South of Shantawene village, surrounded by open grasslands and a winding river, the Ayla Shantawene Washing Station sits within the renowned coffee-growing region of Sidama, Ethiopia.

Here, coffee is deeply connected to the landscape and the communities who have cultivated it for generations. Cooler temperatures, steady airflow, and the natural environment create ideal conditions for producing coffees that are expressive, complex, and full of character.

Owned and operated by Testi Coffee, Ayla Shantawene Washing Station represents a commitment to building meaningful relationships with Ethiopia’s coffee-growing communities while producing exceptional specialty coffees. Through their work, Testi Coffee partners with hundreds of smallholder farmers, providing access to careful processing, quality-focused practices, and opportunities for producers to share their coffees with the specialty coffee market.

During harvest, approximately 725 organic smallholder farmers deliver carefully selected cherries to Ayla Shantawene Washing Station. Much of this coffee comes from family farms where harvesting and sorting are done by hand, carrying forward generations of knowledge, tradition, and care.