About us
Origin of Café Nunes® and Café da Fajã dos Vimes®
Possibly brought from Brazil by some Azorean emigrant between the late 18th and early 19th centuries, coffee of the Coffea arabica species was introduced to the island of São Jorge, most likely in the fajãs of São João and Vimes. Its cultivation, initially local, eventually expanded timidly to other islands during the 20th century.
For many years, coffee cultivation in the Azores fell into oblivion. However, in São Jorge, the tradition persisted, mainly thanks to the communities of the fajãs, especially Fajã dos Vimes. Here, the weavers who produced the famous “high stitch” bedspreads offered coffee to visitors, keeping this heritage alive. Over time, many stopped practicing the art of weaving, leaving only the Casa de Artesanato Nunes, a family that kept the tradition alive.
The patriarch, Manuel Nunes, increased coffee production to meet the needs of those seeking the bedspreads, as well as the curious onlookers who, fascinated by the fajã (coastal plain), came to spend the day and share conversations accompanied by a cup of homemade coffee.
With the increase in visits to the Nunes Craft House, the space was improved in 1995 to better accommodate visitors. Two years later, in 1997, Café Nunes® was born, a small establishment created to serve those who wanted to enjoy a hot drink in a cozy atmosphere.
Through word of mouth, our coffee gained fame, even being mentioned in tourist guides and known beyond our borders.