about what we’re going to do for our bees the next day,” Dakota says. “It honestly never stops.”
During peak honey season, their care becomes a full-time hustle. Bees don’t take weekends off, and neither does the team. From adding honey supers at just the right time to operating a stainless-steel extraction line that spins honey straight from the comb, every step is rooted in timing, intuition, and respect for the hive. The result? Small-batch, hyper-local honey that tastes different with every season—and tells a story in every jar.
If the idea of bees as pets still sounds far-fetched, consider this: they recognize their keeper’s scent, communicate through intricate dances, and work tirelessly to support not just their colony, but the entire ecosystem around them. In an era of instant gratification, bees model something different: dedication, collaboration, and purpose.
For families, Flying V Apiaries is more than just honey. It’s an invitation to explore the fascinating world of pollination, agriculture, and the incredible creatures that quietly help our world thrive. Whether it’s planting a pollinator garden or simply reading a honey label more closely, we can all take a cue from the bees: work hard, stay connected, and care deeply.
You can find Flying V Bees honey at various locations in the Santa Ynez Valley, like SYV Pantry, Highline Adventures, and The Yard. For more information, please get in touch with Flying V Apiaries on Instagram (@flyingvbees) and www.FlyingVbees.com, coming soon.
There’s something magical about watching a child discover the gentle hum of a honeybee in flight. Beyond their curiosity, kids who learn about bees early on also develop a greater appreciation for the environment, food systems, and sustainability.
Bees pollinate more than 75% of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts we eat, making them essential to our health and food security. Teaching children how these tiny creatures contribute to our daily lives fosters a sense of wonder and responsibility.
Flying V Bees occasionally partners with local schools and community groups to provide bee education and safe observation experiences. From seeing a working hive to tasting raw honey straight from the comb, it’s a sweet way to inspire future stewards of the land.
Looking to get your kids buzzing with excitement? Start with a backyard pollinator garden, visit a local apiary, or swap storytime for a bee-themed book. A little knowledge now can plant the seeds of care for generations to come.
There’s something magical about watching kids discover the hum of a honeybee. Learning about bees early helps children appreciate nature, food systems, and sustainability. From visiting a hive to planting a pollinator garden, simple experiences spark lifelong curiosity. A little bee knowledge goes a long way—planting the seeds for future stewards of our planet, one buzz at a time.