
Our Story
Welcome to Zambian Meadery, the natural expansion of Cape Town Meadery our flagship born out of a true passion to begin doing what matters. Now in Zambia we have journeyed back to the source of our most important ingredient, honey. Here we harness the natural bounty of the indigenous forests to craft Alvearium, a premium distilled Mead Gin. Our commitment to sustainability runs deep, as our honey is sourced from local beekeepers, supporting both the environment and the community.

Dr. Ernst Thompson
Founder and CEO of Cape Town Meadery
Ernst Thompson, embarked on this journey in 2016 with a vision to revolutionize the world of mead and redefine sustainability within the alcohol industry.
As the creative force behind the world’s first gin made from pure honey, his dedication to developing unique and innovative meads is unmatched. His efforts are driven by a passion to promote true sustainability, pushing beyond conventional norms in the industry and fostering a global shift in understanding ecological harmony between humans and the environment.
Robert Bernatzeder
Founder and CEO Zambian Meadery
Robert Bernatzeder, with his entrepreneurial spirit and sharp business acumen, is an integral force behind Zambian Meadery’s expansion. His knack for identifying market gaps, especially in the tourism and eco-tourism sectors, aligns perfectly with the vision for Zambian Meadery.
As the main investor and public face of the venture, Robert blends his unique approach to innovation with a deep understanding of market dynamics. His strategic thinking and free-spirited problem-solving style, are driving Zambian Meadery toward a bright and innovative future in the region.

Zambian Meadery Distillery
At the heart of our distillery’s operations is a commitment to sustainability by design. We harness a blend of solar energy, green electricity from the Kariba hydroelectric plant, and gas for heating to ensure efficient and reliable energy use, even amidst challenges like load-shedding. Our water management practices are equally advanced, utilizing a closed-loop cooling system and a grey water recycling system that conserves and replenishes water resources.
Dedicated to minimizing waste we compost all botanical by-products and recycling materials such as glass. While our product’s sustainability details, including material sourcing and packaging, are addressed separately, our distillery’s eco-friendly approach ensures that our production processes are as responsible and harmonious with nature as possible. Through these measures, we contribute to a reduced carbon footprint and foster a sustainable future for both our industry and the environment.