Set near the edge of Nyungwe Forest National Park, Gasharu Washing Station sits within the Congo Nile mountain range, an area defined by high elevation, fertile soils and a temperate climate. This landscape provides the conditions for coffees that are vibrant, structured and expressive, often shaped by slow cherry development and careful cultivation.
The surrounding farms are made up largely of mature Red Bourbon trees, many around two decades old. Ongoing work in the nursery supports both replanting and renewal, while regular pruning and soil management ensure the long term health of the land. Nutrients are balanced through a combination of mineral inputs and organic compost, maintaining steady growth and consistency in quality.
Gasharu is led by our long standing partner Valentin Kimenyi, whose approach is rooted in attention to detail across every stage, from farm to washing station. This marks our fourth year working together, a relationship that has grown through both time and shared experience.
Each year, we reconnect at World of Coffee, a rhythm that began in Athens and has continued through Copenhagen and Geneva. These moments have become an important part of the relationship, offering space to reflect on the work at Gasharu, the wider context of Rwandan coffee and the people behind it.
This particular lot, named Impano, meaning gift, carries a deeper significance. Nyamasheke is one of Rwanda’s most productive coffee regions, yet also one of its most economically challenged. The name reflects the idea of coffee as something that can create opportunity and connection within the community, shaping both livelihoods and daily life.
