Guatemala
Emanual Castillo
Finca El Durazno
Cosechando Esperanza
Santa Rosa
1600-1850masl
Caturra and Bourbon
Natural

Blackberry coulis, strawberry, and cacao nibs. 

A long story but a goodie: Tucked into the volcanic highlands of Santa Rosa, Guatemala, Finca El Durazno and a close-knit group of around 20 producers carry on a coffee legacy that stretches back more than 100 years. This region has always been one of Guatemala’s coffee powerhouses, with rich volcanic soil, high elevation, and cool microclimates. It's everything specialty coffee dreams are made of!

At the centre of it all is the Castillo family, whose connection to coffee goes back five generations, starting with Don Cirilo Castillo in 1893. His passion, knowledge, and commitment shaped a foundation that each generation has continued to build on.

Today, leadership has passed to Emanuel Castillo, who not only manages the family farm but also guides a wider group of smallholder growers through a community-focused initiative called Cosechando Esperanza.

Tradition meets innovation: Cherry here has traditionally been processed as washed, thanks to the farm’s long-running wet mill. But Cosechando Esperanza isn’t afraid to explore new territory. In recent years, they’ve started experimenting with natural and honey processes in small batches, creating lively, expressive flavour profiles. It’s a beautiful mix of old and new, with long-standing practices evolving into something fresh and exciting.

Cosechando Esperanza holistic: Sustainability and responsibility are baked into everything this group does. Through their programs, the producers follow a five-year farm management plan that focuses on environmental education, responsible agrochemical use, waste reduction and proper disposal of chemical containers, and continuous improvement of farm practices.

The program also provides farming families with ongoing training in financial literacy, agronomy, sustainable land management, and long-term planning and resilience.