Fazenda São Judas Tadeu is nestled just outside the small town of Piatã, in Bahia's Chapada Diamantina region, at an elevation of 1,300 to 1,380 meters above sea level. Chapada Diamantina, which means "Diamond Plateau" in Portuguese, was historically mined for gemstones for over a century. Today, however, the region is renowned for its exceptional specialty coffee.
Owned by Antônio Rigno and his wife Terezinha, the farm has been a cornerstone of the local coffee community for more than 40 years. Antônio, who owns several farms in Piatã, is a highly respected figure in the region. Many local farmers seek his guidance and mentorship, and he generously allows them to process their coffee at the wet mill located on the São Judas Tadeu farm.
The warmth and hospitality of Antônio and Terezinha have made them influential leaders in Piatã. They frequently bring the coffee community together at the town's clubhouse and run a small café where they proudly showcase the region's outstanding coffees. The walls of the café are adorned with awards, including numerous Cup of Excellence honors, a testament to the couple's dedication to quality. Over the years, Antônio and Terezinha have not only produced great coffee themselves but have also helped their neighbours do the same by teaching improved agricultural practices that consistently lead to better results.
For Antônio, sharing his knowledge and expertise is both a duty and a joy. "There are no secrets," he says. "The people in Piatã are like my family. I want to help them produce great coffee. It's my responsibility and my pleasure."
Antônio's coffees have received numerous accolades, including multiple first-place awards in Bahia's state-sponsored Coffee Quality Competition during its early years (2004–2007). He has also earned several Cup of Excellence awards, including a second-place finish in 2014 and a first-place finish in 2015.
Fazenda São Judas Tadeu spans 35 hectares, with 15 hectares dedicated to coffee cultivation. The farm primarily grows Yellow and Red Catuaí varieties, though Antônio has also successfully introduced Bourbon trees after years of trials. Committed to sustainable farming, he minimizes the use of chemical pesticides and recycles coffee pulp as fertilizer. He has also planted numerous shade trees around the farm to prevent erosion and protect the coffee plants from excessive sun exposure. The remaining area of the farm is covered by natural forest, which Antônio actively preserves and expands by regularly planting new trees.
Antônio is equally mindful of the well-being of his workers, many of whom have been with him for over 20 years. After placing 18th in the 2011 Cup of Excellence competition, he purchased a motorcycle for each of his full-time employees as a gesture of gratitude. "They are like family and care as much as I do about quality," he explains. "I am very lucky." When asked about the secret to his success in the Cup of Excellence competition, Antônio credits his team above all else. "The terroir is important, but the real reason is my people."
This information and the accompanying images were kindly provided by our incredible import partners, Melbourne Coffee Merchants. We thank them for helping us share Antônio and Terezinha's story.
