Nestled in the rolling hills of Cabo Verde, in Brazil’s South of Minas, Fazenda Das Almas is a third-generation family farm known for its bold experimentation and environmental stewardship. At 1,150 meters above sea level, the 109-hectare estate is led by Adriano Muniz and his sons, Thiago and Matheus. What began with Adriano’s father in 1965 as a conventional coffee operation has transformed into a progressive specialty farm, now a frequent finalist in Brazil’s most prestigious quality competitions.
Adriano Muniz took over from his father with a vision: to modernize without losing the soul of the land. He introduced post-harvest innovations, embraced fermentation science, and reinvested in community and sustainability. Today, the Muniz family partners with SMC Specialty Coffees and participates in Cooxupe’s renowned “Especialíssimo” program, where they regularly get placed amongst the top lots.
The farm cultivates a diverse range of varietals: Mundo Novo, Red and Yellow Catuaí, Catucaí, Rubi, Icatu, and Yellow Bourbon. A designated micro-plot features 20-tree samples of experimental cultivars, allowing the family to trial both new genetics and processing styles. Natural and pulped natural coffees form the foundation, while advanced fermentation methods (carbonic and semi-carbonic maceration, honey, and yeast-variable anaerobic lots) are tested and scaled based on cup quality. Post-harvest infrastructure combines open drying, mechanical finishers, and careful lot separation.
Fazenda Das Almas safeguards over 37% of its total land as native forest, including 21 natural springs and 7 kilometers of ecological corridors. In 2017, the farm installed a biogas system that now powers its infrastructure. By 2023, solar panels brought full energy self-sufficiency—and surplus power is donated back to the local grid. These systems embody the Muniz family’s long-term investment in regenerative agriculture.
Social inclusion is equally central. Each month, the farm donates to local schools and daycare centers, supporting both student meals and year-round educational projects. On-farm, workers benefit from decentralized facilities and safe, modernized work environments.
sul-de-minas
Natural, Pulped Natural, Honey, Anaerobic, Carbonic Maceration
Mundo Novo, Red Catuai, Yellow Catuai, Catucai, Rubi, Icatu, Yellow Bourbon
1150 masl.
Adriano Muniz
Coffees from Das Almas deliver vibrant and structured cups, shaped by their diverse varietals and fermentation methods. Fruity and tropical notes such as cherry, raspberry, pineapple, banana, strawberry, and lime lead the sensory experience, often complemented by sweet undertones of molasses, caramel, raisin, and vanilla. These are grounded by deeper flavors of cocoa powder, hazelnut, and chocolate, with occasional floral and funk-forward accents in more ferment-driven lots. Most profiles are marked by a bright, sweet acidity and medium to juicy mouthfeel. Expect clarity, balance, and expressive fruit character.
