VALMONTE: HERITAGE, FAMILY, AND EXCEPTIONAL COFFEE
For over 150 years, the Valmonte lands in Santa María de Dota have been passed down through generations. Our history is rooted 1,750 meters above sea level, where the unique soil and microclimate of the Tarrazú region produce some of the world’s finest coffee.
For decades, the farm was stewarded by Don Gerardo Valverde, who dedicated his life to preserving this legacy. In 2020, during a time of global change, his son Francisco, an agronomist, returned to the family estate to merge modern sustainable practices with their ancestral knowledge. Today, Francisco lives on the farm with his family, personally ensuring the care, quality, and future of every bean.
Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition from the Costa Rican Coffee Institute (ICAFE) as a "Model Farm" (Finca Modelo), along with certifications like Rainforest Alliance.
"WE DON'T JUST GROW COFFEE; WE RESTORE THE ENVIRONMENT"
Our mission
Authentic with purpose: cultivating coffee with deep respect for the land, its people, and our traditions. Community focused: producing world-class coffee while strengthening our local community through fair trade, transparency, and sustainable agriculture. Global impact: connecting the world with responsibly grown coffee from the mountains of Costa Rica, where quality, ethics, and family values unite.
Our vision
We envision a sustainable future where coffee farming regenerates the earth, restores local flora and fauna, and empowers small-scale producers. By shortening the supply chain and building direct relationships with buyers, we ensure fair wages and reduce risks for those who have historically carried the greatest burden: the farmers.
Our objectives
Sustainability: to increase biodiversity by planting native trees and protecting local ecosystems while improving soil health through regenerative practices. Community & fair trade: to strengthen direct trade relationships, ensuring fair income and supporting the education and development of our local community. Family & heritage: to preserve our family legacy through long-term responsible farming, passing down knowledge and values to the next generation. Quality & innovation: to produce traceable specialty coffee and experiment with processing methods that enhance unique flavor profiles.
Conscious farming
Located at 1,750 meters in the Tarrazú region, we practice regenerative agriculture, planting over 7,000 native trees to create a sanctuary for biodiversity. Being a small business allows us to be meticulous, focusing on quality over volume and hand-picking every cherry at its peak ripeness.
The direct connection
When you choose Valmonte, you bridge the gap between producer and cup. By moving toward a direct model, we bypass traditional intermediaries, ensuring fair margins that allow us to reinvest in our land. We honor our mountain through sustainable, fully traceable harvests: a promise kept for the land, our family, and you.
Harvest & varieties
Our annual cycle, traditionally from December to March, is now shifting as early as October due to climate change. Despite these shifts, our commitment to excellence remains. We exclusively cultivate Arabica varieties, including Villa Sarchí, Caturra, Red and Yellow Catuaí, Paraíso, and MG2, to ensure world-class quality in every bean.
Projects
Beyond green coffee, we offer exclusive roasted microlots within Costa Rica, experimenting with natural and honey processes to create unique flavor profiles. Additionally, we feature two cozy on-site apartments for an immersive experience. Our guided tours take you from bean to cup, surrounded by nature and our 150-year family heritage.