Meet María Rosa: The Matriarch Behind One of Colombia’s Finest Single Origin Coffees

When we talk about single origin coffee, we often focus on the taste — floral, sweet, complex. But behind every exceptional cup is a story, and few are as inspiring as that of María Rosa Oidor and her family’s farm, Los Nogales, tucked away in the highlands of San Antonio, Inzá, Colombia.

A Family Legacy Rooted in the Hills of Inzá

Twenty years ago, María Rosa and her husband Alfonso Pillimué used the proceeds from their modest general store to purchase a small two-hectare plot of land they named Los Nogales — “the walnut trees” in Spanish. While Alfonso continues to run the store, María Rosa took charge of the farm, and through her tireless dedication, it has become a standout origin for specialty coffee in the region.

Los Nogales sits at 2,000 meters above sea level, high enough to grow high-quality, slow-ripening coffee cherries that develop exceptional sweetness and complexity — perfect for brewing an elegant filter or pulling a beautifully layered espresso at home.

Pink Bourbon: A Bold Step Toward Quality

Originally home to Caturra, Typica, and Tabi varieties, Los Nogales has since undergone a complete transformation. María Rosa made the bold decision to replant the entire farm with Pink Bourbon, a variety linked to Ethiopian heritage and known for its floral notes and refined cup profile.

Despite its vulnerability to disease, the farm’s altitude and hands-on organic practices — including on-site fertiliser production and careful tree management — allow this unique variety to thrive. Each cherry is picked by hand in multiple passes to ensure optimal ripeness, before undergoing a meticulous washed process using clean river water and 36-hour fermentation.

A Coffee That Builds Community

María Rosa is not just a coffee producer — she’s a leader. In San Antonio, her voice echoes through the town’s loudspeaker, rallying neighbours during emergencies and coordinating community efforts. During a devastating flood, she led the reconstruction of a key bridge, reconnecting the town with the outside world.

She’s also been pivotal in introducing specialty coffee practices to the region, working closely with Pergamino, trusted export partners. 

From Farm to Your Home Espresso Machine

The result of this extraordinary care? A single origin coffee that’s bursting with clarity, sweetness, and complexity — ideal for anyone seeking espresso for home that goes beyond the ordinary. Whether you brew it as a filter or espresso, Los Nogales Pink Bourbon offers a taste of the high Andes, the strength of a matriarch, and the spirit of a resilient community.

Why We Love It

• Origin: San Antonio, Inzá, Colombia

• Producer: María Rosa Oidor & the Pillimué Family

• Variety: 100% Pink Bourbon

• Process: Fully Washed

• Altitude: 2,000m

• Cup Profile: Parfait, Floral, sweet, complex — perfect for filter or home espresso