frequently asked questions
Where can I buy Route 636 locally?
You can find our tea at these Roanoke, Virginia retailers. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date about where you can find our teas in the area.
When will my favorite tea be available?
We restock based on our partner growers' supply. We announce restocks via email.
Why isn't Route 636 on social media?
We’ve chosen to disengage from social media to focus on building meaningful, transparent connections with you. Read more on our About Us page.
What does single origin mean?
Single origin tea refers to tea that is sourced from a specific geographic location, typically from a single farm or region. This approach highlights the tea's unique flavor profile, terroir (environmental factors influencing taste), and the traceability of its production process, emphasizing transparency and quality control.
Read more, here.
Are Route 636 teas organic?
Yes, all of our products are cultivated without pesticides. However, they are not always certified. This is for a few reasons, including the high cost associated with certification.
Click here for more information.
How many servings are in one ounce of loose tea leaves?
One ounce of loose tea leaves typically yields 10-15 cups, based on your preferred strength and the dry tea's density. Light teas will yield more cups than dense ones. And, our high-quality teas can be re-steeped 1-2 times to yield even more cups per ounce.
How long do I steep my tea?
It depends on the tea! Brewing tips for each Route 636 tea are included in the product description. In general a black tea needs to brew 3-5 minutes, white teas 1-2 minutes, and green teas often brew for 1-3 minutes.
Check out our guide to learn more about brewing loose leaf tea.
What are your green initiatives?
Most importantly, Route 636 is committed to only offering sustainably farmed loose teas. We don't offer bagged teas because of the waste associated with most tea bags. We're a small business with no brick and mortar location, so our carbon footprint is small. Route 636 products are packaged in 100% compostable materials, right down to shipping labels. And we've been zero waste since we opened shop.
And we partner with tea growers and materials suppliers, like Living Ink Technologies, that share our commitment to hospitality for people and planet.
What's the best way to reach customer service?
Whatever is most convenient for you: Use the Contact Us page or send us an email at Route636TeaCo [at] gmail.com.