SANDIA SOL - San Agustin & El Vergel Decaf

SAN AGUSTÍN
High in the mountains of southern Huila, Colombia, the municipality of San Agustín is home to a vibrant community of coffee producers cultivating some of the region's most exceptional beans.

Nestled at 1,750 meters above sea level, this area is not only celebrated for its ideal coffee-growing conditions but also honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich archaeological legacy. Here, local farmers carefully tend to prized coffee varieties like Pink Bourbon, Caturra, Colombia, and Castillo, grown in harmony with the surrounding forests.

With the support and guidance of El Vergel, these producers are mastering innovative co-fermentation techniques — elevating the flavor profiles and uniqueness of their coffees. The result is a cup that tells a story of heritage, innovation, and the deep connection between the land and its people.

EL VERGEL

El Vergel Estate, run by the Bayter family, is a flagship operation for innovation and quality in Colombian coffee production. Originally specializing in avocados, a price collapse in 2006 led to the bold decision to cultivate coffee. What began as an experiment with Catimore and Caturra quickly evolved into a hub for specialty coffee.

Pioneering Spirit and Innovation
From 2016 onwards, varieties such as Geisha, Java, and Red Bourbon were planted with the help of coffee guru Miguel Jimenez. In 2018, El Vergel took things a step further by introducing natural fermentation processes. Particularly noteworthy is the groundbreaking Koji fermentation process, which has revolutionized the way green coffee is processed.

Research and Passion
Today, El Vergel is an innovation laboratory with over 28 varieties and a vision that unites technique and tradition. The Bayter family conducts intensive research into fermentation processes and continues to set new benchmarks in coffee production.

Sustainability and Community
In 2014 and 2015, El Vergel was certified as a Rainforest farm by the Federación Nacional de Cafeteros — a testament to their commitment to environmental stewardship. But the focus extends beyond the environment: together with Martha and her sons Elias and Shady, the farm is dedicated to strengthening its community. With passion and technology, they are not only creating exceptional coffee but also new opportunities for the people of the region.

El Vergel Estate — a place where coffee is not just grown, but redefined.