The story of Geisha in Santa Barbara represents a remarkable chapter in Honduras's coffee evolution. Coffee cultivation began in this region in the 1940s primarily in the lowlands, initially playing a secondary economic role. By the 1970s, rising prices elevated coffee to the region's primary economic sector, with production focused on traditional Typica and Bourbon varieties.

The journey toward premium quality faced a severe challenge in 2011 when coffee leaf rust devastated farms throughout the region. Rather than abandon coffee, determined producers saw an opportunity for renewal. While implementing rust-resistant varieties became necessary for many, the region's potential for exceptional quality was simultaneously being recognized through Cup of Excellence competitions.

In 2017, a pivotal moment arrived when producers introduced the prestigious Geisha variety to small plots in Santa Barbara. Known for its exceptional cup quality and commanding premium prices, Geisha represented both a challenge and an opportunity. Despite the variety's well-known cultivation difficulties, farmers embraced these challenges, adapting their practices to meet Geisha's specific needs.

The San Vicente mill became instrumental in this quality revolution, providing crucial support for producers to develop and export micro-lots of these premium coffees. This washed Geisha exemplifies the remarkable transformation taking place across Santa Barbara—a story of resilience, innovation, and commitment to quality that has made coffee not just the economic backbone of these communities but a source of cultural pride and identity.