Guatemala is a country full of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and coffee that’s as rich and diverse as its people. Our team recently had the pleasure of visiting the country, meeting with our relationship coffee farms, and I’m excited to share every moment of our trip with you. This journey was about connecting with the land, the farmers, and the passion behind Guatemalan coffee.
Finca San Jeronimo Miramar
Our adventure kicked off at Finca San Jeronimo Miramar, where we were immersed in the world of Guatemalan coffee production. Nestled in the lush highlands near Lake Atitlán, this family-run farm has been operated by the Bressani family for over a century.
Starting with a tour of their impressive facility we noticed that every step of the process, from picking ripe cherries to the meticulous washed processing method, is executed with precision and a commitment to quality. But what sets San Jeronimo Miramar apart is the entire ecosystem they’ve cultivated.
To call it just a coffee farm would be selling it short. Beyond rows of coffee trees, the farm is also home to beautiful Jersey dairy cows, buzzing honeybee colonies, and lush orchards of exotic tropical fruits. Its volcanic terrain feeds freshwater springs, which not only water the crops but also generate hydroelectric power that runs the farm’s processing facilities.
What really stood out to me, though, were the cuppings we participated in. Since the coffee is grown, picked, processed, and roasted right there on the farm, it’s some of the freshest coffee you can get. After visiting the farm, I found myself more deeply connected than ever to the coffee we serve at Vienna. Knowing the care, intention, and stewardship behind every cup made it all the more meaningful.
Edgar’s Micro Plot
Next, we set off on an intense hike up to Edgar’s microplot, tucked away on the side of a volcano. Edgar was busy experimenting with new pruning techniques aimed at boosting the yield of his coffee plants, including the delicious Gesha variety. We were all in awe as we watched local coffee pickers make their way up and down the rugged slopes, their 100lb sacks a testament to the determination and hard work behind every coffee bean.
The Ija’tz Cooperative of De La Gente
Our journey continued to the Ija’tz Cooperative. There, we sat down with the incredible team at De La Gente, whose partnership with Ija’tz has helped transform the cooperative’s reach and resilience. Founded in 1995, Ija’tz means “seed” in Kaqchikel Maya, and serves as a fitting symbol for their mission to reclaim and protect the land through sustainable farming and traditional agricultural practices.
What makes Ija’tz special is their leadership within the broader coffee community. In addition to cultivating their own crops, cooperative members share knowledge and resources with other smallholder farmers in the region, offering guidance on everything from organic farming techniques to improving post-harvest processing. With support from De La Gente and international partners, they've helped expand access to specialty markets and sustainable farming tools.
La Armonia Hermosa
No trip to Guatemala would be complete without exploring the diversity of its coffee processing methods. We toured the farm with Melvin Cuy, who, alongside his father Julio Cesar Cuy Xar, leads a collective of over twenty smallholder farmers on the volcanic slopes above the Antigua Valley. Together, they produce stunning coffees using Washed, Natural, and Honey processes, each one bringing out different nuances in flavor.
Beyond the cup, their story is one of resilience and vision. In a time when many Guatemalan farmers are leaving coffee behind, Julio has helped create a model that supports both quality and community. Every bean is hand-sorted to meet strict specialty standards, ensuring farmers receive higher prices and a renewed sense of pride in their work. La Armonia Hermosa truly lives up to its name. It's a beautiful harmony of flavor, sustainability, and hope for the future of coffee in Santa Maria de Jesús.
Every step of our journey reinforced our love for Guatemalan coffee. Their coffee tells a story of passion, hard work, and community. We are thrilled to bring these coffee experiences to you and share a taste of Guatemala’s vibrant coffee culture.
Here’s to many more journeys and many more cups of exceptional coffee. And don’t forget, Great Coffee is an Adventure!
AT VIENNA COFFEE COMPANY…
Our dedication to ensuring that we are a market leader in craft coffee throughout the southeast dictates that we apply the same critical scrutiny used for our complete coffee lineup to any product we offer.
This commitment demonstrates our continued pursuit to provide craft coffee that enriches the lives of customers and producers alike by providing an experience grounded in excellence and hospitality. We custom pick our green coffee beans from regions across The Coffee Belt and always seek responsible sourcing from seed to cup.
Our roasting team ensures each bean varietal is roasted according to its characteristics to enhance its peak flavors. Vienna Coffee Company goes further by evaluating each varietal harvest through coffee cuppings to evaluate and adjust its roasting profile.
Explore our complete line of coffees online or stop by the Coffee House and let our baristas do the brewing for you. We hope that exploring what we offer (whether its organic, single-origin, a VCC custom blend or your favorite flavored coffee) continues your journey in discovering that “Great Coffee is an Adventure”.