Maria Vides - Guatemala

Coffee has been at the heart of the Vides family for three generations. Their story began in 1958 when Dr. Jorge Vides, a physician with a lifelong passion for agriculture, established Finca La Bolsa in La Libertad, Huehuetenango. While serving as Director of the National Hospital of Huehuetenango during the week, Jorge dedicated his remaining time to transforming what was once forested land into one of Guatemala's most respected coffee estates.

Today, the third generation of the Vides family continues that legacy, combining decades of experience with a willingness to innovate. Across several farms in Huehuetenango, they cultivate a diverse range of varieties, carefully adapting their farming and processing techniques to bring out the best expression of each coffee. Their philosophy remains grounded in respect for the land, their community and an uncompromising pursuit of quality.

This washed lot is produced from carefully hand-picked Caturra, Catuai and San Ramón cherries. After harvesting, the cherries undergo a 36-hour pre-fermentation while still in the picking bags before being delivered to the wet mill. The cherries are then floated to remove lower-density fruit before being pulped and sorted through grading channels. Fermentation follows for between 15 and 24 hours, with the duration carefully adjusted according to weather conditions to ensure a clean and balanced cup.

After washing, the parchment coffee is dried on patios for approximately 14 days. During the initial drying phase, the coffee is turned every two hours to ensure even moisture loss before the turning frequency is gradually reduced. This slow, controlled drying preserves sweetness, clarity and stability while highlighting the unique characteristics of Huehuetenango's exceptional terroir.

Huehuetenango is widely regarded as one of Guatemala's finest coffee-growing regions, producing coffees celebrated for their elegance, vibrant acidity and remarkable clarity. This lot is a beautiful reflection of that reputation. Expect a cup that is clean, delicate and beautifully balanced, combining the refined sweetness typical of Guatemala's finest washed coffees with the subtle fruit character that has become Huehuetenango's signature. The result is a coffee that is comforting yet complex, equally rewarding as a delicate filter brew or a lively, refined espresso.

• Region: La Libertad, Huehuetenango
• Country: Guatemala
• Elevation: 1,850 masl
• Variety: Caturra, Catuai, San Ramon
• Process: Dried in clean parchment