Guji is a remote and storied zone in Ethiopia’s southern Oromia Region, home to the Oromo people—who speak their own distinct language, setting them culturally apart from the Amharic-speaking north. Each woreda (district) in Guji has its own rhythm, traditions, and approach to coffee cultivation, contributing to the remarkable diversity that defines Ethiopian coffee.
As demand grows for more refined processing, small washing stations are springing up across Guji. These new hubs are helping unlock the full spectrum of the region’s coffee potential—floral, vibrant, and complex.
The Uraga Washing Station, one of many small washing stations springing up across Guji, is nestled in the high-altitude forests, where elevation, climate, and heirloom varieties come together to produce highly expressive coffees. With altitudes ranging from 2,150 to 2,400 masl, the region is renowned for its slow cherry maturation, which results in dense beans and a crisp, clean cup profile.
The Ganale Dorya River flows through the land, a vital source of fresh water and a natural border between Guji and neighboring Bale. This particular coffee is fully washed at a central station, where meticulous care is given to every step of the process.