85.31

San Rafael Urias Valdes San Rafael Urias is located in the highland valley of Antigua, the most traditional coffee region in the world. The farm was founded in the late 1800¹s by Rafael Valdes Quiroa. Today the farm is administered by the third generation of the Valdes family. It is situated in a very special microclimate. The naturally fertile soil is deep, loose, volcanic and sandy with good drainage. The weather is mild, with an average temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit, relative humidity of 60%, and 35 to 39 inches of precipitation each year. The coffee produced here, on 50% of the farm’s 226 hectares, is strictly hard bean, Bourbón, Typica and Caturra, and has been recognized for its excellent cup quality, resulting from the care given during the entire process and the knowledge and experience passed down from its founder. After being handpicked, the fruit is wet-milled traditionally, hand washed with 100% natural water, and sun-dried. The strict quality control, utilizing samples and daily cupping, maintain an even and excellent quality. The farm is surrounded by hills and crossed by the Guacalate River, which also generates hydroelectric energy to power the wet mill. The farm has a small mountain forest with several sources of clean, naturally filtered water that carries nutrients to the plants and is used both for drinking and in the pulping and washing of coffee beans. The farm also produces berries, sweet potatoes, vegetables and basic grains, as well as dairy products.

MICROCLIMATE CONDITIONS

Average temperature C: 23
Annual rainfall mm: 1000
Type of oil and predominant element: Loamy-Sand (Loamy: balance of clay, sand and limestone)
Relative humidity %: 65
Type of shade trees: Gravilea
Beginning of harvest: January
End of harvest: April

FARM PROFILE

Mills in the farm: Wet mill
Drying method: Sun
Annual production (69 K): 1250
Temporary Employees: 101
Permanent Employees: 50

Certifications or awards:

4 auction awards 2001-2005-2006-2008 Certified Genuine Antigua by APCA