In 2006, Alex Wood was considering growing another crop alongside the grapes at his Volcano Winery when he, too, met Dr. Zee, Mike, Eva, and Chiu. Alex now has a small plot of tea and uses the infusion, blended with macadamia nut honey, to make a delicious “tea wine.” He believes the cool nights and warm days in Hawaii give the tea an interesting and complex flavor profile. And at the winery, Alex loves the strong, positive emotion visitors show when viewing the tea field and drinking tea and tea wine made from the plants.
Despite the distance between the tea gardens, being situated on different islands, and the farmers’ busy lives, none of them works in isolation. There is an inspirational and optimistic sense of energy and dedication among Hawaii’s tea-farming community; all are committed to their work and to tea education. They are proud of what they have already achieved and of the growing interest in their teas. But most important are their love for their tea, the appreciation of the bond that links them as farmers to the land, and the opportunity to share the clear, bright infusions with tea lovers around the world.
Get in touch with these Hawaiian tea producers and purchase their products by visiting Tea Hawaii & Company, Cloudwater Farm, Mauna Kea Tea Farm, and Volcano Winery online.
Contributing Editor Jane Pettigrew is an international tea expert, who has written many books on the subject. A former tearoom owner, she is a much-sought-after consultant to tea businesses and hotels, a conference speaker, and a tea educator. Jane is the first recipient of the World Tea Award for Best Tea Educator. Although her travels take her around the globe, she resides in London.
Discover more seasonal recipes, table settings, and teatime inspiration by ordering your TeaTime subscription today!
