Solorzano Family

The Solorzano family is the driving force behind La Margarita Coffee Reserve, a specialty coffee farm situated in the Ocobamba Valley District within the Department of Cusco, Peru. Established in 2017, the farm serves as a model for modern, ecologically conscious coffee production in a region increasingly recognized for its high-quality output. The family’s approach is defined by a deep connection to their local ecosystem, leveraging the unique microclimate of the valley to cultivate coffee that reflects the specific terroir of the Peruvian highlands. By working as a cohesive family unit alongside members of their local community, they have successfully transitioned from traditional farming to a specialized, high-value production model.

Central to the Solorzano family’s philosophy is a commitment to holistic cultivation practices. Since the inception of their project, they have prioritized environmental stewardship, implementing techniques that go beyond standard agricultural requirements. This includes the strategic intercropping of fruit trees among their coffee plants to naturally enrich soil health and the active preservation of local bee populations to support biodiversity. By growing their coffee under shade, they maintain an ecologically diverse environment that protects the plants while fostering a healthier, more resilient farm ecosystem.

Beyond their field practices, the family has made significant investments in the infrastructure necessary to elevate their coffee to the specialty market. A key development in their operation was the establishment of an on-farm cupping lab, which allows them to perform rigorous quality control and sensory analysis on-site. This technical capability enables the family to refine their processing methods and ensure that only the highest-quality cherries reach the final export stage. This focus on precision and quality has been instrumental in their ability to compete on the international stage.

The effectiveness of the Solorzano family’s methods is evidenced by their performance in prestigious industry competitions. In 2021, Marco Solorzano achieved a notable 6th place finish in the Cup of Excellence, a recognition that solidified the family’s reputation among specialty roasters and importers. Such accolades serve as a testament to the success of their sustainable, quality-focused approach and highlight the potential for smallholder farms in Cusco to produce world-class coffee when supported by technical investment and environmental care.

For the roaster and the consumer, the Solorzano family represents a shift toward greater transparency and intentionality in the supply chain. By maintaining direct relationships with partners who value their sustainable techniques, the family ensures that their story—and the specific environmental conditions of the Ocobamba Valley—is communicated clearly to the end drinker. This connection provides roasters with a reliable source of high-scoring coffee while offering consumers a product that is both ethically produced and sensorially distinct.

Today, the Solorzano family continues to develop their techniques, balancing the demands of specialty coffee production with the preservation of their land. Their journey from 2017 to the present day illustrates the impact of family-led innovation in the coffee sector. As they continue to refine their processes and expand their reach, they remain a prominent example of how small-scale producers can leverage local knowledge and modern science to achieve excellence in the global specialty coffee market.