One of the true treats of visiting this region is tasting the rich product of its land. The coffee grown in this region is the best in the country. Café Monte Alto (Altos del Yaque, tel. 809/574-2618, www.gbr.com.do [1]) was founded in 1943 by Belarminio Ramírez, as a small coffee production farm. Over the years it has grown and been passed down over three family generations. It now occupies over 350 hectares of the Cordillera Central.
They have both Café Monte Alto brand and the Café Monte Alto Orgánico brand, which is 100 percent chemical free. Café Monte Alto gives tours for free and tours of the processing plant. You will also have a chance to enjoy a phenomenal (and strong) cup of espresso or other coffee drink in their café on-site.
They will explain the full process from plant to bean, to wet mill, dry mill, sorting, roasting, packaging, and then, finally, into your cup. Purchase some of their product to take home. This makes an excellent gift for friends. Tours are given in Spanish, English, French, and German.
Links:
[1] http://www.gbr.com.do