Sitio Pinhal

Sitio Pinhal is a small but remarkable coffee farm owned by Walter Danziger, producing only 80 bags a year from its 9 hectares at an elevation of 1100 meters above sea level. As is most common for small producers in South of Minas, the farm specialises in natural coffee processing. This year's harvest has yielded an exceptional lot, with just 10 bags standing out as the pick of the crop.

With such a small amount of coffee to work with achieving the highest quality and the best price for the coffee is of up most importance. On the farm this is achieved by selective picking and meticulous attention to detail in the drying and post harvest.

Harvesting is done using a ‘derricadeira’, a handheld machine that shakes the coffee cherries from the trees. Although this can sometimes lead to the inclusion of under ripe cherries which must later be removed by hand, the derricadeira allows Walter to harvest the entire farm himself without the need for help outside of his family. All drying takes place on a small patio adjacent to the family home, ensuring close attention to the drying process and the overall quality of the coffee.

Water is a member Cooxupe co-operative, the co-op model works excellently in Brazil. With them he is able to seek a direct market for his coffee and without them he would certainly feel too small to have a chance of getting a great price for his produce.