Los Pinos

In the specialty coffee industry, the name 'Los Pinos' does not refer to a single entity but rather identifies several high-performing, independent farms across different countries. Because the name is frequently used, traceability is essential for roasters and consumers to distinguish between these unique origins. Each farm bearing this name operates with its own distinct history, varietal focus, and environmental philosophy, though they are united by a commitment to quality and regional tradition.

In Mexico, Finca Los Pinos is recognized as a pioneer in environmental stewardship. Located in the Sierra Norte de Puebla, the farm is run by Julia Ortega, a fourth-generation producer who transformed her 17-acre estate into the country’s first certified carbon-neutral coffee farm. Ortega’s approach focuses on a circular economy where no organic matter is wasted; coffee cherry pulp is repurposed as soil additives or processed into jams, and the coffee is grown under a diverse canopy of Pine Ocote, oak, and chalahuite trees to support local biodiversity.

In Honduras, the Los Pinos farm managed by Remiery Orlando Carbajal has gained significant prestige through the Cup of Excellence (COE) competition. Located in the Lempira region, this farm is noted for its precise microclimate management and attention to detail, which have earned it top-10 placements in the COE program twice in two years. Carbajal’s success at Los Pinos has served as a model for his subsequent projects, emphasizing the importance of varietal diversity and sustainable processing methods.

Nicaragua is home to another Finca Los Pinos, situated within the El Arenal Nature Reserve in Matagalpa. Operated by the Corrales family for four generations, this farm has been producing organic coffee since 1986. Their production philosophy centers on preserving the natural resources of the high-altitude reserve, utilizing traditional farming methods and organic inputs produced directly on the farm to maintain the ecological integrity of the region.

Other producers, such as Sergio Caro in Caicedo, Antioquia, Colombia, also utilize the Los Pinos name for their plots. Caro’s farm has recently gained attention for its production of the Chiroso variety, a coffee known for its complex notes of plum, nectarine, and floral aromatics. His work has already reached the finals of the Colombian Cup of Excellence, demonstrating that even newer, smaller plots under this name can achieve world-class quality.

For the specialty coffee drinker, the name 'Los Pinos' serves as a reminder of the importance of farm-level traceability. Whether the coffee comes from a carbon-neutral pioneer in Mexico, an award-winning COE farm in Honduras, or an organic reserve in Nicaragua, the name signifies a connection to a specific family’s land and their unique approach to cultivation. Understanding the specific origin of a 'Los Pinos' lot allows roasters and consumers to appreciate the specific terroir and the individual producer's dedication to their craft.