Spanning several large states, the diverse savannah of the Cerrado and its mosaic of microclimates lends a complexity and unique balance of flavors to the coffees coming from this distinctive region. The rich, red "terra roxa" soil found in the area contributes important nutrients for the coffee's growth.
Located in a biological conservation corridor, the Valle del Cauca region lies between the National Park of Tatama and the Serrania de los Paraguas mountains. Coffee and sugar cane are popular crops here, and the farmers have a keen focus on water management and the environment to ensure that natural resources are preserved.
Uraga Washing Station is located in the Guji Zone with over 600 smallholder farmers contributing cherries. These farmers cultivate their coffee on the mountain slopes of Guji at 1,650 to 2,000 meters above sea level. The coffee is grown in the shade of Birbira, Corsica Africana, and Ensete Ventricosum trees.
Gathered from smallholder farms near the towns of San Pedro Necta and La Libertad, this special lot underwent meticulous processing at the mill where it was dried on both patios and in large drying machines called 'guardiolas'. The coffee was then separated by color via computer before further sorting according to density and size.
Bernard Uwitije had been trading non-washed, ordinary coffee up until 2015, when he realized the potential for fully washed, specialty grade coffee. The Ibisi Mountain mill, in Southern Rwanda, is his second washing station and builds on his success in improving the quality of coffee from this verdant region.