MEET THE 
BEEKEEPER.

Melissa Rodelo Gilpin is the owner and founder of Rancho Calaveras Honey Company. Growing up in the Sierra Foothills her passion for agriculture began. Owning a horse, surrounded by open space, orchards and olive groves made a strong impression on her.

After moving back to the family ranch in the Sierra Foothills, she began planting an olive grove. Researching bees and how to keep them also became a passion. After being introduced to bees through a friend and working with bees through fun hands on courses offered through a winery she was inspired to keep hives. The dream of Rancho Calaveras Honey Company began.

“Bringing the bees home in the front seat of my car was an amazing experience.”

ABOUT THE
TRAILER:

After passing a rusty, classic 1975 Hale horse trailer on a local ranch on her way into town, she decided to leave a note on a bale of hay with her interest in purchasing the trailer. She was thrilled to hear back from the rancher. Purchasing the trailer brought back so many wonderful memories of life with her horse Amaretta. Work soon began on restoration. This would be the perfect vehicle to transport and present her honey.