Fazenda Rainha
Brazil
Height:
1100 - 1250m
Country:
Brazil
Region:
Sao Sebastiao da Grama Sao Paulo
Farm:
Fazenda Rainha
Produzer:
Grupo Sertãozinho
The Heart of Specialty Coffee: A Glimpse into Fazenda Rainha
Fazenda Rainha is a distinguished coffee estate located in the scenic Vale da Grama, a volcanic valley on the border between São Paulo and Minas Gerais, Brazil. With 280 hectares of lush land, its ideal geographical conditions and temperate climate make it the perfect place for cultivating high-quality coffee beans.
Every year, the harvest at Fazenda Rainha takes place in mid-October. The coffee beans are hand-picked to ensure full potential of flavor. The cherries are then pulped and spread on courtyards to dry naturally in the sun, reaching an optimal humidity level of 11% before being conditioned in wooden granaries.
Around fifty farmers live on Fazenda Rainha, forming a community that shares a love for coffee and the land they cultivate. These year-round workers are provided with housing, healthcare, and educational opportunities. A school and chapel, designed by renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer, further enrich the sense of community on the estate.
For one of the farmers, Alex Sandro Suzano, life is marked by “the sounds of birds, the smell of fresh plants, and a sense of freedom.” His days are filled with everything from coffee tastings, to discussing agricultural concepts with colleagues, to enjoyinh being surrounded by nature. “There is a chance to learn, to grow, and to innovate every day,” he says.
With climate change becoming an increasing concern, Fazenda Rainha is adapting by exploring more organic and regenerative farming techniques. The estate collaborates with local universities to innovate and refine their methods, leveraging insights from agricultural experts to maintain their high standards. They are working towards low-pesticide cultivation and growing cover crops to protect the soil. The farm also conserves natural springs, allowing for a moderate, eco-conscious approach to irrigation. Their efforts have been recognized repeatedly, with Fazenda Rainha being a finalist in the prestigious Cup of Excellence competition multiple times.
At Fazenda Rainha, the journey from farm to cup is one of patience, dedication, and a respect for nature. Here, each cup of coffee tells the story of a community connected to the land, committed to quality, and hopeful for a sustainable future.