Alta Organic Coffee & Tea Company

Alta was part of the beginning of the “Coffee House” wave and so was Patti. The original “Wild Woman,” Patti Spooner, known not just for her amazing organic coffee and tea, but also as a fearless businesswoman with cutting edge ideas who never settles for less than sustainable and local. Prior to owning Alta Organic Coffee and Tea Company in Davenport, CA, Patti was the original owner of Alta Coffee Warehouse and Roasting Company in Newport Beach, CA. They started roasting coffee in 1984 then sold the business as a café 12 years later. It is still there today.  The name “Alta” came from naming the business after a woman Patti has always admired and viewed as a hero, her mom Alta. A fearless woman herself, at the age 95 years old, she is still stirring it up. Alta also means “high” and that is the region that coffees are grown, high altitudes.

It was here in Newport Beach, CA, where Patti and her partner, Tony Wilson created the second coffeehouse in existence in the area at the time. They established their own green waste program and recycle areas.  They were first to offer fresh scones and homemade muffins and granola. There was even a “bring your own ceramic mug” policy and got $.25 off your coffee.  After 12 years she and her partner sold the business, then soon after moved to Davenport, CA, with her two sons Max and Mike.

It has been 15 years now since the family of Spooners first began their coffee roasting business in Davenport, CA.