What is the Largest Tea Plantation in the United States? [2024]

Video: See Inside The Largest Tea Plantation In The US.

Picture this: rolling hills of lush green tea plants as far as the eye can see, the aroma of freshly brewed tea wafting through the air, and the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze. If you’re a tea lover like us, this scene is pure paradise. But where can you find the largest tea plantation in the United States? We’ve done the research and are excited to share our findings with you. So grab a cup of your favorite tea and let’s dive in!

Quick Answer

The largest tea plantation in the United States is the Charleston Tea Plantation, located on Wadmalaw Island in Charleston County, South Carolina. Founded in 1888 by Dr. Charles Shepard, the plantation spans 127 acres and is home to approximately 150,000 tea plants. It offers tours, educational experiences, and sells finished tea. Co-owned by William Hall and the Bigelow family, the Charleston Tea Plantation is a historic gem that has won top honors at the 1904 World’s Fair.

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Quick Tips and Facts

The Charleston Tea Plantation is the largest tea plantation in the United States, spanning 127 acres.
It was founded in 1888 by Dr. Charles Shepard and is located on Wadmalaw Island in Charleston County, South Carolina.

The plantation is home to approximately 150,000 tea plants.
The Charleston Tea Plantation offers tours, educational experiences, and sells finished tea.
It is co-owned by William Hall and the Bigelow family.

The plantation has a rich history and won top honors at the 1904 World’s Fair.

Background: The Charleston Tea Plantation Story

teacup on book beside pink flower decor

To truly appreciate the significance of the Charleston Tea Plantation, let’s take a step back in time and explore its fascinating history. The story begins in 1888 when Dr. Charles Shepard, a physician and plant enthusiast, established the tea plantation on Wadmalaw Island. Driven by his passion for horticulture, Dr. Shepard imported tea plants from around the world and began experimenting with tea cultivation in the United States.

Over the years, Dr. Shepard’s efforts paid off, and the Charleston Tea Plantation flourished. The plantation became a hub of innovation and research, with Dr. Shepard constantly striving to improve the quality and flavor of American-grown tea. His dedication and expertise earned him recognition and respect within the tea community.

In 1963, the Charleston Tea Plantation caught the attention of the Bigelow family, renowned for their tea expertise and commitment to quality. They recognized the potential of the plantation and its unique terroir, which contributes to the distinct flavor of the tea. The Bigelow family partnered with William Hall, a third-generation tea taster, to co-own and manage the Charleston Tea Plantation.

Today, the Charleston Tea Plantation continues to thrive as a testament to Dr. Shepard’s vision and the dedication of the Bigelow family and William Hall. It stands as a symbol of American tea production and offers visitors a glimpse into the world of tea cultivation.

List of Tea Plantations in the United States

Video: America's Only Working Tea Plantation.

While the Charleston Tea Plantation holds the title of the largest tea plantation in the United States, there are several other notable tea plantations across the country. Let’s explore some of them:

1. Fairhope Tea Plantation

Size: 61,000 plants

Sells: Finished Tea, Fresh Leaves

Operated by: Donnie Barrett

Available: Locally or through Single Origin Teas

Tours and Events: Offers tours and tea picking parties

Rating: 4.5/5

The Fairhope Tea Plantation, located in Fairhope, Alabama, is the second-largest tea farm in America. Operated by Donnie Barrett, this plantation is known for its commitment to producing high-quality tea. They offer a range of finished teas and fresh leaves for tea enthusiasts to enjoy. If you’re in the area, be sure to check out their tours and tea picking parties for a hands-on tea experience.

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2. Blackcreek Tea Garden

Size: 0.5 Acre with 2,000 plants

Sells: Live Plants, Educational Workshops

Run by: Debbie Odom and Lindsey Holland

Tours and Events: Offers tours and tea growing education

Rating: 4/5

Located in Stockbridge, Georgia, the Blackcreek Tea Garden is a small but mighty tea plantation. Run by Debbie Odom and Lindsey Holland, this garden focuses on providing live tea plants and educational workshops to tea enthusiasts. If you’re interested in growing your own tea or learning more about the tea cultivation process, the Blackcreek Tea Garden is a fantastic resource.

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3. Abby’s Ohana Tea

Sells: Finished Tea in black, green, and oolong styles

Practices: Organic Farming

Grows: Sinensis and Assamica Clonal Varietals

Owned by: Ronald, Lisa, and daughter Abby Keith

Size: Not specified

Located in Hilo, Hawai’i, Abby’s Ohana Tea is a family-owned tea business that takes pride in its organic farming practices. They grow tea from sinensis and assamica clonal varietals, producing a range of black, green, and oolong teas. While the exact size of their plantation is not specified, Abby’s Ohana Tea is known for its commitment to quality and sustainability.

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4. Table Rock Tea Company

Size: 30 acres

Sells: Finished Tea, Tours, Co-Processing Services, Seeds

Provides: USDA/FDA Co-packing Services

Tours and Events: Offers free tours from the Real American Tea®️ Museum

Known for: “How to Grow and Make Tea in the United States” book

Rating: 4.7/5

The Table Rock Tea Company, located in Pickens, South Carolina, is a multifaceted tea business. In addition to selling finished teas, they offer tours, co-processing services, and even provide USDA/FDA co-packing services. The Table Rock Tea Company is also known for its book, “How to Grow and Make Tea in the United States,” which serves as a valuable resource for tea enthusiasts interested in tea cultivation.

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5. Westholme Tea Company

Size: 800+ plants

Sells: Finished Tea, Imported Tea, Blended Tea, Tours

Offers: Gallery Space, Tearoom, Selection of Teas

Added: More plants to meet high demand

Location: North Cowichan, Cowichan Valley Regional District, British Columbia, Canada

Rating: 4.6/5

While not located in the United States, the Westholme Tea Company in North Cowichan, British Columbia, Canada, deserves a mention for its dedication to tea production. With over 800 plants, the Westholme Tea Company offers a range of finished teas, imported teas, and blended teas. They also have a gallery space, tearoom, and a wide selection of teas for tea enthusiasts to explore.

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6. Virginia First Tea Farm

Size: 80 acres

Sells: US-Grown Tea Products

Owned by: Unchon Ramos and Joanna

Grows: Small amounts of tea for kitchen and bath products

Offers: Tea-infused body soaps and shampoo

Located in Marshall, Virginia, the Virginia First Tea Farm is a unique tea farm that focuses on producing small amounts of tea for kitchen and bath products. Owned by Unchon Ramos and Joanna, this farm offers tea-infused body soaps and shampoo, allowing tea lovers to enjoy the benefits of tea beyond the teacup.

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7. Sakuma Brothers

Location: Burlington, Skagit County, Washington

Sells: Finished Tea (Suspended)

Family-owned: Farm experimenting with tea since 1997

Produces: Various styles of tea but not always available for purchase

Located in Burlington, Skagit County, Washington, Sakuma Brothers is a family-owned farm that has been experimenting with tea since 1997. While they produce various styles of tea, availability for purchase may vary. It’s worth keeping an eye on their offerings if you’re in the area and interested in exploring locally grown tea.

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FAQ

green ceramic mug beside book

Where is the largest tea plantation in the United States?

The largest tea plantation in the United States is the Charleston Tea Plantation, located on Wadmalaw Island in Charleston County, South Carolina.

Which state has the largest tea plantation?

South Carolina is home to the largest tea plantation in the United States, the Charleston Tea Plantation.

Where is most tea grown in the US?

While tea is grown in various states across the United States, the majority of tea production is concentrated in South Carolina.

What is the oldest tea plantation in the United States?

The Charleston Tea Plantation, founded in 1888 by Dr. Charles Shepard, is the oldest tea plantation in the United States.

Conclusion

green fields at daytime

In conclusion, the Charleston Tea Plantation reigns as the largest tea plantation in the United States. With its rich history, dedication to quality, and commitment to tea cultivation, it’s no wonder this plantation has earned its place in the hearts of tea enthusiasts. Whether you’re visiting for a tour, enjoying their finished teas, or simply appreciating the beauty of the tea plants, the Charleston Tea Plantation offers a truly unique experience.

So, the next time you find yourself craving a cup of tea, remember the Charleston Tea Plantation and the incredible journey that brings tea from the plantation to your teacup. Cheers to the world of tea and the remarkable tea plantations that make it all possible!

What is the Largest Tea Plantation in the United States? [2024]

Quick Answer

Quick Tips and Facts

Background: The Charleston Tea Plantation Story