La Armonia Hermosa coffee farm visit

Les and Jamie are off next Monday to Guatemala to work with the coffee farmers of our delicious La Armonia Hermosa coffee. Keep up with the story of the project at their website.

During this trip the goal is to start construction on a cistern that is needed for constructing the wet mill. Creating a wet mill will let the farmers to process their own coffee which gives them more control over the quality, and it will also employ the farmers which will allow more money to stay within their community instead of the larger beneficios (processing plants). John will be joining them at the end of January where we will help pick the coffee berries. Everyone is excited about the trip and will take many pictures!

*The picture is of the wet mill at Azotea where they get their coffee processed currently.

Espresso and Latte Art Training

Last month we had a record month and some exciting new classes. Les Stoneham held an Espresso and Latte Art Class on December 28th. The turn out was great with people from all over the world!

For the first half of the class, Les instructed all of the students on the history, agriculture methods, and what goes into pouring the perfect shot of espresso. Here is a short snapshot of this section of the class...


The second half of the class, the participants were divided into two groups. One group enjoyed some tasty treats (some people asked for these recipes, please check back soon. I'll post them in a later post) and learned how to create a latte on some of the high quality home espresso machines VCC has to offer (Nuova Simonelli Oscar, and Rancillo Silva). The second group was with Les again learning hands-on how to pour the perfect cappuccino, latte art included. With a sampling of our Little River Style Espresso and our Fair Trade Thunderhead Espresso, Each student was given the chance to pull their own shot and enjoy their own handmade drinks off of our Nuova Simonelli Appia compact commercial espresso machine. Then the two groups rotated. The class was incredibly enjoyable and informational with participants from all walks of their "coffee journey."

It was such a success that John has decided to make this training a seasonal training. If you are interested in attending the next class please don't hesitate to call or email us for more information. We have not planned the next event yet, but please check back soon.

Interesting Coffee Fact: Random acts of Kindness

Did you know that on December 14th, 2007, in Exton, Pennsylvania a US army vet gave $10,000 to a Salvation Army bell ringer in appreciation for the coffee and donuts he had been given during World War II. Random acts of kindness like this, can help to change the world even if it is only a few people's worlds at a time, every bit helps.

This holiday season think about doing some kind of random act of kindness. Everyone could use a little holiday cheer!

Happy giving!

Latte Art Class

Time is running out for your holiday shopping. So, we just wanted to remind you of a great gift for any barista or wanna-be barista...

Date: December 29, 2009
Time: 6pm - 8pm
Where: Vienna Coffee Company Roastery
(106 Everett Ave. Maryville, TN 37804)

Come in for a night of espresso and latte art magic as Les Stoneham, Great Lakes Barista Championship Finalist and trainer, teaches and demonstrates how to pour the perfect shot and create those stunning latte art designs that have won him barista competitions.

This class is a perfect gift for any espresso lover. The class is designed for beginner baristas and those who are interesting in touching up on their latte art skills.

Delicious snacks and latte drinks will be provided.

*when purchasing this product, a gift certificate will be sent to you or you can pick it up at the roastery.

Price: $18.00

Click here to buy a certificate online.