At Java City, every cup of coffee begins with a story. Behind the smooth, balanced flavors we roast in Sacramento are the hands and hearts of farmers who have dedicated generations to cultivating coffee. One of those farmers is Ernesto Mierisch, a fourth-generation producer from Las Lajas in Matagalpa, Nicaragua.
A Family Legacy Since 1896
Coffee isn’t just a morning beverage for Ernesto, it’s his livelihood. His family has been farming coffee since 1896, passing down not only land but knowledge, traditions, and a deep respect for nature. Today, Ernesto continues that legacy at Las Lajas, where his team of 500–700 seasonal workers carefully tends to coffee trees growing at 1,100 meters above sea level.
A Love for Nature and Craft
When asked what he loves most about being a coffee farmer, Ernesto’s answer is simple yet profound:
“I love nature and the versatility of the coffee industry—watching someone plant a seed, nurture it until it bears cherries, handpick them, process them, and finally roast them. It’s a reminder to never take for granted the cup of coffee we drink each morning.”
That sense of wonder fuels everything at Las Lajas, where coffee is processed with meticulous care using washed, honey, and natural methods. Sometimes, Ernesto and his team even experiment with yeast fermentation to unlock new flavors, a blend of tradition and innovation that reflects his approach to farming.
Farming With Purpose
Las Lajas is more than a farm, it’s a community. Ernesto’s family has built a church, a clinic, and a school on the property, supporting the workers and their families who call the farm home during the season. Sustainability is also central to his philosophy. The farm is glyphosate-free and shade-grown in lower areas, ensuring the health of the land for generations to come.
The Human Side of Coffee
For Ernesto, coffee is not just a product—it’s a relationship. He has partnered with Java City for more than 31 years, working closely with our team to bring his beans to Sacramento. He often says:
“Coffee is secondary, because we don’t sell coffee—we sell a relationship.”
It’s a belief that aligns perfectly with our values at Java City. Every roast is more than beans and heat, it’s a connection from farmer to roaster to cup.
Life on the Farm
During harvest season, Ernesto’s days begin before dawn. By 5 a.m., he’s on the farm, checking the washing and fermentation from the night before. He walks the plantations to evaluate ripeness and decide where to pick next. Later, he heads to the dry mill, cupping and checking quality to ensure every lot is ready for storage and export. And the next day, he does it all again.
But amidst the hard work are moments of joy. Ernesto recalls one of his favorite memories—hosting a delegation of over 60 coffee professionals from across the Americas at Las Lajas, where knowledge and stories were shared across cultures. And each year, when the picking season ends, Ernesto celebrates with his workers at a farmwide party, a tradition that honors the effort of every hand that touched the coffee harvest.
From Nicaragua to Sacramento
When you sip a cup of Java City coffee at Sacramento State, you’re not just enjoying something roasted with care, you’re tasting the dedication of farmers like Ernesto, whose family has poured generations of passion into every bean. From soil to soul, this is coffee worth never taking for granted.
