Story
A family that chose to continue
Back in the 1970s, running “Finca Los Nogales” was anything but easy. It was relentless, hard work with very little reward… And Doña Suldery and Don Ricaurte had eight children to feed. Even though Don Ricaurte poured his heart and soul into the land, he told his children to build a life far away from the farm. He believed coffee farming had no future, and while part of him hoped one of his children would eventually carry on his legacy, he knew that would mean taking on the same heavy burden.
Despite those hard years, Don Ricaurte made history in 2005. He won Colombia’s first-ever Cup of Excellence. A moment that put Bruselas, Pitalito on the world map of specialty coffee.
Then, in 2013, everything changed when Don Ricaurte’s life was tragically taken. The family was left with deep grief and a heavy choice: sell the farm, or find a way to keep going.
Finding a way forward wasn't simple. Since everyone had chosen different career paths, no one had experience running a coffee farm.
Oscar, the youngest son, was serving in the Colombian Navy at the time. Driven by a deep need to protect his father’s legacy, he quit his job and returned home. Taking what he learned in the Navy and his background in agricultural studies, Oscar began learning everything else from scratch.
Together with a small part of the family, they decided to give Nogales a second chance, and Nogales gave the family a second chance.
Over the past 10 years, the Nogales farm grew from just 2 hectares to 27. They planted new varieties, refined fermentation methods, built complete processing infrastructure, bought another farm called Nakura and established direct, long-term partnerships with roasters and importers worldwide.
Present
Today, almost all the Hernández brothers and sisters work together on the farm, alongside their partners, children, uncles, nieces, and nephews. The fourth generation is actively shaping Nogales, while the fifth generation is already growing up among the coffee trees, with cupping spoons in their hands.
Our mission? Building from Origin
“Nogales will keep evolving, but our goal isn't just to get bigger. My vision is to build a professional, origin-integrated coffee enterprise—one that creates dignified employment, inspires the next generation, and pushes the boundaries of quality alongside the world's best roasters and competitors. We aren't here to chase short-lived trends. We are here to build something that lasts. We are producing Timeless coffee—the coffee I always want to drink.”
— Oscar Hernández
.png)
.png)
The People Behind Nogales
Nogales is a family business, but for us, family goes far beyond the Hernández name.
Today, brothers, sisters, children, partners, and long-time team members all drive the company forward. From cultivation, harvesting, and bio-fermentation in the fields to quality control, roasting, logistics, and international relations. Every step is run by people who care about this land.
We didn’t just inherit coffee, we chose it.
Team Members
Oscar Hernandez
CEO
The visionary leader behind Nogales. With bold ideas and a tireless passion for coffee, he has guided the path that has brought us this far. His energy and innovation inspire the entire team.
Angie Hernandez
Head of Operations
Angie oversees operations at Nogales and keeps a clear overview of our coffee inventory and sales capacity. She knows exactly what coffee is in stock and she ensures that daily operations run smoothly and efficiently across the entire team.
Anibal Diaz
Head of Coffee
In charge of the cupping laboratory. Intelligent, precise and passionate about coffee. Defines cup profiles and roasting curves that represent the best of our work.
Eva van de Water
Relations and Sales Manager
Strong in communication and naturally good with people. Eva builds relationships worldwide and feels at home in many cultures. Thanks to her language skills and broad network, she connects Nogales with partners and clients across the globe.
Dahyana Rivillas
Relations and Sales Manager
Dayana brings extensive experience in international coffee markets, especially across Asia and Australia. Thanks to her analytical mind and open perspective, she builds strong relationships and is always curious to learn more about coffee. She connects Nogales with the world.
Nancy Hernandez
Head of Finance
The mastermind behind the numbers. Nancy is dedicated, meticulous and talented, and ensures that every financial decision keeps Nogales growing and balanced.
Diana Muñoz
Sales Manager Colombia
Responsible for green coffee sales in Colombia. Diana is the main point of contact for clients looking to purchase our coffee locally. She also handles inquiries for Nogales products beyond coffee, making sure every request is handled clearly and efficiently.
Paola Hernandez
Lab Assistent
Always with a smile, Paola supports Aníbal in the day-to-day work of the lab. Precise and attentive to detail, she makes sure everything is perfectly prepared, especially when guests visit. Her calm presence helps the lab run smoothly.
Santiago Piñeros
Multi-Support Assistant
Santiago supports the team wherever he is needed, from field work to tasks at the processing plant. He is also in charge of roasting, bringing care and attention to every batch. Always ready to step in and help, he brings energy and a positive attitude to every part of the operation.
Lilliana Hernandez
Processing Manager
Responsible for overseeing the coffee processing at Nogales. Liliana ensures that every step, from cherry to green coffee, is carried out with precision and care. Responsible, committed, and attentive to every detail, she keeps the entire process running smoothly.