Guatemala Monte Bello

More than 40 years ago, Leopoldo Solares purchased a small, 2.5 hectare farm now called Monte Bello, fulfilling his lifelong dream to become a coffee farmer. The former educator quickly grew Monte Bello from a hobby-sized parcel to a true coffee business, farming 40 hectares and operating his own dry mill. We were introduced to Leopoldo through our partners at Vides58 in Guatemala, who know how important high-quality single estate coffees are to Swiss Water’s decaf customers.

Coffees at Monte Bello are grown in rich volcanic soil, under the partial shade of Inga and Gravilea trees. They enjoy a moist, fertile climate perfect for cultivating a smooth and delicate Guatemalan flavor profile. At the Monte Bello mill, ripe cherry is depulped and fermented in tanks for 15–24 hours, then washed and dried using a combination of patios and mechanical dryers.

To give back to the community, Leopoldo and his family have invested in social and infrastructure initiatives such as building roads and churches, improving access to clean water, and promoting sports like soccer and basketball within the community. It’s a full-circle journey for this former teacher and school director to be able not only to live his coffee dream, but to continue nurture the community where he spent both of his life’s careers. We are delighted to offer Guatemala Monte Bello among our Verdant Reserves line of delicious, approachable coffees..