Costa Rica produces less than 1% of the world’s coffee, yet Starbucks went out of their collective way to set up a company-owned 600-acre coffee farm there. Maybe this is a sign of coffee arrogance, but it seems more likely that the (somewhat experienced) folks at Starbucks know a good thing when they smell it.

Although there are several clearly separate Costa Rican growing regions, for the most part these distinctions don’t make it to the front counter of coffee shops and don’t make it onto a label. There are some exceptions for the Tarrazu snob, maybe, but mostly it’s “Costa Rican Blend” or some such title on the package.

Just as “French Roast” or “Chai Latte” evoke thoughts of extremely bold or spiced addictions, Costa Rican coffee paints a particular taste picture for fans, often requiring specialized vocab. Generally, Costa Rican coffee is highly acidic and very intensely flavorful. While each region is certainly different (and even specific farm varieties stand alone), Costa Rican coffees are referred to as having a “heavy” or “thick” body, and being “creamy”.

There is, of course, more to the story.

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Attention fellow wine lovers! This giveaway was made for those of us who enjoy our nightly glass of vino or 2; who love to throw the occasional wine evening for friends, and serve wine at 16-18ºC on blissfull summer afternoons; or who love an easy fun girls night.

We’ve partnered with the fabulous Plantaže Vineyard in Europe, the biggest, might we say, for wine Awesomeness. We are going to give SIX lucky winners at random a free bottle of their superior and famous Vranac wine.

Enter now, and get ready for the best year yet when you decide to visit this vino paradise.  Tour the wine cave and discover the history of this iconic estate and learn about the incredible journey from grape to glass, all while sampling the most delectable food of course:).  Experience a level of refinement in their above-normal tasting rooms.

When you finish this premium wine tasting experience, you will be able to impress your friends with the depth of your wine knowledge!

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

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