Farm info

José Ignacio Gómez comes from a family deeply rooted in coffee. He inherited Finca El Paraíso from his father, Pastor Ezequiel Gómez, who cultivated the land with dedication, continuing the legacy started by José’s uncle, Franco López. Located in Vereda El Naranjal near Buesaco, Nariño, the farm began planting coffee in the late 20th century and was among the first in the region to introduce varieties such as Caturra and Bourbon Rosa. 

Growing up in a coffee-producing family, José developed a strong palate and an intuitive eye for quality. Today, he cultivates six and a half hectares of coffee alongside oranges, lemons, and avocados, creating a diverse ecosystem that contributes to the balance and harmony reflected in the cup. The name “El Paraíso” speaks precisely to this feeling, its peaceful landscapes and natural equilibrium lend themselves to producing a complete and satisfying sensory experience. 

Each harvest day, ripe cherries are handpicked by José, his family, and a trained team of pickers, then taken to the farm’s micro wet mill for processing. The operation integrates modern agricultural technology, precise protocols, and skilled professionals to ensure consistency and high-quality outcomes across washed, honey, and natural processes. 

Several years ago, José built a custom solar dryer near the wet mill, designed with three tiers of raised beds under a translucent roof. By orienting the structure to capture the farm’s natural crosswinds, he created a system that regulates temperature and airflow naturally. Coffee begins drying on the lower tier and moves upward as humidity decreases, eventually resting on the top tier until it reaches ideal moisture content. From there, it moves to the bodega for reposo, the resting stage that stabilizes and defines its final flavor profile. Carlos Alberto—José’s childhood friend and the farm manager oversee this entire drying cycle with meticulous care. 

Driven by curiosity and a constant desire to improve, José continues experimenting with varieties and processes, always seeking better agronomic performance, resilience, and cup quality. This spirit of innovation, combined with a commitment to environmental sustainability and community wellbeing, has turned Finca El Paraíso into a reference point in Nariño for both coffee excellence and responsible, forward-looking farming.