South

South America’s Coffee Chronicles: From Colombia to Bolivia

South America’s Coffee Chronicles: From Colombia to Bolivia

Here’s something to stir your curiosity: South America isn’t just a continent—it’s a coffee epicenter, with six countries crafting some of the world’s most iconic beans. From Colombia’s storied legacy to Bolivia’s high-altitude secrets, these regions have shaped the global coffee map. Let’s unravel their stories. Colombia, the second-largest producer after Brazil, is where coffee’s reputation for quality was forged. By the 1800s, it had spread its seeds across the country, creating a vast, diverse crop. The Federación Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia, launched in 1927, revolutionized the industry, lifting millions out of poverty but also obscuring some of its…
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Which Country’s Coffee Beans Are Worth the Price?

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…
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Unlocking the Potential of Asia’s Booming Coffee Markets: A Look at World of Coffee Asia

Unlocking the Potential of Asia’s Booming Coffee Markets: A Look at World of Coffee Asia

Asia is quickly becoming the powerhouse in the global coffee market, and event organizers are taking notice. The inaugural World of Coffee Asia expo held in Busan, South Korea, in 2024, marked a significant milestone as it was the first time WoC took place in an Asian country. But what makes these markets so lucrative? Let's dive in. Asia is home to some of the world's most prominent coffee-producing countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and India. Consumption of increasingly higher-quality coffee is also on the rise. According to Asia Business Outlook, demand for coffee has risen 6% year-on-year in the region,…
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Etna’s Volcanic Wine Country: A Guide to Sicily’s Active Volcano

Etna’s Volcanic Wine Country: A Guide to Sicily’s Active Volcano

Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, erupted on June 2, 2025, sending plumes of ash and lava into the sky. But for those visiting the region's wineries, it was just another day in Sicily's volcanic wine country. Mount Etna's volatile history dates back to 1500 BC, with eruptions happening almost annually. However, the recent display was more intense due to a partial collapse of one side of the South East Crater. Despite this, no major deposits of lava were left on the surrounding slopes, and vineyards remained unaffected. Patricia Tóth, winemaker at Planeta, explains that while Etna's activity can be…
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South African Pinotage: A Redemption Story in Every Bottle

South African Pinotage: A Redemption Story in Every Bottle

After a long history of being dismissed as cheap and not so great, South African Pinotage is making a comeback. The grape variety, a cross between Cinsault and Pinot Noir, has been reborn in the capable hands of modern winemakers. In this article, we'll delve into a recent tasting experience of a Pinotage from Walker Bay, South Africa – a sub-region known for its balanced and aromatic wines. The Wine Tasting Challenge posed a question: can we change our perception of Pinotage? After all, it has earned the nickname "the Grinch" in the world of wine. But like The Grinch,…
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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

** 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.…
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