Estevão Douro

Estevão Douro is a coffee producer operating in the highlands of Marechal Floriano, a municipality in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo. His farm is situated on land originally settled by his ancestors after they immigrated from Italy to Brazil. Today, the farm represents a multi-generational effort, with Estevão working alongside his sons, Denizar and Thiago, to manage the daily operations and long-term development of the estate. The family's commitment to the land is reflected in their diversified agricultural approach, which includes growing tomato plants and avocado trees alongside their coffee trees.

In recent years, the farm has undergone a significant transformation aimed at improving both quality and sustainability. Estevão has invested heavily in modernizing the farm's infrastructure and refining on-farm processing techniques. This shift has been supported by the introduction of new coffee cultivars, including Acauã, Arara, Catuaí, and Catucaí. These varieties were selected not only for their cup quality but also for their resilience and suitability to the local climate, which is characterized by a temperate environment and cooling breezes from the Rio Jucu.

Estevão Douro’s dedication to quality has been formally recognized through various competition results. In 2014, he achieved notable success in a municipal coffee contest, securing first place with a score of 92.5 points and third place with 89 points. These early accolades served as a catalyst for his ongoing efforts to perfect his post-harvest processing, leading to further awards in 2015 and 2016. Such recognition has helped elevate the reputation of his coffee within the international specialty market.

The farm's production is characterized by meticulous attention to detail, particularly during the depulping and drying stages. By focusing on these critical post-harvest steps, the Douro family has been able to produce consistent, high-scoring lots that feature complex flavor profiles, often noted for notes of stone fruit, caramel, and citrus. This focus on quality control is a hallmark of their operation and a key factor in their ability to secure partnerships with specialty roasters.

Beyond his role as a producer for the export market, Estevão Douro is also active in the local coffee economy. The family has expanded their business model to include the roasting of their own coffee, which is sold locally. This vertical integration allows the family to capture more value from their harvest and share their product directly with their community, reinforcing their status as both farmers and entrepreneurs.

The story of Estevão Douro is emblematic of the broader evolution occurring in Brazilian specialty coffee, where traditional family farms are leveraging scientific knowledge and improved cultivars to compete on a global stage. By balancing ancestral heritage with modern agricultural practices, the Douro family has established a sustainable model that prioritizes both the quality of the final cup and the long-term viability of their farm.