Selected coffee farms by La Bohème: farma La Bolsa v Guatemale

Selected coffee farms by La Bohème Café: finca La Bolsa in Guatemala

Jan 31, 2023Karina Dubinina

At La Bohème Café, we have strict criteria for selecting partners. And La Bolsa Farm is the best example of this. Our paths crossed in 2014, when Charles first met the current owner, Renardo Ovalle Vides. Family tradition, exceptional quality, respect for nature and a strong community were exactly the aspects that made us start working together. What makes this farm unique? And what did our quality controller Jake have to go through to get there?

The story of the farm

Renardo Ovalle Vides, known as Nayo, now runs La Bolsa Farm in the Huehuetenango region. His grandfather, a talented doctor and entrepreneur, founded it in 1958 on what was then a forested plot of land and began growing Bourbon and Caturra varieties.

He was so enamored with coffee that even while practicing medicine – visiting patients throughout the region and even running the National Hospital in Huehuetenango – growing it became his true passion. His humanitarianism led him to establish a school on the farm in 1980, which still operates today. In 1984, the national association ANACAFÉ honored him with the title of “Distinguished Coffee Grower”.

Renardo Ovalle VidesOwner of La Bolsa

"We are a company with a deep sense of tradition and a talent for innovation, precision and quality."

Now its mission is fulfilled by the third generation of producers who place great emphasis on ecologically sustainable practices and actively prioritize the care of the ecosystem through the protection of wild animals, efficient use of water and prevention of deforestation.

The farm is located in the Huehuetenango region (pronounced vey-vey-tenango), located in the western Guatemalan highlands on the border with Mexico. Due to the altitude and diverse microclimate of this mountainous region, coffee originating from here is known worldwide for its bright and fresh acidity.

The philosophy of Renard and his community is very close to ours and meets our strict criteria for cooperation. Therefore, we can guarantee that we offer not only really good coffee, but also the certainty that it comes from a fair environment.

Which criteria are most important to us at La Bohème?

Passion for quality coffee

The Vides family is one of the most respected Guatemalan producers, renowned for their Cup of Excellence achievements. Renard's wife, with her skills as a Q-Grader, helps determine the profiles and characteristics of their coffees. The Vides family's coffees continue to surprise us, demonstrating their constant desire to improve and learn new things.

Social responsibility

A nursery and primary school were established on the farm for the children of employees and those from the surrounding area. The aim was to provide education, improve living conditions and reduce child labour. The farm is part of a child labour prevention programme and serves as a care centre during the harvest. Renardo and his wife also provide housing, healthcare and fair wages to the employees.

Ecological sustainability

The farm impressed Charles, owner of La Bohème Café, with its biodiversity and location. It operates in harmony with nature, where in addition to coffee, earthworms are also raised to improve soil fertility. Emphasis is placed on filtering the water after coffee processing to prevent pollution of the surrounding water. A natural three-stage filtration system with calcium carbonate is used.

JacobQuality Controller

"Traveling to coffee farms sounds quite romantic, but only until you go to one."

The journey to Huehuetenango was extremely difficult, especially during the rainy season, when landslides are a risk. The only option was to fly. The 6 a.m. flight started before dawn when Jacob set off on foot to the airport, despite warnings about local gangs. Upon arrival, he was shocked by the unmaintained hangar and the airport weigh-in. Jacob, a taller man, had to pay for two seats.

As he later said, despite a bit of culture shock, the flight went well, followed by a three-hour car ride to the farm with a driver who didn't speak a word of English, and Jake speaks similarly "fluent" Spanish.

When they arrived at the farm, he couldn't believe his eyes. It felt like he was on a completely different planet or in a scene from the movie Avatar.

Charles FleerOwner of La Boheme Cafe

"Seeing producers win awards for their coffee, how much it means to them, and sharing that joy with them."

Unfortunately, he only visited the farm after the harvest, so he didn't have the opportunity to meet the pickers. On the other hand, the La Bohème Café team had the opportunity to taste the freshest harvest at the Vides family headquarters in Guatemala City!

The greatest experience of the entire trip for him was visiting the farm and participating in the international jury of the One of a Kind competition. To see the producers getting awards for their coffee, how much it means to them and to share that joy with them.