African

A Direct Line to Costa Rica’s Finest Coffee

Feb

Coffee FactsAfrican, Costa, Father, Geisha, These

A Direct Line to Costa Rica’s Finest Coffee

This might just change your routine: A van loaded with 2,000m of Geisha and SL28 is descending from Costa Rica’s highlands today, bypassing brokers entirely. I’m the guy in the backseat, sweating through the drive with a micro-lot of washed Geisha and high-altitude SL28 clamped in plastic bags. These beans didn’t just sit in a warehouse—they were harvested yesterday, depulped tonight, and now they’re on their way to Los Angeles. The journey began at a farmer’s cabin, where we broke bread and swapped stories over coffee brewed from the same lot. This isn’t a gimmick; it’s a shortcut to purity.…

Feb

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

0 Comments

Coffee FactsAfrican, benefits of coffee, Costa, Father, Sumatran

Roasting Reveals Coffee’s Hidden Layers

This is worth savoring: the first time I roasted my own coffee, I didn’t expect to taste the difference. Pouring two Coffee Chronicler cups this morning—one a Sumatran Mandhelian from Happy Mug, the other a Costa Rican Honey processed anaerobic from FreshRoast—felt like unlocking a secret code. Both were extraordinary, scoring 9 to 9.5 out of 10. The Costa Rican, still resting for five days, hinted at swirling citrus, berries, and stone fruit, while the Sumatran surprised me with molasses, cinnamon, and a balance I’d never detected in a bag from a year ago. The journey began with skepticism. A…

The Forgotten Coffee Trail: Why Puerto Rico’s Beans Are Flying Under the Radar

Jan

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

0 Comments

Tea FactsAfrican, Caribbean, Father, Puerto, Yet

The Forgotten Coffee Trail: Why Puerto Rico’s Beans Are Flying Under the Radar

If you’ve ever wondered why Puerto Rican coffee feels like a secret whispered between beans, you’re not alone. This Caribbean island, known for its vibrant culture and sun-soaked beaches, quietly cultivates some of the world’s most complex coffee. Yet, it’s rarely mentioned alongside Colombia, Ethiopia, or Java. Why? The answer lies in a mix of history, geography, and a stubborn underdog spirit. Puerto Rico’s coffee story is written in its soil. Volcanic rock, limestone, and coastal breezes create a terroir that’s both fierce and forgiving. Farmers here grow Arabica at elevations above 3,000 feet, where cool nights and sunny days…

When to Cup Your Roast: The Clock Starts Here

Jan

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

0 Comments

Coffee FactsAfrican, California, Costa, Father, Laithwaites

When to Cup Your Roast: The Clock Starts Here

If you’ve ever wondered whether your freshly roasted beans are ready to cup, you’re not alone. The moment you finish roasting, the clock starts ticking—and your beans are locked in a delicate dance between flavor potential and oxidation. The question isn’t just about timing; it’s about unlocking the roast’s true character. For a medium roast like the Costa Rican you brewed, patience is key, but not always the same amount. Roasting transforms green beans into something alive, but they’re not immediately ready to drink. The first 24 hours are critical. During this window, the beans settle, moisture redistributes, and the…

Chenin Blanc: The Grape That Turned South Africa’s Coast Into a Wine Lover’s Dream

Dec

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

0 Comments

Wine FactsAfrican, Blanc, Chenin, South, Swartland

Chenin Blanc: The Grape That Turned South Africa’s Coast Into a Wine Lover’s Dream

Pour yourself a cup for this one: Imagine a wine that smells like a summer orchard, tastes like a creamy dream, and somehow still feels like a grown-up sip. That’s Chenin Blanc, the grape that’s quietly rewriting the map of global wine. From the sun-scorched vineyards of South Africa to the chalky soils of the Loire, this variety is a chameleon—sweet, dry, bubbly, or bold. The Tasting Challenge? A weekly ritual to sharpen your palate with 34 wines from 12 countries. And let’s be honest, South Africa’s Chenin Blanc is the star of the show. Before the U.S. was a…

Which Country’s Coffee Beans Are Worth the Price?

Dec

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

0 Comments

Coffee FactsAfrican, Asia, History of coffee coming to America, South, What

Which Country’s Coffee Beans Are Worth the Price?

If you're sipping coffee and wondering which country’s beans are worth the price, you’re not alone. With over 70 coffee-growing nations, the choice feels overwhelming—especially when the differences between a Colombian single-origin and a Sumatran blend are subtle. But here’s the truth: no single country dominates the flavor spectrum. What matters is matching your palate to the right origin. Let’s cut through the noise. Africa’s coffees are a wild card. Ethiopia, the birthplace of the coffee plant, is a genetic goldmine. Its beans, processed via the natural method, deliver sweet, exotic notes that feel like a tropical vacation in your…

Africa’s Specialty Coffee Scene Shines at the Africa Barista Championship

Dec

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

0 Comments

Coffee FactsAfrican, Barista, gatherings, This

Africa’s Specialty Coffee Scene Shines at the Africa Barista Championship

The 21st African Fine Coffees Conference and Exhibition (AFCA) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was a bustling hub of African coffee culture. From February 24 to 28, 2025, the air was filled with the aroma of homegrown coffee as 23 baristas from 14 countries competed for recognition. This year's Africa Barista Championship marked a significant milestone: a bold celebration of local talent, regional markets, and Africa's growing appreciation for its own specialty coffee – especially robusta. The competition showcased the brewing mastery of African baristas, but it was more than just about making coffee. Régine Léonie Guion-Firmin, an Authorized Specialty…

The Indelible Legacy of Jan Boland Coetzee: A Tribute to a Wine Legend and Rugby Icon

Oct

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

0 Comments

Wine FactsAfrican, Ancient History of Wine, Coetzee, Jan, South

The Indelible Legacy of Jan Boland Coetzee: A Tribute to a Wine Legend and Rugby Icon

** The Indelible Legacy of Jan Boland Coetzee: A Tribute to a Wine Legend and Rugby Icon** ** In the world where wine and rugby converge, few figures have left as profound an imprint as Jan Boland Coetzee. Born on January 20, 1945, and passing away on September 12, 2025, Coetzee’s life was a tapestry of deep agricultural roots, pioneering winemaking techniques, and indomitable spirit on the rugby field. His legacy is one that resonates not only through the vineyards of South Africa but also in the hearts of those who knew him as a mentor, friend, and family man.…