Finca Lomaverde

Finca Lomaverde is a cornerstone of the Santa Bárbara Estate, a collection of five farms situated in the Andes Mountains of Antioquia, Colombia. Founded in the 1970s by Pedro Echavarría Sr., the estate has evolved from a high-volume operation into a model of modern, quality-focused coffee production. Today, the farm is managed by Pedro Echavarría Jr., representing a multi-generational commitment to the land and the specialty coffee industry. The farm sits at an elevation of 1,950 meters above sea level, where the combination of volcanic soil and a cool, cloud-covered climate creates an ideal environment for slow cherry maturation and the development of complex flavor profiles.

The farm is perhaps best known for its cultivation of the Chiroso variety, a coffee cultivar that has gained significant acclaim for its vibrant, fruit-forward characteristics. Under the stewardship of the Echavarría family, Finca Lomaverde has become a primary source for high-quality Chiroso, often processed using both washed and natural methods to highlight the variety's inherent sweetness and acidity. The family’s approach to processing is highly technical, often involving controlled fermentation periods—such as 48-hour cycles—followed by careful drying in greenhouse conditions to ensure consistency and cup clarity.

Beyond its agricultural output, Finca Lomaverde is integral to the broader Santa Bárbara operation, which includes a dry mill, roastery, and export company known as Pergamino. This vertical integration allows the Echavarría family to maintain strict quality control from the harvest through to the final export. Furthermore, the estate operates an Allied Producer Program, which connects neighboring smallholder farmers with international buyers, facilitating a more equitable and transparent supply chain that helps producers achieve higher premiums for their crops.

Environmental stewardship is a core tenet of the farm's management. Finca Lomaverde utilizes shade-grown practices and has implemented a long-term reforestation program spanning over two decades, aimed at replanting native trees across the estate. This commitment to biodiversity not only supports the health of the coffee crop but also preserves the local ecosystem, reflecting a holistic approach to farm management that balances productivity with ecological responsibility.

For roasters and consumers, Finca Lomaverde represents the intersection of traditional Colombian coffee heritage and modern specialty innovation. The coffees produced here are frequently cited for their distinct tasting notes, which often include stone fruits like peach and apricot, floral aromatics, and a silky, honey-like sweetness. The farm's ability to consistently produce high-scoring microlots has made it a sought-after origin for specialty roasters worldwide who prioritize traceability and direct relationships.

The story of Finca Lomaverde is one of continuous improvement and professionalization. By transitioning from a focus on scale to a focus on health, quality, and direct market access, the Echavarría family has secured a reputation as pioneers in the Colombian coffee sector. Their work serves as a documented example of how high-elevation, family-run estates can leverage specific varietals and rigorous processing standards to elevate the profile of an entire region on the global stage.