Beekeeping, the Northern California way.
A beginner-friendly course and community to help you start your first hive with confidence — guided by a 4th-generation beekeeping family that's been doing this since 1892.
If you're getting bees for the first time (or thinking about it this spring), this course gives you clear, practical guidance that actually fits Northern California — from eucalyptus flow and summer dearth to mite pressure and winter prep. No guesswork. No conflicting advice. Just steady, proven beekeeping.
This course is for you if…
You're a great fit if:
- You just got your first hive (or plan to this season)
- You want guidance that actually matches NorCal timing and conditions
- You're overwhelmed by conflicting YouTube or forum advice
- You'd like a place to ask questions when things don't look right
- You want to learn steadily, not all at once
This may not be a fit if:
- You're looking for large-scale commercial beekeeping
- You only want a one-day, in-person class with no follow-up
- You're outside Northern California and want region-agnostic advice
Most beginner colonies don't make it through year one.
Roughly 80% of first-year colonies fail — not because people don't care, but because beginners are forced to piece together advice from everywhere. YouTube says one thing. Forums say another. Local conditions rarely get mentioned.
When something goes wrong on a Sunday afternoon, you're left guessing.
This course exists to change that.
We focus on what actually works here, in Northern California — and we give you a place to ask questions before small issues become big losses.
By the end of this course, you'll be able to:
- Inspect your hive calmly and confidently
- Understand what "normal" looks like inside a healthy colony
- Spot early warning signs before problems escalate
- Manage swarming with practical, proven techniques
- Handle mites using an integrated, realistic approach
- Plan the season using a NorCal-specific calendar
- Harvest honey without stressing your bees
What's included
The Beekeeping Course
8 structured modules, designed for true beginners. Short, practical lessons you can revisit anytime. Lifetime access.
Downloadable Resources
Seasonal checklists, NorCal beekeeping calendar, inspection and hive-health guides.
Monthly Live Q&A
Ask questions directly. Learn from real scenarios other members are facing.
Private Discord Community
Ongoing support between sessions. Share photos, inspection notes, and questions. Learn alongside other NorCal beginners.
Peace of Mind
30-day money-back guarantee. If it's not helpful, no hard feelings.
One-time payment · Lifetime access
You're not doing this alone
The course gives you structure.
The community gives you confidence.
Inside the private Discord, you can:
- Ask questions when something doesn't look right
- Share inspection photos and get feedback
- Learn from real situations other beekeepers are facing
- Get grounded advice instead of conflicting opinions
This is the part most beginners say makes the biggest difference — knowing who to ask when things feel uncertain.
Private Discord
NorCal Beekeepers
“Just did my first inspection — is this brood pattern normal?”
“Looks healthy! That's exactly what you want to see this time of year.”
“What's blooming in Sonoma right now?”
Everything You Need to Know,In the Right Order
8 carefully structured modules taking you from complete beginner to confident beekeeper. No fluff, no filler — just practical knowledge that works.
Everything you need to know before getting your first bees. Equipment selection, hive placement, and what to expect in your first year.
All modules unlock instantly when you enroll.
Learn From Someone WhoWas Born Into This
Aleksandr S
4th Generation Beekeeper
“I didn't choose beekeeping — I was born into it. My earliest memories are of standing next to my father, watching him work the hives with bare hands. He taught me patience, observation, and respect for the bees. Now I teach others the same way he taught me.”
Aleksandr comes from a family that has kept bees in Northern California since 1892. Growing up surrounded by hives, he learned the craft from his father, who learned from his father before him. Today, Aleksandr manages over 200 hives across Sonoma and Napa counties while continuing the family tradition of teaching others the art of beekeeping. He's performed hundreds of free swarm removals for the local community and is passionate about bee conservation.
Credentials & Experience
- 4th generation beekeeper (family since 1892)
- 200+ hives under management
- Certified Master Beekeeper
- 500+ swarm removals performed
- California State Beekeepers Association member
Real Students,Real Results
Join hundreds of successful beekeepers who started their journey with us
“I went from knowing nothing about bees to successfully managing two hives in my backyard. Robert's teaching style is clear and practical. The seasonal calendar alone is worth the price of the course.”
Sarah M.
Sacramento, CA
“The queen management module saved my hive. I was able to identify and fix a queenless situation before it was too late. Can't recommend this course enough.”
Michael T.
Portland, OR
“Finally, a beekeeping course that doesn't just tell you what to do, but explains WHY. The 130 years of family knowledge really shows in every lesson.”
Jennifer L.
Austin, TX
Join a community of passionate beekeepers learning together
Join the Course
Everything you need to start beekeeping with confidence
One-time payment · Lifetime access
8 modules · 34 lessons · 6h 12m+ of content
- Full course — 8 modules, lifetime access
- Downloadable checklists & NorCal calendar
- Monthly live Q&A sessions
- Private Discord community
- 30-day money-back guarantee
After purchase, access your course at norcalnectar.com/academy
Frequently AskedQuestions
Everything you need to know before getting started
No prior experience needed! This course is designed for complete beginners and takes you from zero knowledge to confident beekeeper. We start with the absolute basics and gradually build up to more advanced topics.
You have lifetime access to all course content from the moment you enroll. This includes all future updates and additions to the course. Watch at your own pace, revisit lessons whenever you need a refresher, and enjoy the content forever.
Absolutely! While we share California-specific tips based on our local experience, the core beekeeping principles, techniques, and best practices taught in this course apply worldwide. Students from all over the US and internationally have successfully applied our teachings.
We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied with the course for any reason, just send us an email within 30 days of purchase and we'll refund your entire investment. No questions asked.
No! We actually recommend completing at least the first few modules before getting your bees. The course will help you prepare properly, choose the right equipment, and set up your hive location before your bees arrive. This preparation is key to success.
When you enroll, you'll receive an invitation to our private Discord community. This is where you can ask questions, share your beekeeping journey, get feedback on hive inspections, and connect with fellow students and instructors. It's a supportive space for beekeepers at all levels.
Yes! All checklists, seasonal calendars, and printable guides are available for download. Video lessons are available for streaming online, and you can access them anytime from any device with an internet connection.
The course is self-paced, so you can go as fast or slow as you like. Most students complete it in 2-4 weeks spending a few hours per week. The total content is about 4+ hours, but taking time to absorb and practice is key.