A Journey to Costa Rica: Reconnecting with Roots at La Minita Farm

At Dancing Goats Coffee, we believe in both serving amazing coffee and understanding where it comes from. Bob Benck, our Green Bean Buyer, is constantly traveling to coffee farms to meet producers, taste coffee, and make purchasing decisions. In Costa Rica, Bob’s been buying coffee from the world famous estate, La Minita, since 2009. This year, Bob and Brad Lawrence, our Roastery Manager, met up with the Kaldi's Coffee team to travel to Costa Rica, presenting an opportunity to reconnect with the land, the people, and the journey that every coffee bean takes to your cup. What followed was a truly special trip—one that’s worth sharing.

The Legacy of a Coffee Tree

Two years ago, while visiting the La Minita farm, Bob planted a coffee tree. Fast forward to today, and he was able to revisit his little green friend—a proud, growing symbol of his connection to the farm. There’s something magical about revisiting a tree you’ve planted yourself, especially in the lush surroundings of Costa Rica’s highlands. Bob’s tree, planted in the Lilo section of the farm, was thriving and growing well—proof that even the smallest efforts can bloom into something significant over time.

Back when Bob planted his tree, he had a choice of which variety to plant. Bob chose Híbrido Tico, his personal favorite on the farm with more Typica genetics. This variety, known for its smooth, well-rounded flavors, holds a special place in his heart. However, times have changed. La Minita has since moved to planting more Caturra varieties, especially in their renovation plots, where new trees are taking root. Despite the change, Bob still recalls his Híbrido Tico tree fondly, and he couldn't resist giving it a little extra attention. Maybe even a little caressing and whispering sweet nothings—because why not? A bond like that deserves it.

The Art of Cherry Picking

No visit to a coffee farm is complete without experiencing the magic of cherry picking, and the Bob & Brad certainly weren't going to let this opportunity slip by. Alongside their fellow Kaldi's Coffee coworkers—Alex Usherwood (Facilities), Aaron Johnson (Marketing & Community Outreach), and Dale Bassham (Head Roaster) — they participated in an hour-long cherry picking competition. The challenge? Pick as many cherries as you can in an hour, with the prize being a hearty $650 colones (about $1.29 USD). Brad remembers really giving it his all, strapping on his basket, turning his hat backward, and setting off on the steep slopes of the mountain, where the coffee trees grow in linear clusters.

The competition wasn’t without its challenges, though. Picking ripe cherries meant navigating the gardenia-like trees, carefully removing unripened cherries from the basket, and maintaining balance on the incline. But Bob, ever the determined one, persevered. And while the reward wasn’t exactly enough to retire on, the satisfaction of picking those cherries and knowing he contributed to the harvest was priceless.

Experiencing the Heart of La Minita: The People

One of the best parts of any trip to Costa Rica is meeting the people, and Bob & Brad's time at La Minita was no exception. Everyone got to spend the day with Harry, the charismatic farm manager who runs the show at La Minita. Harry is not just passionate about coffee but also about people—he’s a natural storyteller with a heart full of enthusiasm and energy. He knows no strangers and welcomes everyone with open arms.

During their visit, Harry shared the story of La Minita’s daycare for seasonal pickers and farm employees. It’s a unique service, providing a safe, nurturing environment for children while their parents work the farm. This commitment to the well-being of their workers reflects La Minita’s dedication to quality not just in the coffee but in the lives of those who help grow it.

Sipping Through the Cupping Process

No trip to a coffee farm would be complete without diving into the cupping process, and guests had the privilege of participating in not one but three cuppings at La Minita’s mill. The first cupping highlighted the different grades of coffee cherries—unripe, 3rds, seconds, and primeros. This exercise gave the team a clear understanding of the stark differences between the quality of each grade. Unsurprisingly, unripe cherries, which are green, didn’t make the cut.

Next came the tasting of La Minita’s core offerings, including La Minita, Gloxinia, La Pradera, Rio Negro, and Las Cabras. These coffees are the cornerstone of La Minita’s production and are known for their exceptional quality. Each year’s harvest is a snapshot of the region’s unique flavor profile, and this year was no different—smooth, bright, and full of depth.

But it wasn’t just the core offerings that got everyone's attention. There was also the experimental lot cupping, where the team got to taste various varieties, including honey processed, natural, and even a geisha. One standout was a red honey coffee from La Pradera—bright, juicy, and with a sparkling acidity. It was sweet, clean, and even reminiscent of a light-bodied red wine. A true treat for any coffee lover.

Inspiration to Build an Outdoor Pizza Oven?

But the magic of Costa Rica doesn’t end with coffee. One of Brad's personal highlights was the culinary inspiration he gained from spending time with Johnnie, the talented cook at La Minita. Every time Brad visits, he’s inspired to build his own outdoor pizza oven—and maybe, just maybe, that dream will become a reality someday. After all, there’s something about the smell of fresh, wood-fired pizza that adds a whole new layer to the outdoor back-to-nature experience.

The Coffee Journey Continues

As both Bob & Brad reflect on their journey to Costa Rica, it’s clear that the connection between Dancing Goats Coffee and La Minita runs deep. From planting a tree and picking cherries, to tasting the harvest and meeting the incredible people who make it all happen, every moment reinforced the importance of the relationships we share with the farms and producers we work with.

At Dancing Goats, we’re committed to bringing you the best coffee, and that means understanding every step of the journey. Our team is proud to be part of that journey, ensuring that every bean that makes its way into your cup has a story to tell. So next time you sip your favorite cup of Dancing Goats coffee, know that it’s not just about the beans—it’s about the people, the places, and the passion that goes into each and every coffee we sell.