Wandering apiary „Wantuch”

The wandering apiary "WANTUCH" is located in Zborowice, situated on a hill amidst forests and meadows, overlooking the Biała River. It is the central area of the Mikroregion Pogórze Ciężkowicko-Rożnowskie. The owner of the apiary is Mrs. Iwona, who has had a connection with beekeeping since childhood. She also passed on her passion to her son, Bartłomiej, who is now a professional beekeeper and manages the wandering apiary. They seek nearby, ecologically clean places where nectar-rich flowers and plants like acacia, dandelion, rapeseed, and other pollen-producing plants grow. They transport the beehives to these locations, allowing the bees to gather pollen, which is the basis for honey production. In several of these wandering apiaries, the Wantuch family manages a total of 135 bee colonies.

In addition to honey, they also collect propolis, bee pollen, royal jelly, and other valuable products that not only taste good but are also healthy. While passing on beekeeping duties to her son, Mrs. Iwona Wantuch has engaged in two additional projects that complement and develop the beekeeping business. According to her, constant development, searching for new ideas, and implementing new concepts are essential for the harmonious growth of the business. For this purpose, she collaborates with local and regional institutional and business partners within local projects.

The first project mentioned is the "Buzzing Garden," where children dressed as beekeepers can learn the secrets of beekeeping and observe the work of bee colonies. In case of unfavorable weather, children can observe the working bees in a special demonstration beehive at "Pszczele Kuźni" (Bee Forge). Pszczela Kuźnia is the second and final element, at least for now, of the entire apiary farm. It is where workshops take place, based on honey and other bee products. From these products, they create popular candles, honey-glycerin soaps, and wax wraps. Beeswax candles are also produced in the apiary. They can be molded from warm, liquid wax that hardens in silicone molds or hand-rolled.

The handmade honey-glycerin soaps are made from honey and glycerin, and dried herbs from the garden, such as chamomile, lavender, and lemon, are used for fragrance. The wax wraps are made from natural cotton soaked in beeswax, which can be used for wrapping or packaging food products. Soaps, wax wraps, candles, and honey are available separately, but they can also be found in beautiful gift baskets.

Iwona Wantuch and her son plan to launch agrotourism with accommodation options. Already, besides the honey-related attractions, visitors can have a bonfire, roast local sausages, and taste rustic bread with homemade lard and pickled cucumbers.