In March 2005, I had my first opportunity to travel to origin in Mexico. The pics here are only a snapshot of the incredible experience in visiting the lush ecosystem that produces our Direct Relationship Coffees known as Terruño Nayarita. The entire tour was an education in the life cycle and production methods that create the level of quality that sustains this method of business on every level possible. From seed to cup, every aspect of the coffee growth cycle is assessed.
    This particular harvest was severely diminished due to unseasonably heavy rains in the middle of the   harvest cycle. We met with farmers who had lost up to 90% of their expected crop, and the coming days of the harvest were not looking good. However, the buying contracts put into place through the Direct Relationship model of Terruño Nayarita provided these growers with the income needed to maintain their livelihood. The crop went on to produce an incredible harvest of natural-process coffees that exceeded every quality expectation; yielding the only coffee I’ve ever encountered that tasted of fresh green apple & pear.
    Beyond the slopes of coffee trees, the city of Tepic houses the offices of Cafés Sustentables de Nayarit. This is the main processing point for all coffees to be roasted and cupped, determining which lots can be blended with others that are similar; and which ones are kept separate to receive the prestigious Reserva Label. The significance of these cuppings reinforces quality control throughout the seasons, as the Terruño Nayarita model guarantees the purchase of 100% of the growers’ harvest, with an additional financial bonus for every lot that receives a SCAA grade 1 Reserva assessment.
    After seeing with my own eyes and meeting the people responsible for my joy of roasting, my devotion to this method of direct sourcing is only stronger, as year after year, the coffee continues to get better.