Rooted in Nature. Shaped by People. Driven by Purpose.
Our Story
In 2007, a search for the finest organically produced cachaça led deep into the hills of Bahia. There, in the historic town of Rio de Contas, a shared vision emerged — one that values the land, respects the people who work it, and believes that true quality begins at the source.
From single-estate organic sugarcane to small-batch distillation, Abelha is crafted with intention, transparency, and care. Every bottle reflects a commitment to sustainability, community, and the authentic spirit of Brazil.
Scroll to discover our beliefs, our vision, and the people behind Abelha.
Rooted in Nature. Shaped by People. Driven by Purpose.
Our Story
In 2007, a search for the finest organically produced cachaça led deep into the hills of Bahia. There, in the historic town of Rio de Contas, a shared vision emerged — one that values the land, respects the people who work it, and believes that true quality begins at the source.
From single-estate organic sugarcane to small-batch distillation, Abelha is crafted with intention, transparency, and care. Every bottle reflects a commitment to sustainability, community, and the authentic spirit of Brazil.
Scroll to discover our beliefs, our vision, and the people behind Abelha.
In 2007 – Hal & Herbert, interested in organically produced spirits, went out to explore for the best tasting organic cachaça in Brazil.
It was in Rio De Contas – a beautiful old mining town which sits amongst the hills and valleys on the edge of the Chapada Diamantina – where they met Marcos Vaccaro.
Marcos is a visionary and an expert in all things organic and a recognized specialist in organic agriculture in Brazil.
The Fazenda (farm) is situated 10km outside Rio de Contas nestled at 1,200 metres altitude – the farm has several organic fruit trees, organic sugar cane, organic coffee plantation and tree-house accommodation for all visitors.
It’s a 100% single estate family operation with all production coordinated from cane field to pot still by Marcos, who is always looking to improve his organic farming practices & distillation methods.
Abelha Cachaça was born out of shared principles, values and vision and it is made with love in the heart of Bahia, Brazil which holds a powerful historic, natural and cultural heritage.
Abelha Cachaça is organic in both the growing of the sugar cane and the process of distilling through international standards. Only natural fertiliser can be used and no pesticides or additives.
Abelha Cachaça is designed as a sipping spirit with cleanliness, aroma, texture, long finish and it’s perfect for fresh full-on cocktails.
Our Beliefs
The Farm, Local Farmers & Workers:
Abelha Cachaça teaches the local farmers in the vicinity how to farm organically so that they have a constant supply of organic sugar cane, and be paid higher amounts for their produce.
Abelha pays fair prices to the local farmers supplying their organic sugar cane, and pays above average wages to all farmers in the Fazenda
Rio De Contas, The Community and Surrounding Area:
One of the founding principles of Abelha is to support the Rio De Contas community, boost the local economy, and improve the organic farming technologies and techniques to all local farmers in Rio De Contas and the wider farming community.
Abelha supports the local Rio De Contas Foundation, help out during Carnival time and give back to the community where possible.
Abelha supports the upkeep on the beautiful Chapada Diamantina so that tourists can appreciate it’s natural beauty year on year.
Rio De Contas, The Community and Surrounding Area:
One of the founding principles of Abelha is to support the Rio De Contas community, boost the local economy, and improve the organic farming technologies and techniques to all local farmers in Rio De Contas and the wider farming community.
Abelha supports the local Rio De Contas Foundation, help out during Carnival time and give back to the community where possible.
Abelha supports the upkeep on the beautiful Chapada Diamantina so that tourists can appreciate it’s natural beauty year on year.
Sustainability, The Environment, & Organic Practices:
The Fazenda is a 100% sustainable, self-sufficient, clean running farm – all waste is re-used in future farming
Marcos lives in a tree-house on the farm and all the cars run on by-products from the distillate
We re-invest in organic technologies and infrastructure where possible
Our Vision
Support:
Continue training the local farmers on how to farm organically and support their environmental and sustainable practices.
Continue providing a constant supply/demand between farmers and Abelha Cachaça distillery
Continue education for visitors to the farm interested in improving organic farming techniques
Our Vision
Support:
Continue training the local farmers on how to farm organically and support their environmental and sustainable practices.
Continue providing a constant supply/demand between farmers and Abelha Cachaça distillery
Continue education for visitors to the farm interested in improving organic farming techniques
Raising & Contribute towards:
Rio De Contas foundation – schools, hospitals, roads, stadium infrastructure
Chapada Diamantina Protected Areas Association
Partnering & Promote:
Brazilian Street Artists @AnandaNahu, and Abelha partners with Salvador street artists @renata @spraycabuloso, @rere bonomo @Joelartista @nandalopes8
Brazilian Embassies around the world through events, promotions, activations, seminars and Cachaça masterclasses
The upkeep of Beekeepers associations across the world
Partnering & Promote:
Brazilian Street Artists @AnandaNahu, and Abelha partners with Salvador street artists @renata @spraycabuloso, @rere bonomo @Joelartista @nandalopes8
Brazilian Embassies around the world through events, promotions, activations, seminars and Cachaça masterclasses
The upkeep of Beekeepers associations across the world
The Team
Hal – Beekeeper
Founder & Director – the force behind the creation and direction of Abelha
Marcos Vaccaro
Master Distiller. The producer and distiller of Abelha Cachaca
Famers – Jao, Fernando
Leide Vaccaro
Assistant Cachaça Producer, Bottler, & Labeller
The producer and labeler of Abelha Cachaca
Sugar Cane Famers
Jao, Fernando, Ignazio, Jesus, Simao, Tiago
Press & Partners
SPIRITS INDUSTRY REVIEWS
Spirits Industry certificates – 2018 (http://m.drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/7532/Brands_Report:_Cacha_E7a.html)
Spirits Business – 2018
(https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2018/03/the-rum-masters-2018-results/2/)
London Caip festivals – 2018
http://londoncaipirinhafestival.co.uk/competition
Esquire – magazine pull-outs – 2015
https://www.flickr.com/photos/abelhacachaca/3674484585/
Metro article – 2009
http://www.abelhacachaca.com/kumquat-caipirinha-recipe-from-joe-mccanta-in-metro/
Drinks International – 2009
http://www.abelhacachaca.com/abelha-featured-in-drinks-international-magazine/
Online Articles & Blogs: 2010 – 2018 (hyperlinks)
Vinspire http://www.vinspireuk.com/2014/05/silver-and-gold-abelha-cachaca.html
Partner websites:
Oh Gosh! (http://ohgo.sh/archive/abelha-cachaca/ )
Drinks Enthusiast https://drinksenthusiast.com/2013/04/25/abelha-tasting-notes/
Rum Nerd http://www.rumnerd.com/2014/07/abelha-cachaca-saude_15.html
Let the Spirit of Bahia Follow You Home.
From wild sugarcane fields to small-batch distilleries, every drop of Abelha carries the soul of Brazil.
Stay connected to new releases, rare batches, and cocktail inspiration crafted for the curious drinker.
Because great cachaça isn’t just tasted, it’s experienced.