BRazil July 23rd - 30th 2022
This trip was initially planned for 2020 and so we were especially happy to finally make it happen. For the first time we also offered the Coffee Quality Institute course of Processing level 1 with Joel Schuler.
DAY 1
What better way to start a trip than flying in to Rio de Janiero
You would expect a drive to the coffee plantations to be long and flat but instead we found ourselves winding up through a national park before rolling down the other side to our final destination
The starting crew from the hotel in Rio de Janiero. Ready to board the bus and head to Carmo de Minas
Coffee guy Damian had a nightmare of a trip getting to Brazil. After travelling non stop for almost 48 hours it was Coffee guy Ricardo who promptly fell asleep in the van
Anyone who has been on a 3 Coffee Guys trip will of course know this to be a very familiar sight.
Anyone who has ever been to Brazil knows that this is one of the best things you will ever ear. PÃO DE QUEIJO is an absolute must and this was the first of many many many
We have arrived.
A little sponsorship placing never hurts
An evening stroll and artistic photos please.
Any trip that starts on day 1 with Cuban cigars, Whisky and Cognac is going to be a good one.
Day 2
A surprise organised for the Coffee Crew and what turned out to be an amazing day. Coffee, Horse riding, BBQ, swimming pool and home cooked dinner.
When a day starts with hot air balloons in the morning you know it is going to be a beautiful day
Horses are saddled up and ready for us to gallop through the plantations
First up a tour of the coffee processing area where they also have their own dry mill.
Did nobody tell Fosca Vezzulli that texting and riding at the same time is not allowed.
Patrick who is usually the first one on the horse is not very impressed with the riding skills on display
Horse group photo after 3 1/2 hours in the saddle
Big smiles as we finish the horse trek with beers in the swimming pool and our firsrt BBQ of the week… but not the last
A quiet nap in peace.
Coffee was involved too. First day of cupping.
End of day at the hosts house. BIG special thanks to Maria, Victor and family.
DAY 3
School Begins.
As always learning is the focus of every trip with 3 Coffee Guys.
We love these people. A special welcome awaits everyone at the farm at Fazienda Da Condado.
Class is in session
Beginning of the day and everyone gathers for a group photo before class begins
Our resident scientist Fosca Vezzulli begins her experiements on coffee bacteria for the University
Lunch break is in session
The African drying beds in Brazil
Joel takes the team through a detailed description of the different phases of processing
Beautiful sunsets and spectacular views are just the norm here
3 Coffee guys plus honorary member for the week Victor Morassi. Sanremo keeping us all warm and looking cool.
day 4
Back to school for day 2 with exams to follow
Team photo on day 2 is dedicated to top sponsor Segafredo Select
Who can name this strange contraption? Do you know what it is for?
There are many machines and hands needed to get the coffee to the drying beds
Artistic director told us to lie on the ground in a circle and smile. Yes Boss!
A big shout out to the teacher: Mr Joel Shuler
Listening to those who have been growing coffee for many many years.
Exams have begun
day 5
Exams are over and everyone passed. Today is dedicated to discovering the area and meeting different people in the industry. First Stop is a walking tour of Fazienda do Condado
Monica from Colombia gets the best view of what it means to be picking in Brazil
Another group photo because we love it.
In Costa Rica we had Yoga every morning, In Brazil just the once.
Victor (Italy/Brazil), Ahmad (Dubai) and Jonus (Hungary).
Always a good time for a group selfie
The faces of the real workers in the coffee industry
An early morning stroll through the fields
Visit to the Dry Mill Cocariba
Visiting the Dry Mill Cocariva where coffees are prepared for export.
Cocariba represents over 100 diferent farmers in the region
State of the art equipment ensures quality and efficiency.
Patrick and Damian conducting a thorough inspection of everything.
farm belonging to the Alfonso family- multiple winners of brazil cup of excellance.
Next stop was one of the most beautiful farms that any of us have had the chance to visit. Pictures don’t do it justice but it is truly special
It’s hard work. He would know and he’s only 30
Another day of smiles all around.
Our heroes.
From the top we all just stopped and enjoyed the incredible view in silence for at least 15 minutes. wow
The colors of the drying patios are profoundly beautiful
Caught in the rain just before harvesting time.
Organic farming is helping to keep this farm extremely healthy.
We were honored to have had the chance to meet this Father and Son team
Need we say more
All aboard on the back as we head up to the top of the farm
He should look proud. This coffee plant is only 3 years old
Always love hearing from the people with all the experience
Harvest is almost ready to go.
day 5
Coffee farming is more often than not all about families and family life, so it was wonderful to visit with one of those families for lunch.
In the afternoon Cocarive had arranged another fantastic cupping session.
Finally to finish it all off with a BBQ party in the evening at Fazienda do Condado
Misiones is a plantation with a story to tell. It dates back to the 19th century and was once so big they had their own currency
The two Saudi brothers had smiles that got bigger over the week.
These colors only happen at certain times of the year when this tree is in full bloom.
One of those BBQ’s that you will always remember.
Just in case you were worried that we weren’t drinking enough coffee.
Our icon group photo from in front of the where the coffee is brought in by the donkeys
An afternoon visit to the lab and general store.
The “Freddy Kruger” are hands used for a form of strip harvesting
Damian has his beers ready for the party.
We love this woman. She kept us fed with homemade PÃO DE QUEIJO every day.
You don’t realise how big these machines are. The Cooperative supports the coffee farmers not only with research and financial add but also by hiring out important equipment.
Setting the trends as always
We know… another picture of the 3 Coffee guys.
Samples packed and ready for potential buyers.
Cupping with 3 coffee guys is pretty Full On
Anyone new to the world of cupping can handle themselves like a pro by the end of the week.
Day 6
Time to pack up and head back to Rio for the last night or two
The drive back to Rio ended up being a little longer than expected. Just keep smiling
Final dinner with the remaining crew before it’s back to our various countries and homes
Copacabana beach walk
Some tired looking faces after a week of coffee, education, new friends, laughs and experiences
Spot the photo bomber
Thanks to those who joined us in Brazil and we look forward to the next one