Colombia, Léo Henao

This 100% Chiroso micro-lot was grown and processed at Finca El Jardín, which translates to “The Garden” in Spanish. Previously known as Finca La Palma, the property was once part of the Santa Bárbara Estate, owned by the Echavarría family, founders of Pergamino. Today, it belongs to Léo Henao, Pergamino's Director of Coffee, and his wife, Jenny. Located in the municipality of Santa Bárbara in Colombia's Antioquia state, the 67-hectare farm (with 15 hectares under coffee) sits at an impressive 1,950–2,050 meters above sea level. Its rich volcanic soil and abundant water sources contribute to exceptional productivity, even at such high elevations.

Léo has dedicated most of his adult life to coffee, working across farms, mills, quality assurance, and coffee buying in Colombia's growing regions. Holding a Master’s degree in fermentation science, he has shared his expertise with numerous producers. Previously, in collaboration with his brother Felipe and close friend Jorge Cuéllar, Léo operated Los Palomos in Urrao, Antioquia. In 2020, their farm won first place in Colombia’s Cup of Excellence with a lot named 'Los Tres Mosqueteros' (“The Three Musketeers”), a nod to their adventurous spirit. However, due to security concerns and the long travel from Medellín, where Léo and his family live, they sold the farm in 2022.

Still passionate about agriculture and fermentation, Léo was offered the opportunity to purchase La Palma in 2024 by Pergamino’s Managing Director and close friend, Pedro Echavarría. The property’s independent wet mill and drying facilities made it an ideal choice, allowing it to operate separately from Santa Bárbara Estate. Léo accepted the offer and renamed the farm El Jardín, inspired by the garden of Greek philosopher Epicurus - a place where knowledge was freely shared among the Athenians.

For Léo, El Jardín represents a continuation of his work at Los Palomos - a space for learning, experimentation, and innovation in coffee fermentation. The farm cultivates several varieties, including the rust-resistant hybrid Colombia, high-value Chiroso and Gesha, and a small amount of SL28. By focusing on controlled experimentation at a manageable scale, Léo can provide informed, experience-based advice to the producers he regularly engages with. His goal is to ensure that Pergamino’s broader network of growers benefits from these insights, helping them optimize their crops for better quality and higher financial returns. 

This information and images have kindly been shared with us by our incredible import partners Melbourne Coffee Merchants. We thank them for helping us share Leo's story.