Mariana’s farm – 2014 by winning Brazil’s Cup of Excellence with the highest-ever score in the competition’s history

Mariana’s farm – 2014 by winning Brazil’s Cup of Excellence with the highest-ever score in the competition’s history

Mariana's Farm

Last week, we set off on another journey to reach the breathtaking landscapes of Minas Gerais—Brazil’s most iconic coffee-growing region.

Our coffee origin adventure took us across few unique farms, ranging from large-scale estates to small family-run plots. Each location offered something distinct and memorable, yet all shared the same peaceful beauty and commitment to quality.

Throughout the trip, we had the opportunity to meet passionate coffee growers, forge valuable connections with cooperatives, traders, and exporters, and engage in meaningful exchanges with fellow professionals from around the globe. Of course, we also enjoyed our fair share of pão de queijo, broa, cachaça, and cupped more coffee than we could count.

Keep reading to discover the people, stories, and passion behind some of Brazil’s most beloved coffees.

Our journey began in the highlands of South Minas, at Mariana’s farm.
This farm made history in 2014 by winning Brazil’s Cup of Excellence with the highest-ever score in the competition’s history it was when we started to work together with this farm and amazing family. We have presented their coffee at the 2014 London Coffee Festival.

The farm’s exceptional coffee is a product of its unique microclimate in the Mantiqueira mountains. Sitting at over 1,300 meters above sea level, the terrain offers natural protection from strong winds and harsh weather—ideal for growing high-quality coffee.

Mariana’s farm, just outside the rural town of Carmo de Minas. This region is famed for its award-winning lots—earning a place among the finalists in the Cup of Excellence five times since 2002.

The land has been in the same family since 1954, when it was passed down to Mariana.

Beyond coffee, the farm is also investing in sustainability and land diversification. During our visit, we even sampled some of their delicious olive oil—one of the newer crops they’ve introduced alongside native vegetation.

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Serra Negra DL3-409

Serra Negra DL3-409

Serra Negra DL3-409

Fazenda Serra Negra has been aquired by the Rossi family in the 80’s , it is blessed by nature. The coffee produced on this farm embraces technology, social responsibility, environmental issues and always remembering sustainability and harmony between employees and founders. Serra Negra believes this is their true mission.
At Serra Negra nature and technology comes together to produce the best quality coffee. The Rossi family hopes that they can pass all that they have learned to their children and they carry on the coffee crops following good principles.

Origin: Brazil

Region: Minas Gerais

City: Patrocinio

Location: Cerrado Mineiro

Altitude: 1,150m 

Farm: Fazenda Serra Negra

Variety: Mundo Novo

Processed Method: Natural, Sun Dried on Patio

Cupping Score: Microlote 84,00 SCAA – Specialty Grade – Certified by a Licensed Q Grader Cupping Judge

Cupping Notes: Intense aroma with dark chocolate hint. Flavour based on a classic trilogy:caramel, lemon and dark chocolate notes. Medium Citric acidity and long finish due to a nice combination of caramel and dark chocolate notes. Perceived nice balance in the cup. Coffee easy to drink.

ID: Fazenda Freitas DL 07 03-31-0-85-DV70

Bag: 60KG (Grain,Pro)

Certification: Rain Forest Alliance

Serra Negra DL2-308

Serra Negra DL2-308

Serra Negra DL2-308

Fazenda Serra Negra has been aquired by the Rossi family in the 80’s , it is blessed by nature. The coffee produced on this farm embraces technology, social responsibility, environmental issues and always remembering sustainability and harmony between employees and founders. Serra Negra believes this is their true mission.
At Serra Negra nature and technology comes together to produce the best quality coffee. The Rossi family hopes that they can pass all that they have learned to their children and they carry on the coffee crops following good principles.

Origin: Brazil

Region: Minas Gerais

City: Patrocinio

Location: Cerrado Mineiro

Altitude: 1,150m 

Farm: Fazenda Serra Negra

Variety: Mundo Novo

Processed Method: Natural, Sun Dried on Patio

Cupping Score: Microlote 87,00 SCAA – Specialty Grade – Certified by a Licensed Q Grader Cupping Judge

Cupping Notes: Aroma with flora hints and caramel. Nice flavour with flora like jasmine, caramel and lemon as secondary notes. Excellent citric acidity in perfect balance with its body and flavour. Fullbody coffee with silky touch. Pleasant medium to long finish.

ID: Fazenda Freitas DL 07 03-31-0-85-DV70

Bag: 60KG (Grain,Pro)

Certification: Rain Forest Alliance

Serra Negra 18/0449

Serra Negra 18/0449

Serra Negra 18/0449

Fazenda Serra Negra has been aquired by the Rossi family in the 80’s , it is blessed by nature. The coffee produced on this farm embraces technology, social responsibility, environmental issues and always remembering sustainability and harmony between employees and founders. Serra Negra believes this is their true mission.
At Serra Negra nature and technology comes together to produce the best quality coffee. The Rossi family hopes that they can pass all that they have learned to their children and they carry on the coffee crops following good principles.

Origin: Brazil

Region: Minas Gerais

City: Patrocinio

Location: Cerrado Mineiro

Altitude: 1,150m 

Farm: Fazenda Serra Negra

Variety: Mundo Novo

Processed Method: Natural, Sun Dried on Patio

Cupping Score: Microlote 84,00 SCAA – Specialty Grade – Certified by a Licensed Q Grader Cupping Judge

Cupping Notes: Intense aroma with dark chocolate hint. Flavour based on a classic trilogy:caramel, lemon and dark chocolate notes. Medium Citric acidity and long finish due to a nice combination of caramel and dark chocolate notes. Perceived nice balance in the cup. Coffee easy to drink.

ID: Fazenda Freitas DL 07 03-31-0-85-DV70

Bag: 60KG (Grain,Pro)

Certification: Rain Forest Alliance

Freitas DL513

Freitas DL513

Freitas DL513

Fazenda Freitas has been producing coffee for the last 32 years under the control of Osmar and more recently his son Gabriel who’s passion and dedication is shown in the quality of his coffee. Fazenda Freita’s coffee stands out in most quality contests. Both father and son have a real respect for social-environmental legislation and policies that Brazil so strongly adopts by not hiring under 16 years old, applying zero tolerance to discrimination, equal pay for men and women, prevention of pollution, promotion professional training for their employees, compliance of health and safety standards . The Freitas, as a coffee producer are committed to the environmental sustainability of the planet, applying labour law but reflecting in every single employee and extended to their family life including school, health and social interactions within the local community.

Origin: Brazil

Region: Minas Gerais

City: Patrocinio

Location: Cerrado Mineiro

Altitude: 1,000m

Farm: Fazenda Freitas

Variety: Catuai Vermelho

Processed Method: Natural

Cupping Score: Microlote 87,00 SCAA – Specialty Grade – Certified by a Licensed Q Grader Cupping Judge

Cupping Notes: Aroma with hints of chocolate and light herbaceous like lemon-grass. Medium to long finish with dark chocolate note.

ID: Fazenda Freitas DL 07 03-31-0-85-DV70

Bag: 60KG (Grain,Pro)

Certification: Rain Forest Alliance

Freitas DL 203548/86/PC

Freitas DL 203548/86/PC

Freitas DL 203548/86/PC

Fazenda Freitas has been producing coffee for the last 32 years under the control of Osmar and more recently his son Gabriel who’s passion and dedication is shown in the quality of his coffee. Fazenda Freita’s coffee stands out in most quality contests. Both father and son have a real respect for social-environmental legislation and policies that Brazil so strongly adopts by not hiring under 16 years old, applying zero tolerance to discrimination, equal pay for men and women, prevention of pollution, promotion professional training for their employees, compliance of health and safety standards . The Freitas, as a coffee producer are committed to the environmental sustainability of the planet, applying labour law but reflecting in every single employee and extended to their family life including school, health and social interactions within the local community.

Also preserving natural resources in the production process of coffee at Freitas farm, conservation of soil, water resources and ecosystems. Agricultural Management using techniques that promotes sustainability. Also prohibited by the farm actions of hunting, fishing, collecting or imprisoning wild animals, any type of fire, use of weapons. Varieties produced by Freitas include Natural 009 catuai yellow 62; Natural 015 and acaia closed; Catuai red 99, Mundo Novo, Arara.

Origin: Brazil

Region: Minas Gerais

City: Patrocinio

Location: Cerrado Mineiro

Altitude: 1,000m

Farm: Fazenda Freitas

Variety: Mundo Novo

Processed Method: Natural

Cupping Score: Microlote 84,00 SCAA – Specialty Grade – Certified by a Licensed Q Grader Cupping Judge

Cupping Notes: Sweet aroma, notes of chocolate, medium acidity, long finish

ID: Fazenda Freitas DL 07 03-31-0-85-DV70

Bag: 60KG (Grain,Pro)

Certification: Rain Forest Alliance

Fazenda Freitas DL-109512/241/001/29/PC

Fazenda Freitas DL-109512/241/001/29/PC

Fazenda Freitas DL-109512/241/001/29/PC

Fazenda Freitas has been producing coffee for the last 32 years under the control of Osmar and more recently his son Gabriel who’s passion and dedication is shown in the quality of his coffee. Fazenda Freita’s coffee stands out in most quality contests. Both father and son have a real respect for social-environmental legislation and policies that Brazil so strongly adopts by not hiring under 16 years old, applying zero tolerance to discrimination, equal pay for men and women, prevention of pollution, promotion professional training for their employees, compliance of health and safety standards . The Freitas, as a coffee producer are committed to the environmental sustainability of the planet, applying labour law but reflecting in every single employee and extended to their family life including school, health and social interactions within the local community.

Also preserving natural resources in the production process of coffee at Freitas farm, conservation of soil, water resources and ecosystems. Agricultural Management using techniques that promotes sustainability. Also prohibited by the farm actions of hunting, fishing, collecting or imprisoning wild animals, any type of fire, use of weapons. Varieties produced by Freitas include Natural 009 catuai yellow 62; Natural 015 and acaia closed; Catuai red 99.

Origin: Brazil

Region: Minas Gerais

City: Patrocinio

Location: Cerrado Mineiro

Altitude: 1,000m

Farm: Fazenda Freitas

Variety: Catuai Amarelo

Processed Method: Natural

Cupping Score: Microlote 84,00 SCAA – Specialty Grade – Certified by a Licensed Q Grader Cupping Judge

Cupping Notes: Aroma with hints of chocolate, caramel, vanilla, very sweet.

ID: Fazenda Freitas DL 07 03-31-0-85-DV70

Bag: 60KG (Grain,Pro)

Certification: Rain Forest Alliance

Fazenda Freitas 108666/351/83.5/20

Fazenda Freitas 108666/351/83.5/20

Fazenda Freitas 108666/351/83.5/20

Fazenda Freitas has been producing coffee for the last 32 years under the control of Osmar and more recently his son Gabriel who’s passion and dedication is shown in the quality of his coffee. Fazenda Freita’s coffee stands out in most quality contests. Both father and son have a real respect for social-environmental legislation and policies that Brazil so strongly adopts by not hiring under 16 years old, applying zero tolerance to discrimination, equal pay for men and women, prevention of pollution, promotion professional training for their employees, compliance of health and safety standards . The Freitas, as a coffee producer are committed to the environmental sustainability of the planet, applying labour law but reflecting in every single employee and extended to their family life including school, health and social interactions within the local community.

Also preserving natural resources in the production process of coffee at Freitas farm, conservation of soil, water resources and ecosystems. Agricultural Management using techniques that promotes sustainability. Also prohibited by the farm actions of hunting, fishing, collecting or imprisoning wild animals, any type of fire, use of weapons. Varieties produced by Freitas include Natural 009 catuai yellow 62; Natural 015 and acaia closed; Catuai red 99.

Origin: Brazil

Region: Minas Gerais

City: Patrocinio

Location: Cerrado Mineiro

Altitude: 1,000m

Farm: Fazenda Freitas

Variety: Catuai Amarelo

Processed Method: Natural

Cupping Score: Microlote 85,00 SCAA – Specialty Grade – Certified by a Licensed Q Grader Cupping Judge

Cupping Notes: Citric, yellow fruits, very sweet, aroma with hints of caramel and rapadura.

ID: Fazenda Freitas DL 07 03-31-0-85-DV70

Bag: 60KG (Grain,Pro)

Certification: Rain Forest Alliance

Farm Recanto DL 07-02-23-89

Farm Recanto DL 07-02-23-89

Farm Recanto DL 07-02-23-89

The farm is located on the inside of an inactive volcano in the micro region of IRON plateau. The coffee grown in this location has the characteristic mineral flavour that distinguishes them from the rest of Brazil.


The Marcos family left North of Paraná in the 70s after the big freeze to settle in Minas Gerais where they acquired their first property in the micro IRON plateau region . Marco is the grandson of Japanese immigrants and as a child he lived among coffee plantations, giving him a great passion for coffee. The farm adheres to strict procedures and cultural practices and in particular has developed a drying technique on the terraces with the full heat of the sun with exceptional results. The farm avoids the use of heavy machinery instead adopting manual methods to carefully stir the coffee.

Origin: Brazil

Region: Micro Region of Chapadao de Ferro, Cerrado

City: Patrocinio

Location: Cerrado Mineiro

Altitude: 1,250m

Farm: Fazenda Recanto

Variety: Yellow Catuai

Processed Method: Natural, Sun-dried on concrete patios

Cupping Score: Microlote 89,50 SCAA – Specialty Grade Certified by a licensed Q Grader Cupping Judge

Cupping Notes: Chocolate, smooth, aroma with hints of plum and jam.

ID: 

Bag: 60KG (Grain,Pro)

Certification: Rain Forest Alliance

Farm Recanto DL 02-153

Farm Recanto DL 02-153

Farm Recanto DL 02-153

The farm is located on the inside of an inactive volcano in the micro region of IRON plateau. The coffee grown in this location has the characteristic mineral flavour that distinguishes them from the rest of Brazil.


The Marcos family left North of Paraná in the 70s after the big freeze to settle in Minas Gerais where they acquired their first property in the micro IRON plateau region . Marco is the grandson of Japanese immigrants and as a child he lived among coffee plantations, giving him a great passion for coffee. The farm adheres to strict procedures and cultural practices and in particular has developed a drying technique on the terraces with the full heat of the sun with exceptional results. The farm avoids the use of heavy machinery instead adopting manual methods to carefully stir the coffee.

Origin: Brazil

Region: Minas Gerais

City: Patrocinio

Location: Cerrado Mineiro

Altitude: 1,250m

Farm: Fazenda Recanto

Variety: Mundo Novo

Processed Method: Pulped Natural, Sun-Dried on concrete patios

Cupping Score: Microlote 89,00 SCAA – Speciality Grade – Certified by a licensed Q Grader Cupping Judge

Cupping Notes:

ID: Fazenda Freitas DL 07 03-31-0-85-DV70

Bag: 60KG (Grain,Pro)

Certification: Rain Forest Alliance