This coffee comes from Attikan Estate – a farm passionately nurtured over decades and proudly managed and pushed to new heights by current generation coffee producers Appadurai Sriram and his wife Hamsini. Attikan or the ‘White Hill’ is eternally soaked with mist giving the coffee a unique taste profile. The farm is situated at the highest altitude where coffee is cultivated in South India. Being flanked by a reserve forest, the wilderness helps Attikan maintain its pristine nature with no electricity or mobile connectivity.
Attikan was founded by a Scottish man, Randolf Morris who is believed to have ridden on horseback from Coonoor in the Nilgiri Mountains to BR Hills in 1888. After he was incapacitated by a bison encounter, Attikan estate was managed by his wife and thereafter by their son A.E.C.Morris. The founder of Sangameshwar Coffee Estates – K.S.Vaidyanathan – acquired Attikan from his friend Jr Morris and thus it became a part of Sangameshwar Coffee Estates.
The annual rainfall pattern and the co-existence of elephants, tigers, leopards, Indian Gaur, black bear, and spotted deer along with wild native fauna make the coffees grown here quite exemplary. The area surrounding the estate having been the hideout of the infamous deceased bandit Veerappan adds to the mystery of Attikan.
Bettadamalali Estate is a third-generation family-owned and operated estate in Chikmagalur producing some of India’s finest shade-grown coffee. The estate, in addition to the many accolades it has received over time, is also a two-time winner of the Illy Coffee Quality Prize for Espresso. Quality and sustainability being a prime focus, they ensure that they produce the best quality beans with zero impact on the environment.
There are checks and measures at several points in the production cycle to maintain traceability, keep quality consistent, preserve the sanctity of the environment, and ensure the safety of the people working on the farm. Each lot of coffee upon harvest is given a unique number. Each lot number can be correlated to the date and location of the harvest, the variety of the plant, the processing method, the moisture content of the lot after drying, and the grade percentage of the beans.
Every single coffee cherry is hand-picked on the estate. This method of harvesting ensures only ripe, crimson-red cherries are picked from the plant, consequently ensuring a clean cup of coffee that is free from any undesirable tastes produced because of picking green and unripe cherries.
There are several varieties of Arabica coffee grown on the estate. Varietals including Sln 795, Sln 9, and Sln 5B occupy much of the area. Other recently introduced varietals such as Chandragiri, Hemavathy, Sachimore and Catuai are also being planted in newer blocks. All the robusta grown is of the Sln 274 variety.
Ratnagiri Estate is an environmentally abundant corner of the majestic South Indian Western Ghats near Bababudangiri, the place where coffee in India originated. Spread over 117 hectares, Ratnagiri has an impressive yield of quality specialty coffee successfully inter-cropped with fine pepper. Ratnagiri literally means Pearl Mountains, and the dense silver oaks that tower over remarkably flavourful shade grown coffee give a silvery hue to the hills illustrating the name. At Ratnagiri, generations of the Patre family have dedicated their lives since 1927, caring for a land that has rewarded their passion and perseverance. With Coffee, Pepper and Nature.
Ratnagiri Estate coffee is a popular purchase by fine flavour seeking palates across the world. The farm follows strict quality standards and has it’s own water supply from two fresh water streams following strict guidelines of government quality and pollution control boards. With a strong commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability, the coffee from the estate is a fine blend of art and heart!
Known for its gentle slopes, deep soil and bountiful rainfall, Stanmore Estate is located in the centre of the best growing zone of the Shevaroy Hills. It is shaded with a mixed canopy of native shola, Fig, Jackfruit, Jamun and Silver Oak trees.
The coffee growing areas lie between 4000 to 4300 feet above mean sea level and most of the coffee grown is Hawaii Red Catura, Catimor, BBTC, S9 and Chandragiri varieties of Arabica. The estate has also been intercropped with Durian, Jackfruit and Pepper.
La Pastora originates from CoopeTarrazú R.L, a cooperative established in 1960 consisting of 228 small coffee farmers. Their dedication to consistent quality has made them one of the most renowned coffee exporters in Costa Rica. Approximately 80% of the farmers cultivate less than 4 hectares of land. The cooperative supports its members with credit, technical services, fertilizers, and various other forms of assistance.
The number of wet mills in Costa Rica has risen to 250, driven by increased demand and a long-term commitment to quality from the farmers. Over half of the crop is exported to the United States, attracting over 1 million American tourists, with Tarrazú being a primary region of interest. The traditional ox-cart, a national symbol of Costa Rica, is often used by hardworking oxen to transport coffee cargo at the plantations.
The Kiri washing station was established in 1997 and occupies a 5-acre parcel of land, serving the villages of Gitumbi, Kirunyuini, Kerere, and Kaboia. It is currently affiliated with the Ngiriambu Farmers Co-operative Society Ltd, which also houses the society’s head office. The Kiri washing station is situated in the Central Province, specifically in Kirinyaga County within the Njukiini location of the Gichugu Division, near Kianyaga town. Its membership consists of 1,400 individuals, with 1,200 active farmers and 200 inactive farmers.
The area experiences moderate bimodal rainfall of approximately 1,200 mm annually, with temperatures ranging between 13 to 25 degrees Celsius. The long rainy season occurs from March to May, while the short rains take place between October and December. This region follows a biennial production cycle, with the early harvest running from April to June and the late second season from October to December.
The Kilimbi Washing Station, situated in Nyamasheke in the Western Province of Rwanda, operates at elevations ranging from 1650 to 1850 meters above sea level. Established in 2016, Kilimbi was among the first washing stations in Rwanda to legally produce and export Natural and Honey processed coffee. Over the years, it has garnered numerous accolades, transforming into an award-winning facility. In 2020, Kilimbi distinguished itself as the sole producer of Honey processed coffee in the region. The station collaborates with approximately 750 smallholder farmers, all working under the expert guidance of Managing Director Joseph Ntarindwa. Annually, Kilimbi handles the production of approximately 300 to 350 tons of coffee cherries.
To underscore its exclusivity, this new product has been registered under the brand name “Bella Giana,” a name that pays homage to its origin in the Mogiana region. The individual fazendas contributing to this coffee are situated in São Sebastião da Grama, São José do Rio Pardo, Pirassununga, Mococa, Franca, and Batatais
Balanoor Plantations is a diversified agricultural operation cultivating not only coffee but also pepper, areca nut, and timber within its extensive growing areas. The plantation has a long-standing commitment to the welfare of its staff, providing more than just statutory benefits. Employees and their families receive free medical care, housing, education, retirement benefits, and childcare services through an on-site crèche. In recent years, the plantation has undertaken a significant initiative to modernize its worker housing, replacing old labor lines with new units that include two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, and attached bathroom. All homes are equipped with electricity and running water, fostering a strong sense of community and connection among the workers which, in turn, contributes to mutual development.
Venkids Valley Estate, a third-generation plantation, produces some of India’s best coffee by leveraging decades of expertise, traditional growing techniques, and modern technology to refine processes and enhance quality. The estate was founded by the father of the late M.N. Cariappa, who recognized the land’s potential and laid a strong foundation for superior coffee production. Equipped with a degree in Agriculture and extensive work experience across South India, Cariappa took over the farm, expanding his holdings throughout Coorg. By integrating traditional farming methods with innovative processes, Cariappa emerged as one of India’s most successful and respected coffee growers.
Today, Venkids Valley is managed by Cariappa’s son, Pavan Nanjappa, who has worked alongside his father for years. Together with his wife Shilpa, Nanjappa continues the family tradition, harvesting both Arabica and Robusta varieties under the brand name Papakuchi.
Nestled in the picturesque Manjarabad region of Karnataka, near Sakleshpur, Harley Estate is a distinguished coffee plantation owned and managed by the esteemed DM Purnesh, DM Shankar, and their family. Globally renowned for their exceptional washed Robustas, the estate has evolved through years of dedicated research and innovation to produce captivating Arabica microlots that impress coffee enthusiasts year after year.
Driven by a passion for excellence, the producers at Harley Estate are committed to elevating their coffee to new heights. This commitment is showcased in their state-of-the-art laboratory, where in-house experts conduct a variety of pioneering experiments. From carbonic maceration and whiskey-barrel aging to the creation of unique products such as coffee blossom tea and coffee-infused beer, the estate embraces creativity and exploration in every aspect of coffee production. The pursuit of perfection at Harley Estate knows no limits, ensuring that each cup tells a story of craftsmanship and dedication.
Nearly three decades ago, Heiner Lazo bought Finca el Rubi at San Adolfo, Huila, assisted by his parents, as a wedding gift for his future wife, Johanna. Here’s what he had to say about why he did it:
“This farm was a wedding present from me with the help of my parents. If you love your woman, you have to give her something special like a diamond or ruby. My love was so big that one ruby could not express it, so I gave her thousands of rubies, that looked much nicer to me, and it gave us much more than a stone could ever give to a person. All these coffee rubies helped us move forward and raise three beautiful daughters. When they are big enough and find their husbands to be, I will tell them what a real ruby is.”
Nearly three decades ago, Heiner Lazo bought Finca el Rubi at San Adolfo, Huila, assisted by his parents, as a wedding gift for his future wife, Johanna. Here’s what he had to say about why he did it:
“This farm was a wedding present from me with the help of my parents. If you love your woman, you have to give her something special like a diamond or ruby. My love was so big that one ruby could not express it, so I gave her thousands of rubies, that looked much nicer to me, and it gave us much more than a stone could ever give to a person. All these coffee rubies helped us move forward and raise three beautiful daughters. When they are big enough and find their husbands to be, I will tell them what a real ruby is.”
Since 1857, the Thogarihunkal Estate Group has been a prominent figure in the coffee industry. Nestled on the slopes of the Outer Giris in Chikmagalur district, within the Western Ghats region of Karnataka, the group is recognized as a pioneer in coffee cultivation and supply for the discerning, quality-driven global market. Situated at an elevation of 3,500 to 4,500 feet above sea level, the estate offers the perfect climate for cultivating premium Arabica beans, further enhanced by an average annual rainfall of 75 inches over the past century.
The estate’s legacy began with T.B. Malle Gowda, a dynamic young planter who expanded coffee production with British collaboration. His son, T.B. Nagesh Gowda, continued this legacy, meticulously refining cultivation practices to elevate Thogarihunkal Estate to its esteemed status today.
Nestled within the lush Western Ghats of Coorg, Karnataka, Poomaale Estate is a 128-acre coffee plantation that embodies a unique blend of wilderness and sustainable farming. Once a forgotten coffee plantation, Poomaale has undergone a remarkable transformation, allowing nature to reclaim its dominance and the coffee to flourish in a wild and natural setting. This rewilding initiative has breathed life into a forgotten corner of Coorg, fostering a rich biodiversity and providing a safe haven for numerous species of plants and animals. The estate is now a testament to the power of nature’s resilience, showcasing the interconnectedness of life and the importance of respecting ecological balance.
Bewild Coffee, grown at Poomaale, is a product of permaculture practices, which focus on sustainable and ethical farming methods that nourish the soil and support the ecosystem. By prioritizing the health of the land and its inhabitants, the estate not only produces high-quality coffee but also actively contributes to the wellbeing of the surrounding community. The harmonious coexistence of coffee plants and the diverse array of flora and fauna reflects the commitment to sustainable practices that lie at the heart of Bewild’s philosophy.
Unakki Estate derives its name from the ancient “den of snakes” that has been an integral part of the region for over 400 years, revered by the local community. This name also pays homage to the resilient coffee community that has thrived amidst changing climate conditions. Situated in the Joldal Palya region of Chikmagalur, Unakki Estate is managed by Mr. P.E. Suresh, an advocate and fourth-generation planter, along with his wife, Mrs. Y.J. Sahara, and their son, Mr. Utsav Gowda, an advocate by profession.
Spanning 115 acres at an altitude of 4,000-4,500 feet above sea level, the estate is enriched with native shade trees such as banana, jackfruit, rosewood, avocado, dadap, and Indian kino. Arabica coffee, particularly the Chandragiri variety, is the primary crop, grown entirely under shade and intercropped with banana, oranges, avocados, and pomegranates.
The estate employs a dedicated labor force of 50-60 permanent workers and aspires to be a leader in coffee quality in the region, thanks to the invaluable contributions of Rakhi, R.D. Prakash, Suraj, and Thyagaraj.
Finca Terrazas del Pisque is a distinguished 38-hectare estate, with 15 hectares dedicated to cultivating premium coffee, while the remaining land is utilized for avocado and citrus fruit production. Situated in Ecuador’s Pichincha region, this farm is renowned for producing approximately 15,000 kilograms of specialty coffee annually. The unique climatic conditions in this part of Ecuador allow for nearly year-round harvesting, ensuring that only the ripest cherries are meticulously selected for processing. These cherries undergo diverse processing methods, including Washed or Natural techniques, and are occasionally subjected to Anaerobic fermentation to enhance their distinct flavors.
