Producer Profile: Don Gabriel Cortes of El Tractor, Colombia
We first discovered Don Gabriel Cortes’ exceptional coffee in an unexpected place – Glasgow! At the 2019 Glasgow Coffee Festival, we met Diana from Colombian Artisan Coffee, who had just begun importing coffee from her native Colombia to the UK. Diana, originally from San Roque near Medellín, has three brothers who grow coffee in a region brimming with potential and home to many small-scale producers.
As ever, we’re always on the lookout for unique coffees, and Diana had something special she believed would be a perfect fit for us. One taste, and we were convinced.
The Journey Begins: El Tractor and Beyond
Our first batch of coffee came from a blend of cherries grown on three farms: El Descanso, El Tractor, and Villa Sierra. All were processed at the Renacer micro-washing station in Medellín. The following year, we purchased a single lot from El Tractor that truly stood out – and we’ve been buying from Don Gabriel ever since.
El Tractor is located on the eastern edge of Medellín at an impressive 2,300 metres above sea level, where Don Gabriel primarily cultivates Bourbon varietal coffee.
A Life Rebuilt Through Coffee
Don Gabriel has been a farmer since childhood in Vegachí, around 70 miles northeast of Medellín. Sadly, over sixteen years ago, violence in the region forced him to abandon his home and livelihood. He began anew in the neighbourhood of La Sierra, founding El Tractor and committing to coffee farming once again.
Coffee cultivation is a long-term investment – trees take at least three years to bear fruit – so Don Gabriel’s decision to start over is nothing short of inspirational.
Coming from a humble background, Don Gabriel lived in a self-built hut without electricity or a mobile phone. Everything – from supplies to communication – was a 30-minute walk away through steep, often treacherous terrain. He relied on donkeys to transport coffee cherries down the mountain to the washing station, where they’re fermented in tanks and dried on raised beds. The fact that he produces such high-quality coffee under these conditions is nothing short of miraculous.
A Setback and a Turning Point
In late 2023, Don Gabriel suffered a serious machete accident on his farm, badly injuring his hand. Such injuries are not uncommon on coffee farms, but for an older farmer living remotely without electricity, the risks were far greater. He waited for someone to visit, hoping the wound would heal on its own.
By the time help arrived, the injury had worsened, and he had begun to lose mobility in his hand. A visiting family member persuaded him to seek medical attention. Diana, who maintains close relationships with all the farmers she works with, travelled to see him in hospital and generously covered his medical expenses through Colombian Artisan Coffee.
Supporting Don Gabriel’s Recovery
After ensuring Don Gabriel was receiving proper care, Diana reached out to Roland, our Green Buyer, to share the news and ask if we could help. While Diana covered the medical bills, we decided to fund the installation of solar panels at El Tractor – bringing electricity to Don Gabriel’s home for the very first time.
Today, Don Gabriel is recovering well. He’s regaining mobility in his hand, taking his medication, and – in true Don Gabriel fashion – already back to farming! The solar panels now power lighting, a fridge, a phone charger, a TV, and even a sound system. After living by candlelight for over a decade, this transformation is truly heartwarming.
You can catch a glimpse of Don Gabriel and his brother in a recent video shared by Diana on the Colombian Artisan Coffee Instagram – it’s well worth a watch.
A Commitment to Quality
Don Gabriel is meticulous about cherry selection on his farm – a commitment that shines through in the cup. Only the ripest cherries that meet his high standards are selected for fermentation. After screening, they’re transported to the processing centre, ensuring consistency and quality in every lot.
Why We’re Proud to Work with Don Gabriel
We’re honoured to buy coffee from Don Gabriel and to have played a small part in his recovery. Relationships like these – with producers and exporters who care deeply about quality and community – are what make our work so rewarding. We’re grateful for their dedication and proud to roast Don Gabriel’s coffee for you all in Stafford.
