Archive: Guatemala Santa Clara

A Verve staple returning for its ninth season, this washed Bourbon lot from Ricardo and Katia Zelaya’s Santa Clara farm balances Red Apple brightness with the cozy richness of Brown Sugar and Baking Spices. Cultivated at 1,600-1,850 meters in Antigua, it reflects both family tradition and meticulous craftsmanship.

Nestled at the base of Volcán Agua, Finca Santa Clara is a model of precision farming and processing. The Zelaya family, now in their fourth generation of stewardship, manages every step of production, from cherry selection to drying and milling, all on-site. The farm's volcanic soils and consistent climate nurture Bourbon and Bourboncito (dwarf Bourbon) varieties known for their clarity and depth.

Once harvested, cherries are pulped, soaked, and dried on raised beds at the farm’s wet mill before being transported to the family’s Bella Vista mill for dry processing. This dedication to detail has earned Santa Clara a reputation as one of Guatemala’s finest estates. Each cup captures not only the richness of Antigua’s terroir but also the Zelayas’ enduring commitment to quality and community.