Ethiopia - Chelbesa

• Region Gedeb, Gedeo Zone
• Growing altitude 2100 msl
• Varietals Heirloom
• Process Natural
• Taste notes Raspberry, Blueberry, Marzipan

A Celebrated Origin from Southern Ethiopia

Worka Chelbesa is one of Ethiopia’s most renowned coffee-growing areas, located in the Gedeb district of the Gedeo Zone. Surrounded by dense, semi-forested vegetation, the region offers ideal ecological conditions for producing exceptional coffee. Shade-grown coffee trees flourish alongside false banana plants, contributing to the coffee’s layered complexity and distinctive terroir.

Grown at elevations between 1,950 and 2,200 metres, Worka Chelbesa coffee is cultivated by 763 dedicated smallholder farmers. During the harvest season, from November through January, only perfectly ripe cherries are handpicked, ensuring quality and consistency at every stage.

Innovative Processing for Exceptional Clarity

In 2019, SNAP Specialty Coffee established a state-of-the-art wet mill in Danche, a small hamlet within Chelbesa Village, with a singular focus on elevating cup quality. The mill is equipped with ceramic fermentation tanks, which retain heat and promote a more controlled, efficient fermentation—resulting in remarkable clarity and precision in the cup.

The post-harvest process is handled with meticulous care. Red cherries undergo a 72-hour wet fermentation to develop depth and complexity, followed by a one-hour soaking stage to refine flavour balance. The coffee is then dried slowly on raised beds for approximately 12 days, ensuring even moisture content and preserving delicate aromatic notes.

A Diverse Range of Processing Styles

Worka Chelbesa showcases the versatility of Ethiopian coffee through a range of processing methods. Fully washed lots highlight bright acidity and elegant floral notes, while natural coffees deliver a fruit-forward, full-bodied cup with pronounced berry sweetness.

For those seeking something more expressive, anaerobic washed and anaerobic natural processes introduce added depth and intensity—bringing wine-like characteristics, bold fruit flavours, and enhanced complexity to the cup.

The result is a stunning lineup of coffees that reflect the region’s high altitude, innovative processing, and unwavering commitment to quality. Whether you prefer clean and crisp or rich and fruit-driven profiles, Worka Chelbesa offers a truly memorable Ethiopian coffee experience.