Location: La Cueva, El Tablón de Gómez, Nariño, Colombia
Altitude: 1750 MASL
Farm Size: 1–2 Hectares
Producers: Hernan, Elier, and Napoleon Urbano
Varieties: Castilla and Colombia
Process: Washed
Fermentation: 15–17 hours in cement tanks
Drying: 8–12 days on patios and raised beds
The Story of La Cueva:
The Landscape of Nariño Tablón de Gómez is situated in Nariño, one of Colombia's most prestigious coffee-growing regions. Reaching the Urbano farms is a journey of dedication, requiring a flight to Bogotá, a local transfer to Nariño, and a rugged two-hour trek via pickup truck through muddy, unpaved roads.
A Legacy of Stewardship The Urbano family is one of the most respected in the 200-person community of La Cueva. Their approach to farming is deeply rooted in environmental preservation:
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Forest Conservation: They maintain portions of their land as untouched forest.
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Water Protection: Native plants near waterways are left inviolate to protect the local ecosystem.
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Biodiversity: Coffee is intercropped with avocado and lemon trees for shade, while free-range chickens, pigs, and guinea pigs contribute natural fertilizer to the integrated ecosystem.
Community Evolution Decades ago, the community struggled economically, primarily growing peanuts and corn without fertilization. The transition to coffee production and modern agricultural practices has significantly improved the financial and ecological well-being of the region.
The Human Element The culture in La Cueva is built on peace and mutual respect. Every August, the community celebrates their patron saint, San Ezequiel, with a festival featuring troupes at every doorstep, shared liquor, and traditional fried guinea pig.
Producer Note: While Hernan and Elier have road access, Napoleon’s farm remains isolated; he must manually carry all of his coffee to the nearest road for transport.
Partnership & Impact
Our importing partners at Red Fox has been sourcing from La Cueva since 2015. Originally, the region’s remoteness limited market access for farmers. Today, while producers have more options, the partnership remains strong through the payment of premium rates that ensure a mutually rewarding relationship.
