The Story Behind El Mirador

The story of Antonio “Toño” María is one of resilience, determination, and a lifelong commitment to coffee.

Originally from Colombia's Norte de Santander region, Antonio was displaced by violence during the 1990s. Seeking a fresh start, he relocated to the village of Media Luna with the support of family members. Using his savings, he purchased his first small plots of land, where he began growing coffee and beans to support his family.

Over the years, coffee became his sole focus. Through hard work and dedication, Antonio expanded his farm from just four plots to more than forty, while involving his children in the business and passing on his knowledge to the next generation.

Today, El Mirador is recognised for producing high-quality specialty coffee from the mountainous Perijá region. Antonio maintains strict quality standards throughout the harvest, rewarding pickers who select only perfectly ripe cherries. The coffee undergoes an initial fermentation before pulping, followed by a second 24-hour fermentation to carefully remove the remaining mucilage and develop sweetness and clarity in the cup.

The beans are then dried traditionally on patios at his home in Media Luna, where they are spread in thin layers and regularly turned under the Colombian sun to ensure an even and consistent drying process.

The result is a beautifully balanced espresso that reflects both the unique terroir of Perijá and Antonio's remarkable journey—offering bright fruit notes, gentle citrus character, and a smooth milk chocolate finish.