Our most recent journey to Santa Barbara, Honduras, was preceded by torrential downpours, such that every drive to each of our producing partners required at least a general evaluation of whether or not the mostly dirt roads would be intact on our way. Where Ludwin is located on the mountain near the town of Las Peñitas, there was little question, as he has one of the highest properties in this area, and the roads are comically steep and prone to washing out completely. We arrived there, hours later, sweating profusely, to find Ludwin awaiting us.

His property is incredibly unique in that it’s located inside a bowl. Ridges on either side block wind and many hours of sunlight from hitting the farm each day. This kind of terrain is really ideal in the years that are incredibly hot, due to the area’s propensity to stay cool. In the cold, wet years, however, like the one they’ve just experienced, the farm can be incredibly challenging. Much of the harvest can be lost to frost, or rain, and yields are very small. Such is the nature of nature.