CONVERSATIONS OVER COFFEE - Chandni D Maneesh

Fifth-generation coffee planter Chandni D Maneesh, of Classic Coffees, set up a sustainable homestay on her family-owned Harley Estate in Sakleshpur, Karnataka. In a candid chat with SUSHMITA SRIVASTAV, she shares her ambitious business plans and favourite travel memories.

- SUSHMITA SRIVASTAV

Classic Coffees has come a long way from brewing the perfect cup of coffee to hosting guests at Golden Wood in the middle of the estate. How did you evolve?

The journey has been exciting and challenging, since this was something we had been planning for a long time. The idea took shape and gradually started to evolve into something even we had not envisioned. There are new advancements every day. We see the two businesses going hand in hand—whether you’re looking for that vacation and get the coffee, or looking for the coffee and get this immersive experience with it.

You’re a fifth-generation coffee planter. How do you feel coffee tourism has evolved in India?

Coffee tourism has gone from simple homestays to five-star resorts over the last decade. What used to be a simple cup of filter coffee, as you woke up in your host’s home, has now turned into full-fledged cafes at resorts. We have our guests indulging in the entire plantation, from harvesting to processing the coffee and even spending time in our R&D lab, experiencing different brewing methods and food pairings. We also encourage our guests to experience the local culture by picking their fruit and consuming local cuisine, made from produce grown organically on our farms.

Tell us about the sustainable practices you practise as an entrepreneur.