La Riviera

Finca La Riviera is a distinguished coffee plantation situated in the village of La Estrella within the municipality of Santa Rosa de Cabal, in the Risaralda department of Colombia. The farm is part of the 'coffee axis' or 'coffee triangle,' a region celebrated for its significant contributions to the global coffee industry. Managed by Julio Cesar Madrid, a third-generation coffee cultivator, the farm was acquired in 2013 with a specific vision: to transition from traditional farming toward the production of high-end specialty coffee by focusing on non-traditional varieties and rigorous quality control.

The farm operates as a key component of the UBA Coffee project, an alliance that includes other notable estates such as Finca Milán, Finca Capri, and Finca Buenos Aires. This collaborative structure allows for shared expertise and a unified approach to sustainable, high-quality production. La Riviera itself spans approximately 40 hectares, benefiting from an elevation of 1,700 to 1,800 meters above sea level and a stable climate with temperatures ranging between 18 and 28 degrees Celsius, which provides an ideal environment for the cultivation of diverse coffee species.

One of the defining characteristics of Finca La Riviera is its extraordinary botanical diversity. The farm is home to more than 10, and by some accounts over 19, distinct coffee varieties. This collection includes highly sought-after and rare cultivars such as Gesha, Sudan Rume, and Sidra. By maintaining such a wide genetic library, the farm is able to experiment with the unique flavor profiles inherent to these varieties, positioning itself as a leader in the Colombian specialty coffee market.

Beyond variety selection, the farm is recognized for its technical approach to processing. Julio Madrid has gained acclaim for implementing innovative methods, including the use of bioreactors for controlled fermentation. By utilizing selected indigenous yeasts during the fermentation process, the farm is able to enhance the aromatic depth, clarity, and complexity of its lots. These methods have resulted in coffees noted for distinct, vibrant profiles, often featuring notes of stone fruit, citrus, and floral aromatics like rose and lavender.

For the roaster and the consumer, the La Riviera tag represents a commitment to precision and experimentation. The farm's output is frequently sought after by specialty roasters globally, who value the consistency and the 'fun, different' characteristics that result from Madrid’s meticulous management. Whether through fully washed, natural, or bioreactor-processed lots, the farm consistently delivers beans that challenge traditional expectations of Colombian coffee.

Julio Madrid’s work at La Riviera has earned him a reputation as an award-winning producer. His dedication to the craft—from the careful selection of varieties to the precise execution of post-harvest processing—has made the farm a benchmark for modern Colombian specialty production. As the industry continues to prioritize agricultural innovation and climate resilience, Finca La Riviera stands as a prime example of how traditional heritage can be successfully merged with modern scientific techniques to elevate the quality of the final cup.