The ‘Whispers of the Upstream Coffee Forest: Roast & Brew Trek’ takes coffee enthusiasts on a captivating journey through the heart of a specialty coffee estate. Participants can expect an immersive experience, from trekking through the lush coffee forest to mastering the art of roasting and brewing. With a focus on hands-on learning and a farm-to-table lunch, this exclusive adventure promises to deepen one’s appreciation for the meticulous care required to produce exceptional specialty coffee. Whether a seasoned connoisseur or a curious novice, this trek offers a unique opportunity to uncover the captivating whispers of the upstream coffee forest.
This experience made our list of the 5 Best Coffee Tours And Tastings In Chiang Mai.
Key Points
- A full-day adventure that includes a 4WD mountain journey, coffee estate trekking, a farm-to-table vegetarian lunch, coffee roasting, and a V60 brewing masterclass.
- Opportunity to observe coffee plants in their natural habitat, learn about the coffee ecosystem, and develop a deeper appreciation for specialty coffee production.
- Hands-on experience in roasting coffee beans and creating personalized roasts under the guidance of experts.
- Participation in a V60 brewing masterclass to understand the science behind brewing the perfect cup of coffee.
- Exclusive tour limited to 8 participants with flexible booking options and accessible logistics.
Overview of the Adventure
The Roast & Brew Trek offers adventurous travelers a 20-minute 4WD mountain journey to the Upstream Coffee Forest, followed by a 50-minute trek through the coffee estate to observe the plants in their natural habitat.
At the farm, guests will enjoy an organic, vegetarian farm-to-table lunch prepared by hill tribe cooks. The experience also includes hands-on activities like hand-roasting coffee beans and creating personalized roasts, as well as a V60 brewing masterclass to learn the science behind the perfect cup.
With air-conditioned van pickup and drop-off, 4WD vehicle access, and inclusive of lunch, coffee, tea, and bottled water, this 10-hour adventure is perfect for those seeking an immersive coffee experience in a stunning natural setting.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Chiang Mai.
Exploring the Coffee Estate
Upon arriving at the Upstream Coffee Forest, guests embark on a 50-minute trek through the lush coffee estate, where they can observe the coffee plants in their natural habitat.
This immersive experience allows participants to witness the coffee’s journey from plant to cup. Along the way, they’ll discover:
- The intricate relationship between the coffee plants and the surrounding ecosystem
- The meticulous care and attention required to cultivate high-quality coffee
- The unique characteristics of the estate’s heirloom coffee varieties
The trek provides a deeper appreciation for the complexities involved in specialty coffee production, setting the stage for the hands-on roasting and brewing activities to come.
Savoring the Farm-to-Table Lunch
Guests then retreat to the on-site organic farm for a locally-sourced, vegetarian farm-to-table lunch prepared by skilled hill tribe cooks.
The meal showcases the bounty of the region, featuring fresh produce, herbs, and spices from the surrounding fields. Diners indulge in an array of flavorful dishes, from fragrant curries to crisp salads, all thoughtfully crafted to highlight the natural tastes of the ingredients.
The cooks’ expertise and attention to detail ensure that every bite is a delight for the senses. This nourishing lunch provides a perfect complement to the morning’s coffee exploration, leaving participants satisfied and energized for the journey ahead.
Roasting the Coffee Beans
Participants then don their aprons and step up to the roasting station, eager to handcraft their own custom coffee blends from the freshly-picked beans.
Under the guidance of the expert barista, they learn the nuanced art of coffee roasting. The process involves:
- Carefully monitoring the temperature and roast time to achieve the perfect balance of aroma, body, and flavor
- Listening for the distinct cracks that signal the beans’ transformation from green to golden-brown perfection
- Continuously stirring the beans to ensure an even roast, bringing out the full complexity of the coffee’s terroir
With each roast, the participants create a one-of-a-kind brew, a testament to the farm’s exceptional beans and their newly acquired roasting skills.
More Great Tours NearbyMastering the V60 Brewing
With their personalized roasts in hand, the group now turns its attention to mastering the art of V60 brewing. The barista leads them through the intricate steps of this manual pour-over technique, drawing on the science behind extracting the perfect cup of coffee.
The group learns how to control the water temperature, flow rate, and agitation to optimize extraction and balance the flavors. A handy table outlines the key variables and their effects:
Variable | Effect |
---|---|
Water Temp | Impacts solubility and extraction |
Flow Rate | Determines contact time and turbulence |
Agitation | Influences even saturation and extraction |
Putting theory into practice, each participant skillfully crafts their own expertly-brewed V60, savoring the nuanced aromas and flavors of their custom roast.
Pickup and Drop-off Logistics
The journey begins with an air-conditioned van pickup from the meeting point at 7:00-7:30 AM, whisking participants away on a 20-minute 4WD mountain adventure to the Upstream Coffee Forest.
After a thrilling ride, the group will arrive at the coffee estate, ready to embark on a 50-minute trek through the lush landscape.
The day concludes with a drop-off at the original meeting point between 5:30-6:30 PM, ensuring a full day of immersive coffee discovery.
This flexible booking allows guests to reserve now and pay later, making the experience accessible.
Key logistical details include:
- Group size limited to 8 participants
- Duration of 10 hours
- Not suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues
Group Size and Duration
This exclusive tour limits its group size to just 8 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience throughout the 10-hour duration.
Departing early in the morning between 7:00-7:30 AM, you’ll embark on an exhilarating adventure that won’t return until the evening hours of 5:30-6:30 PM.
During this full-day experience, you’ll have ample time to hand-roast coffee beans, learn the science behind brewing the perfect cup, and savor a farm-to-table vegetarian lunch prepared by hill tribe cooks.
With flexible booking options that allow you to reserve now and pay later, this immersive Roast & Brew Trek is the perfect way to uncover the secrets of the Upstream Coffee Forest.
Booking Flexibility
Flexible booking options let travelers reserve their spot on this immersive Roast & Brew Trek now and pay later, accommodating various schedules and budgets.
This thoughtful approach allows adventurers to secure their place with ease, without the pressure of immediate payment. The tour operator understands that plans can shift, so this flexibility ensures participants can book with confidence and finalize details closer to the departure date.
Key benefits of this flexible booking policy include:
- Ability to reserve your spot now and pay later
- Accommodating of diverse schedules and budgets
- Option to finalize details closer to the departure date
This hassle-free booking process makes the Roast & Brew Trek adventure more accessible and enjoyable for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks?
While participants are welcome to bring their own snacks, the tour package includes a full organic, vegetarian farm-to-table lunch as well as coffee, tea, and bottled water. Outside drinks and meals are not permitted on the trek.
Are There Any Health Restrictions Besides the Ones Listed?
Aside from the listed restrictions for children under 6, pregnant women, and those with mobility issues, there are no other known health requirements for this activity. Participants should ensure they’re physically capable of the moderate hiking involved.
Can I Purchase Additional Coffee Beans or Roast at the End?
Yes, you can purchase additional coffee beans or have more roasts at the end of the experience. The tour includes an opportunity to create personalized roasts, and additional coffee can be purchased on-site.
Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?
There is no minimum number of participants required for this activity. The tour has a limited group size of up to 8 participants, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Add Additional Activities?
Yes, the tour duration and activities can be extended or customized. Guests should contact the tour operator to discuss options and pricing for a personalized experience that fits their interests and schedule.
Recap
The ‘Whispers of the Upstream Coffee Forest: Roast & Brew Trek’ offers an unparalleled experience for coffee enthusiasts. Enjoy the heart of specialty coffee production, from trekking through the picturesque estate to crafting your own personalized brew.
This exclusive full-day adventure provides a profound appreciation for the meticulous care required to produce high-quality specialty coffee.
Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your coffee knowledge and indulge in a true farm-to-cup experience.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Coffee Experiences in Chiang Mai
- Chiangmai Hilltribe Coffee Forest : Trek Plant Roast & Brew
- Chiangmai Coffee Farm Tour
- Whispers of the Upstream Coffee Forest: Roast & Brew Trek
- Chiang Mai Coffee Tour: Trekking to Farm, Roast and Brew Workshop
- Cnx: Trekking & Villager Living in Forest, Tea& Coffee Farm
- The Ultimate Elephant Experience and Coffee Workshop
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- Chiangmai Hilltribe Coffee Forest : Trek Plant Roast & Brew
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