San Sebastián is grown in the Inzá municipality, part of the Tierradentro region on the western side of Cauca. 80% of the population is made up of the indigenous tribe Paeces. The core values of preserving the ecological landscape by practicing traditional farming methods are central to the agricultural work throughout this area.
The community of smallholder coffee farmers occupy pockets of land averaging 0.5-1.5 hectares at a minimum 1700 metres above sea level, growing mainly Castillo and Caturra varietals. The soil is fertile volcanic ash. At this plot size, individual producers would not be able to grow enough coffee to sell to importers, but by working together to combine their harvests the farmers are able to make up full microlots.
Seasonal buying is about seeing coffee as a crop not a commodity, buying in harmony with the growing seasons to enjoy coffee at its best. This kind of buying has always been the backbone of our business and it’s something we’ve improved and refined every year.
