Tea Tourism: Exploring the World of Sustainable Tea
As summer travel plans start taking shape, many of us are looking for destinations that offer more than just relaxation—we want meaningful experiences that connect us with nature, culture, and tradition. If you're a tea lover, consider adding a visit to a tea estate to your itinerary. Tea tourism is a fantastic way to see firsthand how tea is grown, learn about the people behind your favorite brew, and even take part in the harvesting and crafting process.
For those interested in eco-conscious travel, there are several tea estates around the world that prioritize sustainability, ethical production, and community engagement. One such destination is our partner grower, Amba Estate in Sri Lanka, a small, independent tea estate in the Uva region known for its regenerative farming practices and handcrafted teas.
Visitors can explore lush mountain tea gardens, learn about Amba’s unique approach to artisanal tea-making, and enjoy fresh brews while surrounded by the breathtaking Sri Lankan highlands. Unlike large-scale tea plantations, Amba Estate operates on a small scale, ensuring that every step of the tea-making process is done with care—from handpicking to small-batch rolling and drying.
Sounds beyond perfect, right?
But of course, not everyone can hop on a plane to Sri Lanka this summer. Travel can be expensive, time-consuming, and environmentally taxing. The good news? You can still experience the flavors of Amba Estate right at home. Their Vangedi Pekoe and Ravana’s Uva Brew—both of which we have in stock—offer a taste of the region’s rich tea-making heritage. These teas are crafted with the same sustainable values that make Amba Estate a top destination for responsible travelers.
Virtual Tea Tourism: Explore the World of Tea from Home
If you're looking to keep your carbon footprint small or simply prefer a more relaxed approach to tea tourism, virtual options are becoming increasingly popular. Many tea estates, including small-scale farms, now offer virtual tea tastings, live farm tours, and educational sessions where you can learn directly from the growers without leaving home. Some estates host online brewing workshops, where you can order their teas in advance and join a guided session to learn the best way to prepare them.
Another way to engage in virtual tea tourism is by exploring the stories behind your tea. Every cup of single-origin tea has a journey—one that begins in the soil, passes through the hands of skilled farmers, and ends in your teapot. At Route 636, we believe in tea transparency, which means you can learn about the growers, their farming practices, and the traditions that shape their teas, even if you can’t visit in person.
Have a question about our teas? Reach out! If we don’t know the answer, we can chat with the grower.
Bringing the World of Tea to Your Cup
Whether you're planning a summer getaway to a tea estate, attending a virtual tasting, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a thoughtfully sourced tea, there are many ways to explore the world of tea tourism. If you have the chance to visit a sustainable tea farm like Amba Estate, it’s an experience that will deepen your appreciation for the craft behind every leaf. But if travel isn’t in the cards this year, remember that you don’t need a passport to take a journey through tea—you just need a good cup and a sense of curiosity.
Looking for your next tea adventure? Explore our collection of single-origin teas from sustainable farms, and let your taste buds do the traveling.