Discover the Art of Specialty Coffee: The Weaver’s Coffee & Tea Story

There’s something magical about a cup of specialty coffee. The aroma fills the air, the first sip awakens your senses, and for a brief moment, the world slows down. Every cup tells a story — of the coffee farmer who nurtured the beans, the coffee roaster who perfected the craft, and the person who takes that first, soul-warming taste.

At Weaver’s Coffee & Tea, that story begins with passion, legacy, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Hand-roasted in San Rafael, California, our specialty coffee is more than a beverage — it’s a craft honed over decades, rooted in the teachings of two mentors; Alfred Peet, the father of America’s specialty coffee movement and Sal Bonavita who, in 1979, acquired Peet's Coffee from its founder, Alfred Peet.

The Legacy: From Alfred Peet to John Weaver

The story of specialty coffee in America starts with one name — Alfred Peet. In 1966, Peet opened a small coffee shop in Berkeley, California, introducing freshly roasted coffee beans to a generation accustomed to instant coffee. His philosophy was simple yet revolutionary: source only the finest Arabica beans, roast them by hand, and never compromise on quality.

Among the many roasters who studied under Peet was a Sal Bonavita who had built his career as an importer by the end of the 1970. He sold specialty teas and coffees, Italian espresso machines and other accessories to luxury department stores across the U.S. and a young man named John Weaver. Peet and Bonavita recognized Weaver’s attention to detail and passion for coffee roasting. Over time, Weaver became Peet’s Master Roaster for 27 years, responsible for crafting the deep, complex roasts that in the early years defined the brand.

In 2007, John Weaver carried that legacy forward by founding Weaver’s Coffee & Tea, with Renée Brown, Michael Brown and Bryce Inouye, determined to continue the artistry and integrity of specialty coffee roasting. He brought with him not only Alfred Peet’s wisdom but a personal philosophy: “Roast coffee with respect — for the bean, for the farmer, and for the person who will drink it.”

The Art of Roasting: Where Specialty Coffee Comes to Life

Roasting is where green coffee beans become specialty coffee — where chemistry meets intuition. At Weaver’s Coffee & Tea, roasting is still a hands-on process. Each batch is crafted so that every coffee bean receives the attention it deserves.

John Weaver personally oversees the roasting process, adjusting load size, time, temperature and airflow to highlight each coffee’s unique character. Ethiopian coffees are roasted to preserve their floral brightness, while Sumatran coffee beans are roasted to reveal deep, earthy tones.

Unlike large commercial operations that rely on automation, Weaver’s relies on experience, senses, and artistry. The sound of the first crack, the aroma that fills the roastery — these are signals no machine can replicate. It’s this dedication that makes Weaver’s Coffee & Tea a leader in specialty coffee roasting.

Each roast is tested through cupping sessions, ensuring consistency, flavor clarity, and balance. When you open a bag of Weaver’s Coffee, you’re not just drinking coffee — you’re experiencing decades of roasting mastery.

Sourcing with Purpose: The Ethics of Specialty Coffee

True specialty coffee begins long before the roast. It starts on the farm — in the highlands of Ethiopia, the volcanic soil of Guatemala, the misty mountains of Sumatra, and the red hills of Kenya. These regions produce the world’s most distinctive Arabica beans, each influenced by its altitude, soil, and climate.

At Weaver’s, every bean is 100% Arabica, sourced from farmers who share our values of sustainability and quality. This ethical commitment isn’t a trend — it’s part of who we are. When you enjoy Weaver’s specialty coffee, you’re supporting responsible farming practices that protect both people and the planet.

Specialty coffee isn’t just about taste. It’s about integrity — ensuring that every step of the journey, from farm to cup, reflects fairness, care, and respect.

Tasting Specialty Coffee: Discovering Flavor in Every Cup

One of the joys of drinking specialty coffee is discovering its incredible range of flavors. Like wine, coffee has terroir — the flavor of place.

The Coffee Taster’s Flavor Wheel, developed by the Specialty Coffee Association, helps coffee lovers explore these notes. Weaver’s roasts are designed to showcase these natural nuances, allowing you to experience the unique profile of every origin.

Original Blend Coffee

Rich, balanced, and smooth. A signature specialty coffee blend that captures the harmony of dark chocolate, caramel, and toasted almond.

Sumatra Coffee

Earthy, bold, and full-bodied, this favorite features deep chocolate notes and a velvety finish — the definition of indulgence.

Kenya AA Coffee

Bright and lively, with layers of citrus and berry sweetness. This single-origin coffee delivers the vibrant complexity that defines specialty coffee at its finest.

Tasting Weaver’s Coffee is an exploration of craftsmanship — a journey through origin, roast, and flavor.

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Brewing Specialty Coffee at Home

To truly appreciate specialty coffee, brew it with care. You don’t need a coffee shop setup,  just the right technique and a little patience.

1. Start with fresh coffee beans. 

2. Use filtered water. The quality of your water affects the taste of your coffee.

3. Match your grind to your method.

• Coarse for French press.
• Medium for drip.
• Fine for espresso.

4. Control temperature and ratio.
Use water between 195°F–205°F and a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio for balanced extraction.

Whether you love pour-over, espresso, or cold brew, Weaver’s coffees are roasted to perform beautifully across every method.

Learn How to Brew the Perfect Cup →

Sustainability and Giving Back

Great coffee should make the world better. At Weaver’s Coffee & Tea, sustainability isn’t an afterthought — it’s at the heart of everything we do.

From single serve compostable coffee bags to recyclable cold brew cans, we’re committed to reducing our footprint. But sustainability also means giving back where a portion of sales supports nonprofits; Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, Black Girls Code and SF AIDS Foundation.

When you buy Weaver’s specialty coffee, you’re not just choosing exceptional taste — you’re choosing a company that cares.

The Art and Emotion of Specialty Coffee

Specialty coffee isn’t just about caffeine — it’s about connection. The morning ritual, the conversation over a cappuccino, the warmth that comes from something made with care.

At Weaver’s Coffee & Tea, we believe coffee is an experience that should be savored, shared, and celebrated. Each roast is a tribute to the farmers who grow it, the craft that shapes it, and the community that enjoys it.

This philosophy — a blend of art, science, and heart — is what sets Weaver’s specialty coffee apart.

Taste Love in the Cup

From Alfred Peet’s pioneering vision to John Weaver’s masterful hand, the story of specialty coffee is one of dedication, artistry, and love. Every roast at Weaver’s Coffee & Tea carries that legacy forward — cup by cup.

We roast because we love what we do. And we share it because we believe everyone deserves to taste the difference that true specialty coffee makes.

Whether you’re new to specialty coffee or a lifelong connoisseur, your perfect cup awaits.

Taste love in the cup. Taste the art of specialty coffee. Taste Weaver’s.

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