In 2011, my journey to Puerto Rico began, and it was a connection that struck me instantly. I felt an irresistible urge to return, and it was during one unforgettable night at La Placita in San Juan that fate intervened.

An elderly woman in her 80s, seated in a wooden chair, called out to me. As I approached, she grasped my hand and asked, "My sweetie, where have you been? I've missed you." It was a moment that left me in awe, unsure if it was magic, déjà vu, or something more profound.

As an adopted child, there were aspects of my heritage veiled in mystery. Inspired by a friend's advice and my deepening bond with Puerto Rico, I decided to take a DNA test. The results were astonishing – I had countless relatives on the island. Suddenly, my spiritual connection made perfect sense, echoing the Puerto Rican saying, "La sangre llama" – your blood calls to you.

Another Spanish proverb, "A la tercera va la vencida" (The third time is the charm), seemed to hold true. On my third visit, while hiking through the breathtaking El Yunque rainforest, a place of immense beauty and spiritual significance, I felt an unmistakable call from my ancestors – a call to come home.

This call led to the creation of Cafe Don Mateo, situated on 250 acres in the Utuado mountains of Puerto Rico. Our hacienda resides within the subtropical humid forest, just across from the renowned El Yunque rainforest. We've earned recognition for our commitment to preserving the forest and its 24 resident bird species.

At Cafe Don Mateo, we cultivate our coffee in the shade, thriving at an elevation of 2,300 feet. We take great care in growing and processing our coffee using traditional methods, all to offer you the most authentic and exceptional coffee experience possible. - Don Mateo