This past fall, The National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia partnered with BlogHer to give coffee lovers nationwide the opportunity to win a trip to Colombia to see first-hand how Colombian Coffee is cultivated and hand-picked and to meet Juan Valdez in the Colombian mountains.

Americans entered the "Win A Trip With Juan" contest by comparing their favorite items and activities to the unbeatable feeling of that first sip of 100% Colombian Coffee - their Feel Good Factor. Here's what the winner Nora Marsh, had to say about her experience in Colombia:

When I told my friends, family and co-workers about the trip that I won, there were varied reactions. “Wow, someone actually wins that stuff?” “Just wait, they’re going to make you watch a timeshare presentation when you get there.”

But the question I got the most often was, “Wait, are you really going to meet Juan Valdez? Does Juan Valdez really exist?” I work in advertising, and the creative partner at my agency said to me, “Do you realize that you are going to meet an advertising icon?!”

Meeting Juan Valdez was a great experience. But I also feel like I really got to understand what Juan Valdez represents for Colombians. More than just an advertising icon, he symbolizes an industry that helped build the economy, that is rooted within the deepest traditions of Colombian culture, and that has brought respect to the country. Juan Valdez is the quintessential Colombian. He seems to be the embodiment of the Colombian paisano. This is a word that we heard over and over, which is hard to explain, but I think it means someone from the countryside who is honest, industrious, and traditional. A “salt of the earth” type who keeps the old customs alive, and who knows how to have fun. Juan Valdez is honest. He prides himself on quality. And, as a Colombian cafetero, he works at the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia for his fellow-coffee growers. The Federation is an organization that rewards hard work with fair prices, and access to technological innovation. Learning about what the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia is doing for coffee growers- helping them to upgrade their production facilities, and helping to train young farmers and keep the next generation involved in the industry- was really inspiring.

So, when we came back, we got to tell everyone- Yes, there is a Juan Valdez. We have the photos to prove it! But Juan Valdez also is so much more than just a man. By the time I drink my cup of coffee every morning, each bean that I brew may have passed through dozens of hard-working hands. Juan Valdez represents them all. I’m glad I got to thank him- for the trip, and for the many, many cups of coffee.

Nora Marsh, contest winner

Blogger, LeahPeah, was invited to travel along to see where the worlds best coffee is grown.
LeahPeah blogged about her exciting adventure and has uploaded some really cool videos, too!
Click here to experience the amazing journey with the winner of the contest. This is a must read for coffee lovers everywhere!