Inside the Soul of Florentine Coffee: My Visit to the Dini Caffè Factory
Florence is often described as a living museum—a city of marble churches, cobbled alleys, and Renaissance masterpieces. But during my time in the city, I discovered a different kind of artistry—one that doesn’t hang in a gallery, but brews in a cup.
It all started when I visited the Dini Caffè Factory, a quiet gem tucked away in the Oltrarno district. I didn’t go for a cappuccino. I went for the story.
And what I found was far richer than any drink.
A Walk Through History: Florence, 1939
Dini Caffè was founded in 1939 by Alberto Dini a passionate entrepreneur who turned his fascination with coffee into a flourishing roasting business. Originally located near the bustling center of Florence, the company had to rebuild after the devastating flood of 1966. That tragedy led to a new chapter, transforming a historic furnace on Via dei Bastioni into their roasting headquarters.
That’s the very site I toured. The space felt sacred—industrial yet warm, buzzing with the energy of craftsmanship and care.
Legacy Led by Women
In the 1980s, Alberto’s daughters, Elisabetta and Laura, took over—a rare and powerful move at a time when men overwhelmingly led the coffee industry. Their leadership helped modernize the company while maintaining its artisan roots.
Today, the business is run by Serena and Benedetta, part of the third generation. During my tour, I learned how these women are preserving tradition while pushing boundaries—from ethical sourcing to launching a Coffee Lab where guests can learn about bean origins, espresso extraction, and milk frothing.
It struck me that Dini isn’t just a coffee brand. It’s a living legacy—Florentine, female-led, and deeply committed to quality.
☕ The Coffee-Making Process: What I Learned at Dini Caffè
1. It All Starts with the Green Bean
Before it’s roasted and ground, coffee is actually a seed—housed inside a red cherry grown in tropical regions. Dini Caffè works with single-origin plantations, which means each batch of beans comes from one specific region, known for a unique flavor profile.
2. Sorting & Roasting: Where Art Meets Science
At the factory, I saw the raw green beans being cleaned, sorted, and weighed. Then comes the real magic: roasting. Dini roasts each origin separately (never in blends), using small-batch techniques to bring out the distinct notes of each bean—be it chocolate, citrus, florals, or spice.
➡️ Roasting Facts:
- Light roasts preserve acidity and fruity notes.
- Medium roasts balance acidity and sweetness.
- Dark roasts bring out bold, smoky flavors.
Dini prefers medium roasts—ideal for espresso and perfect for capturing flavor without burning the bean.
3. Air-Cooled, Never Watered Down
One of the coolest things I learned? After roasting, the beans at Dini are cooled with air, not water. Water-cooling is faster, but it affects flavor and moisture. Air-cooling keeps the integrity of the roast—and is more environmentally conscious.
4. Grinding & Brewing
Dini doesn’t just sell beans—they educate you on how to grind and brew them properly. Espresso grind is super fine (think powdered sugar), while a French press requires a coarse grind. They believe in respecting the bean, which means matching it to the right brewing method.
Watching Coffee Come to Life
The factory itself is intimate, not flashy. Green beans arrive from sustainable plantations and are roasted one origin at a time, allowing each flavor to shine. I watched as machines hummed and the warm aroma of freshly roasted beans filled the air.
Everything is intentional. Air-cooling instead of water. Compostable, biodegradable packaging. Labels inspired by Florence’s artistic heritage. It’s coffee with a conscience—and with style.
As someone who appreciates both slow living and small details, this approach moved me. It reminded me that behind every great product is a story of intention, people, and place.
From Roastery to Ritual
While I didn’t visit the Dini café itself, standing inside the factory made me feel part of something. I wasn’t just observing coffee being made—I was witnessing tradition in motion.
Why Dini Matters
In a world where coffee often feels rushed or commercialized, Dini Caffè is doing the opposite: slowing down, doing things right, and honoring a legacy nearly 90 years strong.
Whether you’re in Florence or simply looking to elevate your daily ritual, learning the story behind your coffee makes it more than a drink—it makes it a connection.
Next time you brew a cup, think of Dini. Think of Florence. And remember: excellence doesn’t just happen in the spotlight. Sometimes, it lives quietly in an old furnace, tucked beneath the Tuscan sky.
📲 Let’s Stay Connected!
👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKsflodtWdT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
👉 Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/adefolarin-otuneye
Let’s sip, explore, and romanticize life together ☕✨
Until the next sip,
Fifi Otuneye