Farm: Nossa Senhora das Valias
Grower: Abgail Valias and Solange Valias

City: São Gonçalo do Sapucaí
Region: Mantiqueira of Minas
Altitude: 940 a 1100 M
Varieties: Yellow Catuaí,Red Catuai, Mundo Novo, Acaiá, Rubi, Catucaí and Arara
Planted area: 205 hectares

Total area: 964 hectares

 

 

 

 

History

​

In the year 1770, during a time when Brazil was marked by the politics of colonization and settlement, a Portuguese nobleman embarked on a journey that would shape the destiny of an unexplored land. This land, which would later become the renowned Nossa Senhora das Valias Farm, was the reward he received in Brazilian territory.

Over the centuries, the property has remained under the dedicated care of the Valias family, passing through generations with love and care. Today, it is owned by two sisters of the sixth generation of the Valias family, Abgail Valias and Solange Valias, and is managed by the seventh and eighth generations, who join forces to keep alive the tradition that began more than 250 years ago.

In 1880, the farm embraced a new vocation, starting coffee production on its lands. Today, with over 140 years of experience, the Valias family is synonymous with excellence in coffee growing. Generation after generation, they have committed to carrying forward the family name and legacy as a reference in agriculture. The continuous pursuit of improvement in quality, processes, and management has become the essence of their journey.

The boldness and pioneering spirit of the Valias family were once again evident in 1950 when José Bento Valias de Resende, representing the fifth generation at the helm of the farm, embarked on yet another expedition to explore the uncharted lands of southern Brazil, in the state of Paraná. The success of this venture marked a period of remarkable expansion in the family's history, consolidating its role in Brazilian coffee growing.

Still speaking of the family's boldness and dedication, Abgail, known for her grit, determination, and strength, at a time when there was no room for women in business, worked alongside her father, José Bento, in managing the farm, fully taking over the business in 1988.

And once again, in 1994, under the leadership of the seventh generation, Hervê initiated another ambitious project, bringing newly developed technologies for post-harvest processes for specialty coffees on the farm. He was one of the pioneers in the region to adopt the pulping method, which allows the selection of the ripest coffees, resulting in exceptional quality. And so began a new chapter on the farm, the chapter of specialty coffees.

They discovered that in addition to high productivity, the farm was located in a prominent region for the production of specialty coffees, with the designation of origin Mantiqueira de Minas.

With over 250 years of history in the development of rural properties and 120 years dedicated to coffee production, the farm is an intrinsic part of Brazil’s formation and the growth of Brazilian coffee farming. Located in one of the most privileged regions in the world for the production of specialty coffees. And in this way, with much hard work and family unity, they are writing the next chapter of a story that began more than two centuries ago, a story of courage, innovation, and passion for coffee.

​