Iván Villaquira is a first-generation coffee grower who has been cultivating coffee since 2018. His father, a devoted farmer, instilled in him a deep love for the land, inspiring Iván to follow in his footsteps and dedicate himself to coffee farming.
He owns Finca Villa Alejandría, a 2-hectare farm situated at 1,950 meters above sea level in La Argentina, Huila—a region celebrated for its outstanding coffee quality. The area's unique microclimate allows Iván’s coffee cherries to mature slowly, enhancing their sweetness and complexity.
Iván is part of a community of passionate coffee growers committed to excellence and sustainability. He values the collaborative spirit of this group, where knowledge-sharing and a dedication to specialty coffee drive continuous improvement in farming practices.
On his farm, Iván cultivates the Catuai variety alongside traditional Colombian varieties such as Colombia and Castillo. Through his network of producers, he has deepened his expertise in both pre- and post-harvest management, refining his fermentation techniques to consistently produce high-quality coffee. He employs both washed and natural processing methods, exploring diverse flavor profiles in pursuit of excellence.
Dedicated to sustainable farming, Iván is transitioning to organic fertilizers, aiming to produce 100% organic coffee. His deep understanding of soil health and plant care enables him to optimize crop growth. He nurtures his coffee trees through careful pruning, composting, and enriching the land with natural elements to maintain its fertility and vibrancy.
For Iván, life on the farm reinforces his belief in the future of the coffee industry. With the support of grower associations and collaborative networks, he continues to elevate his production, striving to bring out the best of the land through exceptional coffee.
