Coffee Origin Trips
Brazil
There is no doubt that Brazil is the most important coffee nation on Earth. They say it themselves quite often! It is not only the biggest producer, (about 60 million bags per annum), it is also the second – and maybe now the first – largest consuming countryOur first trip to Brazil was in 2005, and so much has changed since then, including all of the innovation mentioned above. Most notably, however, is that speciality coffee, hardly mentioned in 2005, is now uppermost in everyone’s mind, and almost seems to be mainstream, although clearly it still represents a small part of the market. But its influence now stretching far and wide.
Brazil is not only the coffee nation, it is an energised coffee nation!
Papua New Guinea
A country which is shrouded in mystery, an exciting land, rich in history, exotic wildlife and equally exotic tribes with strange mysterious customs and a unique primitive culture. There are a few estates that we visited, but the majority of the coffee that is grown is from small tribal units hidden in the mountains. Thus the quality can be variable. What a welcome ! – full national dress, dancing and speeches to the whole village. An experience not to be missed
Rwanda
Rwanda, known as the land of a thousand hills, is a small but beautiful country, with some amazing people It produces some really good quality coffees, many at high altitude, mainly fully washed, although good naturals are just beginning to make an appearance. Four national parks, and plenty of wildlife including the famous mountain gorillas provide great sightseeing opportunities, whilst there are plenty of chances to learn about Rwandan culture and history.
Mexico
Mexico is a land of contrasts, hot, dry and arid in the north, but in the south it is warm, wet, mountainous, fertile…….and beautiful. This is where you will find the coffee growing areas of Veracruz, Chiapas, Oaxaca (pronounced wahaca) and Tabasco. What may come as a surprise to many people is the quality of some of the coffees coming out of Mexico, and not only will you get to taste some of these great coffees, but you will receive a wonderful welcome and learn about a fascinating cultural history.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is such a great coffee country and we are delighted to be returning in the spring of 2020. We will be based in the capital San Jose, although we will spend one night in Santa Maria de Dota (pictured) in the Tarrazu region where the landscape is beautiful, the people are friendly and the coffee is fantastic. We will visit farms and mills in the Central and West valleys, and spend time at Starbucks’ only owned farm, as well as learning about research and agronomy at ICAFE and cupping with one of Costa Rica’s main exporters. We will spend a day at La Paz waterfalls, enjoy the magnificent views and see some of the local flora and fauna.This is going to be a fantastic, action packed trip where we will experience some great coffee and meet some lovely people in a beautiful country. Not to be missed!
India
Hectares of shade grown coffee complimented by tea plantations. Enjoy the experience at Balanoor Plantation. You live on the farm with the wonderful hospitality of the Kurian family. The journey there enables you to visit historic temples. Spending a day at Devon Plantation you will see different crops including cacao and vanilla and coffee tree varieties. Anyone want to climb an Areca tree to cut down the nuts? The trip ends with the unique experience of visiting Aspinwall’s monsooning centre in Mangalore.
A complete learning experience.
