João Hamilton, Natural - Brazil

João Hamilton's journey began in 1979, when his family acquired Fazenda Canaã in Brazil's Serra dos Ciganos region. At the time, coffee production was driven by volume rather than quality, with intensive farming practices placing increasing pressure on the land. Over the years, João witnessed the consequences firsthand as soils became depleted and productivity declined.

Everything changed in 2004, when João and his partner, Juliana, met Marcos and Felipe Croce of FAF Coffees. Together, they embraced a new philosophy known as the Agriculture of Life, an approach centred on restoring the health of the farm through regenerative practices rather than relying on chemical inputs.

They began rebuilding Fazenda Canaã from the ground up: restoring soil fertility, protecting natural water sources, planting native trees, separating varieties by plot, harvesting only perfectly ripe cherries and adopting slow drying on raised beds. Every decision was made with the long-term health of the land, and the quality of the coffee in mind.

This naturally processed Red Catuaí is a reflection of that transformation. Vibrant and expressive, it offers a lively cup with notes of passionfruit and lime, balancing bright fruit with the sweetness and structure for which Brazilian coffees are renowned.

João's story reminds us that exceptional coffee begins long before harvest. It starts with producers who care deeply for their land, invest in its future, and understand that great coffee and healthy ecosystems grow hand in hand.

• Region: Mogiana
• Country: Brazil
• Elevation: 1,200 - 1,300 masl
• Variety: Red Catuai
• Process: Natural