Gesha Village Estate

Gesha Village Estate represents a significant project in modern specialty coffee, established in 2011 by founders Rachel Samuel and Adam Overton. Located in the Bench Maji zone of western Ethiopia, the estate was born from a desire to document and cultivate native coffee species found in the nearby Gori Gesha forest, the historical birthplace of the Gesha variety. The project began in 2007 as an effort to study these wild plants, eventually leading to the development of a 471-hectare farm that now serves as a primary source for high-end, traceable Ethiopian Gesha.

The estate is situated on a high plateau in a remote region, providing a unique microclimate that supports the growth of over 700,000 coffee trees and 30,000 native shade trees. By selecting specific genetic types from the surrounding wild forests—such as the Gesha 1931, Gori Gesha, and Illubabor Forest varieties—the estate has created a controlled environment that allows for the rigorous study and production of these elusive coffee cultivars. This work is conducted in partnership with the local Meanit people, who are recognized as the traditional protectors of the land.

In practice, Gesha Village operates as a highly technical estate, emphasizing precision in both cultivation and post-harvest processing. The farm utilizes a diverse array of processing methods, including washed, natural, honey, and advanced techniques like carbonic maceration and cold-aerobic natural processing. These methods are designed to highlight the complex floral and fruity characteristics inherent in the Gesha variety, which has become one of the most sought-after profiles in the global specialty market.

For the coffee industry, the estate functions as a bridge between wild, ancestral coffee genetics and the demands of the modern specialty market. By categorizing their output into specific tiers—such as 'Rarities,' 'Growers Reserve,' and 'Special Fermentation'—the farm provides roasters and consumers with a high level of transparency and traceability. This structure allows for a nuanced understanding of how specific processing techniques and varietal selections influence the final cup profile.

Beyond its production capacity, Gesha Village has established itself as a fixture on the world stage, with its coffees frequently featured by top-tier roasters and used by competitors in international barista championships. The estate's ability to consistently produce high-scoring, distinct lots has made it a 'bucket list' origin for many in the industry, effectively elevating the profile of Ethiopian-grown Gesha in a market historically dominated by Panamanian-grown versions of the same variety.

The story of Gesha Village is one of intentionality, moving from the initial documentation of wild species to the creation of a sustainable, large-scale estate model. By focusing on the preservation of local genetics while applying modern agricultural and processing standards, the founders have created a blueprint for how heritage varieties can be cultivated with excellence. Today, the estate remains a focal point for those interested in the intersection of coffee history, genetic diversity, and high-end production.