Shumawa Estate: A Young Coffee Farm in Costa Rica

When you're hunting for a great single-origin coffee with unique fruitiness and complexity, you might wonder: where are the farms pushing the boundaries of cultivation and sustainability? One answer lies in a relatively new coffee estate in Costa Rica—Shumawa—that’s proving you can grow exceptional coffee without clearing forests.

Shumawa Estate grows the rare Bourbon mutation called Villa Sarchi at elevations between 1,670 and 1,790 metres in Costa Rica’s Western Valley. That altitude, along with big daily temperature swings and rich volcanic soil, creates ideal conditions for this high-acid, fruity coffee.

What Is Shumawa Estate?

Shumawa Estate is a young coffee farm located in Costa Rica’s Western Valley. Originally purchased by Francisco Mena, a coffee trader, the land has been developed with sustainability in mind. Most of the original forest has been preserved, and only a small portion has been cleared for coffee cultivation. This approach helps maintain the region’s natural biodiversity while still enabling high-quality coffee production.

Why Grow Coffee at 1,670–1,790 Metres?

The Western Valley is one of Costa Rica’s well-known coffee-growing regions, and Shumawa sits at a lofty altitude between 1,670 and 1,790 metres above sea level. This elevation, combined with warm days and cool nights, creates a high diurnal temperature variation. That fluctuation slows cherry ripening, allowing sugars and acids to develop more fully and contributing to the complex cup profile associated with high-altitude coffees.

Villa Sarchi: A Rare Bourbon Mutation

Shumawa grows the Bourbon mutation known as Villa Sarchi. This variety originated as a natural cross of Red Bourbon and is notable for thriving at high altitudes and resisting strong winds. Villa Sarchi produces bright acidity, with prominent citrus notes and a sweet, complex profile. Its flavour includes bright, juicy citrus, subtle raisin and nut tones, and an overall vibrant balance. It’s recognised for its complexity and was once ranked among the top 13 coffees in the prestigious Cup of Excellence competition.

Sustainable Farming Without Burning

Rather than using traditional slash-and-burn methods to clear brush and fallen trees, Shumawa employs an eco-friendly alternative. The estate grinds down wood debris—including broken branches and rotting logs—and mixes it with organic fertiliser. This nutrient-rich compost is then returned to the soil, improving fertility without releasing smoke or harming the surrounding forest ecosystem. The majority of the farm remains forested, supporting wildlife and maintaining ecological balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Shumawa Estate located?

Shumawa Estate is located in Costa Rica’s Western Valley, at elevations between 1,670 and 1,790 metres above sea level.

What coffee variety does Shumawa grow?

Shumawa grows Villa Sarchi, a natural mutation of Red Bourbon known for its high-altitude tolerance, bright acidity, and complex fruit flavours.

Why is Villa Sarchi considered special?

Villa Sarchi is prized for its vibrant citrus acidity, sweet complexity, and notes of raisin and nuts. It performed well in the Cup of Excellence, ranking in the top 13.

How does Shumawa manage its farming sustainably?

The estate preserves most of its original forest and avoids burning debris. Instead, it recycles wood waste into fertiliser by crushing branches and mixing them with organic matter.

What makes high-altitude coffee different?

High-altitude coffee, like that grown at Shumawa, benefits from cooler temperatures and larger diurnal shifts, which slow ripening and enhance sugar and acid development for a more complex cup.

Is Shumawa a large or small coffee farm?

Shumawa is a young and relatively small estate that prioritises forest conservation, with most of its land remaining as untouched forest.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for High-Elevation Acidity

For fans of Shumawa’s bright and complex Villa Sarchi, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Brazil Queen Manor—made from high-altitude Yellow Bourbon grown at 1,400 metres with a balanced, sweet profile showing caramel, peanut, and citrus notes. Or explore Rwanda Red Bourbon, another Bourbon family member grown over 1,700 metres, offering vivid acidity, floral tones, and juicy citrus. Both beans highlight the qualities Shumawa’s coffee is known for. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.