West Valley (Valle Occidental)

West Valley, or Valle Occidental, encompasses the municipalities of Naranjo, Palmares, San Ramón, and Grecia on the western slopes of the Central Volcanic Range. The region's afternoon cloud cover and consistent temperatures create a gentle ripening environment that favors development of complex sugars. West Valley coffees are known for their refined acidity, elegant body, and flavor notes of apricot, brown sugar, and floral honey. Villa Sarchi, a natural Bourbon mutation first discovered in this valley, remains the signature variety of the region. West Valley micro-mills have been at the forefront of Costa Rica's experimental processing movement, producing innovative natural and anaerobic fermentation lots.