Leon Gesha

Get to know this coffee in detail

Leon Christianakis has spent years working to put Tanzania on the specialty coffee map, and his Acacia Hills farm, set on the slopes of Mount Oldeani, is now a benchmark in East Africa. This 100% Gesha lot is the result of that vision.

Gesha, a variety originally from Ethiopia, is one of the most highly regarded in the world for its complex and elegant aromatic profile, but it’s also one of the most demanding: it requires high altitude, meticulous care, and selective harvesting.

In this case, the result is a vibrant, floral washed coffee, with notes of jasmine, lemon tart, and bergamot.

A delicate profile that reveals the full potential of Gesha when it finds the right environment, and the right hands, to truly shine.

Meet the producer

Leon Gesha: The dream of an exceptional coffee from Tanzania

We’ve added a truly special coffee to our menu – the result of years of hard work, vision, and a deep commitment to quality. This is Leon Gesha, a fully washed 100% Gesha lot grown at 1,750–1,850 metres above sea level in the Karatu region of northern Tanzania. With its delicate, floral profile and notes of jasmine, lemon tart and bergamot, this coffee is a joy to drink. But beyond the cup, there’s a fascinating story behind it that’s well worth sharing.

The origin of a vision

Leon Christianakis is the producer behind this coffee. His story begins in the early 20th century, when his grandparents emigrated from Greece to Tanzania and began growing coffee near the town of Arusha. However, the family farms were located at lower altitudes, making it difficult to produce high-quality coffee.

It wasn’t until the 2000s that Leon discovered the world of specialty coffee – and with it, a new sense of purpose. He began searching for land at higher elevations where he could grow truly exceptional coffee.

The Birth of Tembo Tembo

In 2007, Leon met American roaster Mark Stell at a coffee trade event – and the partnership was immediate. Together, they acquired a farm on the slopes of Mount Oldeani, in a privileged location on the edge of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This would become Tembo Tembo, a farm that has since earned a reputation as one of East Africa’s leading producers of specialty coffee.

From the start, Leon focused on cultivating high-quality varieties such as Kent, SL28, Pacamara, and of course, Gesha. Thanks to the region’s altitude, natural conditions and Leon’s meticulous approach, Tembo Tembo quickly stood out for the quality of its microlots.

A cup that transforms communities

But the impact of Tembo Tembo goes far beyond coffee. When Leon asked his farm workers what would most improve their lives, the answer was clear: clean water and education.

In response, Leon, Mark and an Australian roaster helped install a gravity-fed water system, supplying nearby villages with safe drinking water. The growth of the farm has also generated employment, boosted local trade, and improved living conditions for many families in the area.

A coffee revolution in Tanzania

Leon has also played a key role in shifting the global perception of Tanzanian coffee. After years of organising informal cuppings under the name “Cupping at the Crater” (a nod to the nearby Ngorongoro Crater), he launched an official microlot auction in 2020 with the support of ACE.

This event attracted top roasters from around the world and put Tanzania firmly on the map as an exciting origin for high-quality, small-batch coffees.

A Gesha to remember

The Leon Gesha lot we’re sharing today is the direct result of this journey and dedication. Originally from Ethiopia, the Gesha variety is known for its complex and elegant aromatic profile – but also for its demanding nature: it requires high altitude, selective picking, and careful processing.

In this case, the result is a vibrant and floral washed coffee that reveals the full potential of Gesha when grown in the right environment, by the right hands.

Committed to the future

Leon puts it simply: “Our goal is to be here forever. And the only way to do that is by producing quality coffee and finding people who appreciate it.”

In his words and actions, you can feel a deep respect for the land, the people, and the coffee. His story is a powerful reminder that specialty coffee has the potential to change lives.