Sidra, Rafa Aya Martinez, Colombia

Tasting notes: Fruit punch, Jasmine, Watermelon Variety: SIDRA Elevation: 1880 MASL Region: Timana, Huila Process: Washed Our first offering of the Sidra variety. Rafael Aya has dedicated over 20 years to growing coffee, though his connection to the crop goes back to childhood. “When I was born, they gave me a tinto instead of milk,” he jokes, using the Colombian term for black coffee. Originally from Tolima, Rafa moved to Huila at 17, where he met his wife, Elvira Cuellar. They built their home and farm, La Virginia, in the verdant hills outside Timaná, where they cultivate three and a half hectares of coffee alongside a variety of fruits, vegetables, and sugarcane. Our relationship with Rafa began in 2021 when Vivid’s founder, Ian Bailey, was invited to stay at La Virginia. At the time, most of his coffee was being sold to Welder Catherine, a specialty coffee roaster in Moscow. Since then, our partnership has grown, and we’ve had the privilege of sourcing some of his exceptional coffee. The Aya family embraces a sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle, raising their own food and caring for animals. Rafa, a former traveling musician, still shares his love for music with his son Emanuel, who sings, plays instruments, and speaks fluent English—all self-taught. Since 2016, Rafa has been pushing the boundaries of coffee production, constantly innovating to improve quality. La Virginia’s unique geography—a lush river valley separating the main house from the coffee fields—once made harvesting a challenge. But with characteristic ingenuity, the family built a cable car system, transforming a half-hour trek into a five-minute ride. Rafa’s dedication has earned his coffee international recognition, winning championships abroad. We’re honored to deepen our relationship with the Aya family and share the exceptional coffee of La Virginia with Vivid’s community. Shipping and Pickup Details: We are currently fulfilling orders and shipping via USPS Monday through Friday. Select USPS for shipping. New Pick-Up Policy: Online orders and subscription pick-ups will be held 150 Cherry Street, Burlington, Vermont (the location of our new cafe) during cafe business hours Current hours are Mon-Fri 7am to 4pm and Sat-Sun 8am-4pm.