4th Place – 2025 El Salvador Cup of Excellence

Bernardina is an Arabica lot from Finca La Esperanza, a large, topographically diverse coffee estate located in Cantón El Porvenir, within the municipality of Chalchuapa, Santa Ana. Since 2010, the farm has been stewarded by Café Pacas — one of El Salvador’s most influential coffee-producing families, widely recognised for shaping the country’s specialty coffee landscape.

La Esperanza spans elevations from 1,000 to 1,750 metres above sea level, where altitude, distance, and terrain play a defining role in daily farm decisions. Beyond elevation, the estate is distinguished by its rich, biodiverse shade, which protects the coffee trees, stabilises the microclimate, and contributes depth and structure in the cup.

The farm’s agronomy is led by Yanira Mendoza, whose expertise, long-term experience, and precise approach are evident not in theory, but across each harvest. Since 2012, La Esperanza has undergone a thoughtful and deliberate renovation. Ageing trees with weakened root systems were replaced as the farm was reimagined as a large-scale varietal garden, divided into 18 distinct lots. Today, approximately 70% of the estate has been replanted with Pacas, Red Bourbon, Pacamara, Orange Bourbon, Kenya, Bernardina, Heirloom, and Moka.

The Pacas family has played a unique role in coffee history, having discovered and registered two Arabica varieties on their estates: Pacas and Bernardina. Bernardina, one of the most elegant newer varieties, was named in honour of Ruperto Bernardino Merche, the farm foreman who first recognised its potential and convinced the family of its uniqueness. Genetic analysis later revealed approximately 70% Geisha lineage, reflected in its refined floral character, citrus clarity, and delicate peach-like sweetness.