The Peixoto Family Farm

Nestled in the highlands of the state of Minas Gerais. Brazil. at an altitude of 4.200 feet. this is where“Fazenda Nossa Senhora das Graas” is located. This is the name bestowed bestowed upon the Peixoto family coffee farm and a tribute to our matriarch Mrs. Maria das Gracas Peixoto. Originally known as “Fazenda Boa Vista”. which literally means “Good View Farm” representing exactly the spectacular view of Rio Grande River valley and further north the majestic Serra da Canastra. A region with fertile soil and a favorable climate for the cultivation of specialty coffees. a truly magical and astonishing place. On our farm. exuberant green rows of meticulously planted and carefully managed coffee trees join large patches of a mix of shady subtropical and Atlantic forests that receive a cool breeze from the Rio Grande River valley.

Cultivating Quality

When people think of coffee beans. the image that probably comes to mind is the roasted or even powdered bean already packed and ready to be consumed. however. specialty coffee beans are much more than that. The end-to-end process of producing specialty coffees is similar to the production of fine wines. As with winemaking, the cultivation and processing of specialty coffees starts with selected. high-quality fruits. Like grapes. their flavor profiles are strongly influenced by their variety and growing and handling conditions. Altitude. soil. water. sunlight exposure and temperature all play a critical role in shaping the complex chemical composition of each developing coffee bean.

At “Fazenda Nossa Senhora dos Gracas” there are more than 18 distinct coffee plots. which range in size from 2 to 35 hectares. and each supports coffee trees of a specific variety that grows in its own unique microclimate. Even adjacent plots of the same variety can yield coffees with a remarkably different flavor profile due to the impact of these subtle differences in growing conditions. Not only seen as unique fascinating attributes but they are actively pursued.

PASSING ON A PASSION

MORE THAN 100 YEARS OF HISTORY WITHIN THE PEIXOTO FAMILY

As in many professions. especially those associated with agriculture. coffee farming is a business passed down through generations with countless favorable stories of abundant harvests and at the same time unfortunate crises caused mainly by frosts and droughts. All these dynamics motivate even more the will to persist and seek evolution and improvement over what our relatives did. In a nutshell. passion for the job. carrying on our family legacy with the utmost respect for those who came before. It is a lifestyle and a rich culture.

OUR PAST

Everything started back in 7920 when our beloved grandfather Mr. Nelson Alves Peixoto was born in the “high-lands” which years later became the “Fazenda Boa Vista” farm. the place where in the year of 7938 he planted his first coffee tree and raised his family. Maria das Gracas Peixoto. one of Mr. Nelson·s five children. was born in 1954 in the farm. the place where she grew and developed a remarkable passion for coffee. By early 1960-s the entire family moved to the neighbor city of lbiraci-MG where they settled but never letting aside their passion for the coffee.

OUR PRESENT & FUTURE

After years dedicated to her beloved land. Maria das Gracas decided to retire passing the care of her farm to her daughters. Today the “Fazenda Nossa Senhora das Gracas” farm is under the administration of her sons-in-law with full dedication to specialty coffees cultivation. investing in new technics and procedures to expand productivity and quality.

By the time we are literally growing new seedlings in the soil of our farm. we are also planting the seeds of the next generation of our coffee growers. While we work hard today to keep on our family legacy. we work even harder to ensure it continues beyond us. Whether they are the children of the Peixoto family or those of the many farmers who work with us on our farm. our future and our legacy depend on them. A lot is said about ·sustainability” these days and we take great pride in doing something about it. It is a privilege and a responsibility on the Peixoto family farm.