Carla Marina Marchese is an author, artist, beekeeper, and the founder of The American Honey Tasting Society (AHTS). She is also an instructor for the Italian National Register of Experts in the Sensory Analysis of Honey, where she received her formal training as a honey sensory expert. 

 

In 2024, she was recognized with a WISE WOMAN award for her contributions to the Italian American community by The National Organization of Italian American Women. She is the founder of the brand Red Bee Honey, an artisan honey company.

 

Marchese honed her skills as a honey instructor at Murray's Cheese, presenting honey tastings at Slow Food Nations, The Columbus Citizens Foundation, The Yale Club and Les Dames d' Escoffier.

 

She has appeared on numerous TV shows including Dr. Oz, ABC's The Chew, Vice TV's The Untitled Action Bronson Show, and On the Road with Edible Nutmeg. Marina recently appeared with Award winner Richard Wiese on PBS's Weekends with Yankee. This November, Marina will guest star on the Discovery Channel's Moonshiners. James Beard Award-winning author Rowan Jacobsen Marina the “Red Queen” in his book, American Terroir, owing to her obsession with varietal honey.