FIELD-TRIP
VARGINHA (MG)
A must-see stop to explore coffee production in the South of Minas Gerais- the largest coffee producing region of Brazil!
Coffee is stronger than it’s smell. It has history, a birthplace and a process. Why not apply this practical knowledge to complement your participation at the largest global coffee production event? Brazil is the largest global coffee producer with Minas Gerais being the largest contributor of the national yield with 30.7 million bags of coffee. Varginha is the coffee capital located in the southern region of Minas Gerais: unveil the city responsible for circulating 20 million coffee bags per annum. Minasul’s processing plant, UCOM, is singlehandedly responsible for processing 7.2 thousand bags of coffee on a daily basis.
This coffee started its journey in Varginha but is destined for global consumption. Through this experience, however, you can witness these processes and gain a grassroot level understanding of Minas Gerais’ coffee by visiting our century farms, who, through the years, have understood the balancing act of sustainability with production and results. Understand the people and processes who are responsible for making a beautiful cup of coffee.
For a trip fuelled by learning, a carefully designed and technology-filled itinerary was prepared to highlight the modernity of coffee production in the south of Minas Gerais.
UCOM
Minasul’s processing plant, UCOM, is equipped with state-of-the art equipment. The plant offers maximum daily processing capacity of 7,200 bags of coffee. Additionally, the warehousing facilities within the factory can store up to 800,000 bags in silos and bins.
Fundação Procafé
The Foundation was created by gathering coffee production Cooperatives, Syndicates, and Associations to support the technological functions pertaining to coffee production. Their supporting role in doing so is redirected towards the Experimental Farm of Varginha, which are equipped with resources and laboratories to further the field.
Porto Seco
Brazil’s first operational Rural Customers Station executes all its activities with excellent results through the constant investment in technology, equipment, security, infrastructure, and high-quality professionals. Porto Seco employs modern methods for inventory management, as well as offering specialised services in import and export.
Fazenda Dona Alayde
The Dona Alayde Farm is located on fertile and mountainous land and prides itself in producing high quality coffee. At a 1,200m altitude and numerous Brazilian and international crop variety, the Farm was a finalist in the 26th Minasul Coffee Quality Contest. Apart from the stellar coffee production, Dona Alayde raises cattle of the Nelore and Brahman variety due to the pasture field.
Fazenda Bela Vista
Bela Vista Farm produces coffee at an altitude of 1080m. Although excellent coffee production is a top priority, Bela Vista Farm’s mission is to preserve its values, preserve forests, water bodies, and every component that makes the Farm such a rich ecosystem. As you walk through the pastures, it’s not uncommon to come across native Brazilian fruits like gabirobas, araçás, marolo feet, and wild araticuns. You might also make unusual friends with various birds and wild animals- surprise yourself with the best experience nature has to offer!
ITINERARY
| DAY 1 (08/07) | |
| 07:00 | Departure from Campinas (SP) to Varginha (MG) |
| 11:30 | Arrival at Varginha (MG) and Lunch at Pinga com Torresmo Restaurant - typical regional cuisine |
| 13:30 | Visit to Fundação Procafé to learn new variants and the laboratory |
| 15:00 | Visit to UCOM |
| 15:30 | Presentation about Minasul and Perfetto Grano coffee tasting- made by the cooperation |
| 17:00 | Visit to Porto Seco |
| 18:30 | Hotel check-in at Varginha (MG) |
| 19:30 | Typical regional dinner at Água Doce Cachaçaria |
| DAY 2 (09/07) | |
| 08:00 | Departure from Via Garden Hotel to Bela Vista Farm in Nepomuceno (MG) |
| 08:30 | Introduction of the Farm and the harvest and post-harvest processes for Specialty Coffee |
| 10:00 | Horse-back riding |
| 11:30 | Lunch at the Farm |
| 13:00 | Departure for Via Garden Hotel in Varginha (MG) |
| 15:00 | Arrival at Via Garden Hotel and check-out |
| 16:00 | Departure to Campinas (SP) |
| 20:00 | Arrival at Hotel Royal in Campinas (SP) |
| DAY 1 (12/07) | |
| 07:00 | Departure from Campinas (SP) to Varginha (MG) |
| 11:30 | Arrival at Varginha (MG)- Lunch at Pinga com Torresmo Restaurant |
| 13:30 | Visit to Fundação Procafé |
| 15:00 | Visit to UCOM- Procafé and Cocatrel's Factory |
| 15:30 | Presentation about Minasul |
| 17:00 | Visit to Porto Seco |
| 18:30 | Check-in at Via Garden Hotel in Varginha (MG) |
| 19:30 | Typical regional dinner at Água Doce Cachaçaria |
| DAY 2 (13/07) | |
| 08:00 | Departure from Via Garden Hotel to Dona Alayde Farm in Carmo da Cachoeira (MG) |
| 08:30 | Introduction of the Farm and the harvest and post-harvest processes for Specialty Coffee |
| 10:00 | Specialty coffee tasting |
| 11:30 | Lunch at the Farm |
| 13:00 | Departure from Dona Alayde Farm to Bela Vista Farm in Nepomuceno (MG) |
| 15:00 | Presentation of harvest and post-harvest processes |
| 15:45 | Horse back riding |
| 18:00 | Dinner at the Farm |
| 20:00 | Return to Varginha (MG) |
| 22:00 | Arrival at Via Garden Hotel (MG) |
| DAY 3 (14/07) | |
| 07:00 | Check-out from the hotel in Varginha (MG) |
| 07:30 | Departure for Guarulhos (SP) |
| 11:30 | Arrival at Guarulhos (SP) |