Don Mayo Micromill & The Bonilla Family: A Costa Rican Coffee Legacy
At Ozone Coffee, our journey with the Bonilla family and their Don Mayo micromill began in 2012. Over the years, Don Mayo has earned a stellar reputation worldwide for producing exceptional Costa Rica coffee. We're proud to continue this partnership, which has evolved alongside the family’s dedication to excellence.
Our Coffee Through the Years
Initially, our coffee sourced from Don Mayo came from Finca Bella Vista. Situated in León Cortés at 1,950 meters above sea level, Bella Vista is renowned for its Catuai variety. The farm offers panoramic views of the Los Santos region, including Llanobonito, San Marcos, and Santa María de Dota, framed by the majestic Cerro de la Muerte mountains.
In recent years, we’ve expanded our collaboration to include La Ladera, a 20-hectare farm owned by Pablo Bonilla in the Tarrazú region of Costa Rica. Located at 1,850 meters above sea level, La Ladera’s varied elevations allow Catuai to thrive at higher altitudes and Caturra at medium and lower areas.
La Ladera is committed to environmental sustainability:
- Planting native species alongside coffee crops to maintain ecological balance.
- Treating wastewater to prevent pollution.
- Utilizing a small hydroelectric plant during peak harvest.
The farm employs 120–130 seasonal pickers, primarily from Panama, with a core group returning year after year. Pickers are provided with transportation and accommodation, demonstrating the Bonilla family’s long-term commitment to their team.
Don Mayo's Other Farms
As well as the farms we've bought from, the Bonilla family also own and operate a range of other farms around Costa Rica. These include
Farms in Llano Bonito de Leon Cortes
- Finca Bella Vista: 1,900 m.a.s.l. Varietal Grown: Red Catuaí
- Finca La Loma: 1,900 m.a.s.l. Varietals Grown: Catuaí, Caturra, Geisha, Villa Sarchí
- Finca El Llano: 1,850 m.a.s.l. Varietals Grown: Bourbon, Geisha, Catuaí, Villa Sarchí
- Finca La Ladera: 1,800 m.a.s.l. Varietal Grown: Red Catuaí
- Finca Los Tucanes: 1,800 m.a.s.l. Varietals Grown: Bourbon, Red Catuaí, Villa Sarchí, Geisha.
Farms in San Marcos de Terrazu
- Finca El Beneficio: 1,650 m.a.s.l. Varietal Grown: Red Catuaí
- Finca El pedregal: 1,650 m.a.s.l. Varietals Grown: Red Catuaí, Villa Sarchí
- Finca Los Nacientes: 1,850 m.a.s.l. Varietal Grown: Red Catuaí
- Finca el Cedral: 1,850 m.a.s.l. Varietals Grown: Catuaí, Geisha
- Finca Cerro La Cruz: 1,700 m.a.s.l. Varietal Grown: Caturra
- Finca el Jardín: 1,950 m.a.s.l. Varietals Grown: Geisha, Villa Sarchí.
- Finca El Jardin - El Jardin de Dota / 2,000 m.a.s.l. Varietal Grown: Geisha
- Finca La Pastora: 1,800 m.a.s.l. Varietals Grown: Villalobos, Red Catuaí
Farms in Chirripo
- Finca Chirripó: 1,700-2,000 m.a.s.l. Varietals Grown: Geisha, SL28, etopía, Villa Sarchí, Villalobos
Don Mayo Micromill: From Cherry to Cup
After harvest, coffee is processed at the Don Mayo micromill, also owned by Pablo Bonilla. Located in the Tarrazú region, Don Mayo is one of Costa Rica’s oldest and most respected micromills, established in 2003 by Hector Bonilla and his sons. The mill has pioneered a sustainable farm-to-mill operation, blending economic and environmental responsibility.
Don Mayo processes coffee from its own farms, including La Ladera and La Loma, and purchases whole cherries from local farmers to create micro-lots. Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, the mill is dedicated to high-quality Costa Rican coffee, with a proven record in competitions.
Award-Winning Excellence
Don Mayo’s coffees have received international recognition, particularly in the Costa Rica Cup of Excellence:
- 2020: First place with a Geisha honey-processed lot from La Loma.
- 2009: First place with a Catuai natural-processed lot from La Loma.
Over the years, Don Mayo has auctioned more than 35 lots through the competition, demonstrating its world-class quality.
Environmental conservation is central to Don Mayo’s operations:
- Water usage is minimised following government restrictions.
- Coffee pulp and parchment are reused as fuel and fertiliser, ensuring zero waste and supporting sustainable coffee production.
A Partnership Built on Trust
Our long-standing collaboration with the Bonilla family allows Ozone Coffee to bring these exceptional Costa Rican coffees to our customers. From early coffees sourced from Finca Bella Vista to today’s high-altitude harvests at La Ladera, every cup reflects decades of family expertise, innovation, and sustainability.
FAQ: The Micromill Revolution in Costa Rica
What is a micromill in Costa Rica?
A micromill is a small, specialised coffee processing facility where producers have full control over every stage of production - from cherry selection to drying. Unlike traditional mills that process coffee for many farms, micromills focus on high-quality micro-lots and often experiment with innovative processing methods.
Why has Costa Rica seen a micromill revolution?
Over the past two decades, Costa Rica’s coffee industry has shifted toward quality over quantity. Small-scale micromills allow farmers to showcase the unique flavors of their farms and experiment with varietals and processing techniques, helping the country compete in global specialty coffee markets.
How does Don Mayo fit into this movement?
Don Mayo micromill, established in 2003 by the Bonilla family, is one of Costa Rica’s pioneers in the micromill revolution. By processing coffee from their own farms and local farmers, they create award-winning micro-lots while maintaining strict quality and sustainability standards.
What are the benefits of coffee from a micromill like Don Mayo?
Micromill coffees offer greater consistency, traceability, and flavor clarity. Each lot is carefully managed, often resulting in complex, distinctive, and high-scoring coffees in competitions like the Cup of Excellence.
Can consumers taste the difference?
Yes. Micromill coffees, like those from La Ladera and Finca Bella Vista, highlight the unique terroir and varietals of Costa Rica, offering richer aroma, nuanced flavors, and a cleaner cup compared to bulk-processed coffee.
