The Bishan Wate Washing Station is located in the Guji zone of southern Ethiopia, a region celebrated for its diverse and complex coffees. Sitting at elevations between 2,100 and 2,185 metres above sea level, the station benefits from rich red soil, high altitude, and cool temperatures that are ideal for growing high-quality Arabica coffee. Smallholder farmers from nearby communities such as Buku Seyisa, Wade Suke, and Tirtira Goyo deliver ripe cherries to the station during harvest. These farmers typically grow heirloom varieties on small plots under forest shade, using traditional organic practices.
At the station, coffee is processed using the fully washed method. After being hand-picked, the cherries are pulped, fermented, and thoroughly washed to remove the mucilage. The beans are then dried slowly on raised beds for up to three weeks. This method preserves the clarity and brightness of the cup, and enhances the natural characteristics of the Guji terroir. Coffees from Bishan Wate are known for their elegant floral aromatics, juicy acidity, and clean, complex flavour profiles. Common tasting notes include jasmine, peach, mandarin, raspberry, and guava, all held together by a silky texture and balanced finish.
Bishan Wate is owned and operated by Testi Coffee, a family-run export and processing company founded by Faysel A. Yonis in 2009. Testi Coffee is well-known in the specialty industry for its commitment to quality, transparency, and community development. Bishan Wate is one of around ten washing stations in Ethiopia managed by Testi, and was built in 2021 as a premium facility with a strong emphasis on traceability and quality control. Each kebele is processed separately, allowing buyers to trace lots back to the communities they came from.
Beyond coffee quality, Testi Coffee is deeply involved in supporting the communities it works with. Through its social program, Project Direct, the company has helped build schools, fund scholarships, and improve access to electricity and clean water in rural areas. By offering stable pricing and technical support to farmers, Testi also helps strengthen livelihoods and promote long-term sustainability in the region.
