Paola Trujillo, Colombia

Paola Trujillo, a passionate and driven coffee producer, manages Finca Patio Bonito, an enchanting farm situated at 1570 metres above sea level in the Caldono region of Cauca. The farm is surrounded by a vibrant landscape of native trees, but the true treasure lies within its coffee plants.

Growing up on her father's farm, Paola has been surrounded by coffee since she was young. Her family has been cultivating coffee in the region for over four decades, and it’s truly a family affair. While her father, Don Carlos Trujillo, is passionate about sustainable agricultural practices, Paola takes the lead on fermentation and processing, making their coffee truly special.

At 35, Paola has carved her own path after working as head of quality control for a coffee company in Nariño, where she honed her expertise in coffee tasting and quality. Nine years ago, she began cultivating her own coffee at Patio Bonito, undertaking training programmes through SENA (Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje), Colombia’s renowned vocational institution.

The 11-hectare Patio Bonito farm, located in the Pescador municipality of northern Cauca, is celebrated for growing both traditional and exotic coffee varieties. These include Castillo, Colombia, Bourbon Rosado, Gesha, Bourbon Aji, Bourbon Sydra, SL28, Wush Wush, Typica, and Laurina. Through continuous experimentation and her distinct approach, Paola has developed unique processing techniques for each variety, creating coffees of extraordinary quality and unique profiles.

Paola’s journey into coffee is deeply intertwined with her family’s legacy. Her mother, Maria Angela, taught her the importance of sharing knowledge, while her father, Carlos, offered her the chance to take charge of the coffee project. Today, Paola has achieved financial independence through coffee cultivation, continuing her father’s legacy and building a stable future for herself and her family. In addition to her work on the farm, she offers courses to young people, inspiring them to foster their passion for coffee and preserving this tradition within their communities.

This microlot is 100% Wush Wush, a rare varietal originally from Ethiopia, introduced to Colombia around 25 years ago. The cup profile is floral, tea-like, and wonderfully complex. The cherries were harvested with meticulous attention to ripeness, floated, and hand-sorted to remove any defects. After 30 hours of fermentation in water, the cherries were pulped, and the parchment was gently washed and dried in temperature-controlled conditions to reach the ideal moisture content. This coffee reflects Paola’s dedication and offers a captivating flavour experience.