Colombia El Mirador Gesha washed

Wilson embodies the new generation of coffee growers. As a member of the ancient Inga tribe, he carries the weight of tradition on his shoulders—but his gaze is set firmly on the future. He envisions a world where exceptional coffee flourishes hand in hand with the cultural heritage of his people.

After decades of hardship, including a dark chapter of forced involvement in illicit crop production, the Inga community has transformed their land into a sanctuary for specialty coffee. Wilson is at the forefront of this revolution—experimenting with prized Gesha varieties and pushing the boundaries of cultivation and post-harvest processing on his farm, El Mirador.

Wilson's dedication to quality hasn’t gone unnoticed. For the past two years, his coffees have made it to the finals of the prestigious Cup of Excellence—clear proof of his consistent approach and unwavering commitment to excellence. While he deeply values traditional methods, he embraces innovation, always seeking new ways to highlight the unique terroir of his high-altitude plantations.

He works closely with both his family and the wider Inga community. Wilson is not just a coffee grower—he’s a symbol of hope and an inspiration to others. Beyond El Mirador, his family also breeds horses and runs a small shop in town—a reflection of the entrepreneurial spirit that is helping to revive the entire region.

Despite many challenges, including a recent natural disaster that left many families without homes, Wilson and the Inga community remain resilient. They continue to protect their land and cultural values, while embracing the new opportunities that specialty coffee brings.