It has been said, “The heart of Colombian coffee sits in the mountains of Nariño.” In fact, Nariño is the first coffee region in Colombia to earn recognition as as a regional denomination of origin. According to the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation, Origin Status Denominations mark agricultural products whose qualities are associated with their place of origin. The CCGF states, “Besides natural features like climate and soil conditions, denominations of origin also involve human, cultural and traditional attributes which are reflected on the development and harvesting processes of the product.” Nariño coffees are known for their intense aroma, high acidity and sweetness.
Here farms are small, and families have been growing coffee for generations. Since the area is so large, infrastructure minimal, and the crop cycle extended, most growers wash, ferment, and dry their own coffees, taking them to be sorted and graded once they have large enough lots.