Costa Rica - Diego Robelo / Eucalyptus Co-Ferment

Aquiares, Nestled between the Aquiares and Turrialba Rivers, “Aquiares” means “land between rivers” is one of Costa Rica’s largest and most historic coffee farms, sits high on the fertile slopes of Turrialba Volcano. Established by British farmers in 1890, Aquiares was one of the first estates to produce and export Costa Rican coffee. In 1971, the farm was purchased by its current owners - three families who have worked together with the farm ́s staff and community to implement a modern model of sustainable agriculture. Don Alfonso took over the management. His dedication towards the social welfare of farm workers and the wider community has transformed the farm and the region, creating a town. Today, only around 15% of Aquiares residents work on the farm (many have gone on to become school teachers, doctors, etc) and 96% of these own their own home. Diego Robelo, who has developed a quality-focused line, has led much of the new ‘change’ towards new variety experimentation; has developed collaborations with World Coffee Research (WCR) and the Costa Rican Coffee Institute (ICAFE),including a experimental garden for Central American Coffee varieties for WCR. Throughout the season, workers from the community care for the trees: pruning, fertilizing, weeding, and protecting them.