Guji is a zone located in the Oromia region of Ethiopia, named after one of the tribes of the Oromo people. It is bordered to the south by Borena, to the west by the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region, and to the north by the Ganale Dorya River, which separates it from Bale. Historically, Guji was considered part of the broader Yirgacheffe and Sidama zones, with no formal geographical distinction.

However, in September 2002, Guji was officially designated as a separate administrative region. This development has allowed the unique qualities of its terroir to gain proper recognition—particularly its distinct microclimate, which sets it apart from the surrounding coffee-producing areas.

The coffee in question originates from the Uraga washing station, located at the heart of a network of smallholder farmers who cultivate coffee on their family-owned plots. These so-called “garden coffees” grow among a variety of other crops, and are the product of traditional, small-scale farming practices that remain largely untouched by industrial agriculture.