If you asked people to list tea producing countries, you’re likely to get answers such as China and India. The United States probably wouldn’t come to mind at all. But, the US actually does grow tea. A handful of tea producers currently grow and sell local tea and the number of operations is increasing. While most are small, private operations, there are a few larger tea estates that welcome visitors.
Charleston Tea Garden (Charleston, SC)
Currently owned by the Bigelow family, Charleston Tea Garden has been in operation since 1963, but it’s plants are much older. They were transplanted from the Pinehurst Tea Plantation that was founded in 1888. Visitors are welcome and the estate offers a short factory tour that shows how tea is harvested and processed, free tastings, and walks or a trolley tour through the tea fields.
Table Rock Tea Company (Pickens, SC)
Nestled in the northern foothills, Table Rock Tea Company mixes traditional and modern methods to produce small batches of high quality tea. Visitors are welcome, but reservations are recommended. They offer a guided tour that covers the grounds, greenhouses, and processing facility. Part of every purchase goes to support global charities.
Big Island Tea (Mountain View, HI)
Located between Hilo and Volcano Village on the Big Island, Big Island Tea is a small part of a larger forest restoration project headed by the company’s owners. Here you can tour the grounds, taste tea, and even make your own! They have a special tour where you can pick your own tea leaves, process them, and take the results home with you. Reservations are required for tours.
Mauna Kea Tea (Honoka’a, HI)
Mauna Kea Tea is an organic tea garden located in the northern portion of the Big Island. The farm welcomes visitors, but is only open by appointment, so make sure to contact them in advance if you wish to visit. Tours consist of a walk through the gardens and a tasting of their teas.
Tea Hawaii & Company
Part of a collection of Hawaiian tea producers, Tea Hawaii & Company offers tastings, tours, and educational sessions. Reservations are required.
Fairhope Tea Plantation (Fairhope, AL)
The plants from Fairhope Tea Plantation have a unique backstory. Salvaged from an agricultural research stations during the aftermath of Hurricane Frederick, three scraggly plants started what would become a much larger operation. Visitors are welcome, but reservations are required in advance.
The Great Mississippi Tea Company (Brookhaven, MS)
The Great Mississippi Tea Company offers both basic tours and several levels of immersive tours where you can participate directly in the tea harvesting and processing. Reservations are required in advance.
Minto Island Tea Company (Salem, OR)
Though the founders of this small, organic farm were originally skeptical, it turns out that tea really likes the weather in Oregon. Minto Island Tea Company is only open to visitors on a limited basis and advance reservations are required.
