Sumava-Lourdes

Finca Sumava de Lourdes is located in Lourdes de Naranjo, within the West Valley region of Costa Rica. The estate is composed of two primary farms: Finca Monte Llano Bonito, which contains nine distinct plots, and Finca Monte Lourdes, which contains six. These plots, such as the well-regarded Los Pinos, are situated at high elevations ranging from approximately 1,670 to 1,790 meters above sea level. This high-altitude environment, combined with volcanic soils and cool temperatures, provides the ideal conditions for the slow development of coffee cherries, resulting in the complex acidity and sweetness for which the farm is known.

The estate is owned and managed by Francisco Mena, a highly respected figure in the global specialty coffee industry. Before establishing his own farm, Mena co-founded Exclusive Coffees, an exporter that has been instrumental in developing direct trade relationships between Costa Rican producers and international roasters. His transition to becoming a producer in 2015 allowed him to apply his extensive technical knowledge of the supply chain directly to the cultivation and processing of coffee, turning Sumava de Lourdes into a model of modern, sustainable agriculture.

Sumava de Lourdes is celebrated for its commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. The farm utilizes modern technologies, including eco-pulpers that significantly reduce water consumption, with the remaining wastewater managed through retention fields to be repurposed as fertilizer. The landscape is carefully managed with cypress trees serving as windbreaks and natural borders, reflecting a holistic approach to farm management that prioritizes both quality and ecological health.

The farm is particularly noted for its diverse range of coffee varieties, including Villa Sarchí, Caturra, SL-28, and Geisha. These varieties are processed with extreme precision, often utilizing the micro-mill model that has become a hallmark of Costa Rican specialty coffee. The team at Sumava is known for experimenting with various processing methods, including traditional washed, honey, and natural processes, as well as newer, experimental techniques like the 'reposado' process, which involves resting picked cherries in closed sacks overnight before processing.

Traceability is a core pillar of the Sumava operation. By separating the harvest into specific micro-lots based on plot and variety, Mena provides roasters and consumers with a high degree of transparency. This level of detail allows for the distinct flavor profiles associated with specific plots, such as the Amarena cherry and chocolate notes often found in their La Ladera lots, or the crisp, fruit-forward characteristics of their Los Pinos harvests.

Beyond the farm's physical output, Sumava de Lourdes serves as an educational hub and a benchmark for the industry. Through his work with Exclusive Coffees and his own estate, Mena has championed the micro-lot movement, providing technical assistance to other smallholders and pushing for higher standards of quality control across the region. The farm's success is a testament to the impact of combining traditional agricultural wisdom with modern, data-driven processing techniques.

Today, Sumava de Lourdes stands as a symbol of the evolution of Costa Rican coffee. It represents a shift toward high-value, small-batch production that rewards the producer for quality while offering the consumer a transparent and exceptional sensory experience. The farm continues to be a frequent subject of study and a preferred partner for roasters seeking to showcase the potential of the West Valley region.