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A Brief History of Panama Hartmann Estate Caturra Red Wine Processed Specialty Coffee Beans: Origin, Development, and Culture

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Hartmann Estate Introduction: The story of Hartmann Estate is as legendary as its coffee. Hartmann Estate is located in Santa Clara, Chiriquí Province. The founder was Mr. Alois St. Hartmann (Luis Hartmann). He was born on June 20, 1891, in the Moravia region of Austria-Hungary, now the Czech Republic, and died on May 25, 1970.

Introduction to Hartmann Estate

The story of Hartmann is as legendary as its coffee. Hartmann Estate is located in Santa Clara, Chiriquí Province. The founder was Mr. Alois St. Hartmann (Luis Hartmann). He was born on June 20, 1891, in the Moravia region of Austria-Hungary, now the Czech Republic; he died on May 25, 1970, at the age of 78.

After World War I began, he was abandoned as a young boy. Thanks to his mother, he managed to hide on a ship bound for Pennsylvania, USA, and survived. His two brothers both died in the war after enlisting. Luis Hartmann traveled with his friends through several countries until he arrived in Panama in 1911, settling in Chiriquí Province in 1912, primarily active in the Candela area. He built the first small cabin in this primeval forest.

Today, Hartmann Estate is a family business, founded in 1940 by Ratibor Hartmann (son of Alois). In 1966, Ratibor married Dinora Sandi from Costa Rica. They had five children together: Ratibor Jr., Allan, Alexander, Elisabeth, and Kelly. Each family member takes responsibility for coffee cultivation management, harvesting processing, and estate tours. A family estate that has grown coffee for over 100 years is itself a legendary story.

This family enterprise has a state-level cupping laboratory and sample roasting room. They meticulously cup each batch of coffee beans. This ensures consistent quality of Hartmann Estate's coffee, with a continuous pursuit of improvement. Their scientific approach to coffee and nearly 100 years of family experience guarantee their excellent products.

A legendary estate with a state-level cupping laboratory and sample roasting room. Their rigorous attitude and strict standards ensure the consistent quality of Hartmann Estate's coffee.

This batch is a red wine processed Caturra variety. From the moment it's ground, it releases an incredibly rich fruity wine aroma, accompanied by fresh smoky wood spice notes, plus the special berry sweetness and fragrance from sun-drying. Just smelling it is intoxicating. Upon tasting, rich tropical fruit flavors emerge—like a cocktail meticulously blended with passion fruit, mango, orange, and berry juices along with peach wine!! No, this is a cocktail from nature itself!