Chania Bridge

Farm and Coffee

Nestled in the highlands of Thika, Kiambu County, Kenya, Chania Bridge Estate stands as a testament to over a century of coffee cultivation. Established in 1926 by Ivan Harries, the estate was expanded from a mixed farm along the Chania River into a dedicated coffee plantation. Today, it remains one of the few medium-sized, family-owned coffee farms in Kenya, managed by Boyce Harries, the great-great-grandson of the founder. 

The estate spans 73 hectares at 1,550 meters above sea level, benefiting from fertile volcanic soils and a climate conducive to slow cherry maturation. This elevation contributes to the development of dense beans with complex flavor profiles. The primary cultivars include SL34 and SL28, with disease-resistant varieties like Ruiru 11, Batian, and grafted SL types comprising the remainder. For the featured lot, the composition shifts to 80% French Mission Bourbon, complemented by K7, Ruiru 11, SL28, and SL34.

Processing is conducted on-site using the Kenyan double steeping method, which enhances clarity and purity in the cup. Cherries undergo meticulous hand sorting, followed by pulping, fermentation, and washing using gradient water channels. The washed parchment is then dried on raised beds for 12 to 20 days, with shade nets protecting the beans from direct sunlight. 

Social and Ecological Impact

Beyond coffee, Chania Bridge Estate is deeply committed to community development and environmental sustainability. The estate actively engages in building schools and providing employment opportunities, strengthening ties with the surrounding population and contributing to a more sustainable coffee value chain. In addition to coffee, the estate supports diversified agriculture, growing maize, beans, and macadamia, and engaging in dairy farming. This not only strengthens food security for workers and the surrounding community but also contributes to the financial resilience of the estate. The estate's location near the Chania River, a tributary of River Athi, underscores its commitment to environmental stewardship. Efforts include the planting of indigenous forests to encourage biodiversity and the implementation of sustainable water management practices.