About Us - Bernell Bees | Our Story & Beekeeping Philosophy

Our Story

Bernell Bees was built on three generations of passion, curiosity, and respect for the honeybee. The legacy began in 1951 when a 12-year-old boy named William Bernell Weinerth discovered his love for beekeeping after noticing his neighbor's hives in Burbank, California. What started as a childhood fascination soon became a lifelong devotion.

William eventually managed 90 colonies across Ventura County with his business partner, Jack Gazdik. After nearly ten years, he sold the operation to chase a new dream—cultivating the perfect strain of honeybee, a project that still fuels his passion today.

His expertise was handed down through generations, eventually reaching his grandson, Joshua. After years of mentorship, Joshua transformed that knowledge into a modern beekeeping business of his own. In 2020, with one colony and a vision, he founded Bernell Bees.

Today, Bernell Bees has grown to more than 150 colonies and proudly serves Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. More importantly, it serves as a home for community education, environmental awareness, and responsible beekeeping practices that will continue long into the future.

Bernell Bees is more than a business—it is a family legacy built on stewardship, sustainability, and a deep love for the honeybee.

Meet the Beekeeper

Joshua Bernell - Master Beekeeper

Growing up, Joshua Bernell spent countless hours at his grandfather William's side, learning the delicate art of beekeeping that had captivated his family for generations. William Bernell Weinerth, who first fell in love with honeybees as a 12-year-old boy in 1951, passed down decades of wisdom, expertise, and passion to his grandson. Those formative years of mentorship—watching hive inspections, understanding bee behavior, and witnessing his grandfather's tireless work to cultivate the perfect honeybee strain—planted the seeds for Joshua's future.

In 2020, armed with three generations of beekeeping knowledge and a single colony, Joshua founded Bernell Bees. What started as one hive has blossomed into an operation of more than 150 colonies serving Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. But for Joshua, success isn't measured just in colony count—it's about honoring his grandfather's legacy through sustainable practices, community education, and a deep commitment to the welfare of the honeybee.

"My grandfather taught me that beekeeping isn't just about harvesting honey—it's about stewardship," Joshua reflects. "Every decision we make, from hive placement to harvesting methods, is guided by respect for these incredible creatures and the environment they help sustain. Bernell Bees is my way of carrying forward the passion that started with a curious 12-year-old boy over 70 years ago."

Our Mission

"To produce the finest raw honey while practicing sustainable beekeeping that protects and nurtures pollinator populations for future generations."

Quality First

We never compromise on quality. Our honey is raw, unfiltered, and minimally handled to preserve all the natural enzymes, pollen, and nutrients that make honey a superfood.

Bee Health Priority

Happy, healthy bees make the best honey. We prioritize bee welfare in every decision, from hive placement to harvest methods, ensuring our colonies thrive year after year.

Environmental Stewardship

Our apiaries serve as sanctuaries for pollinators and contribute to local biodiversity. We maintain pesticide-free zones and plant diverse flora to support not just honeybees, but all pollinators.

Community Education

We believe knowledge empowers action. Through workshops, tours, and outreach programs, we share our expertise and inspire others to support pollinator conservation.

About Bernell Bees