Georgian Sio Oolong

Brew & Taste

This tea combines woody tones with subtle taste of honey and fruit, mixing a slightly roasted flavor with fruity freshness. It’s soft, deep and slightly sweet. The brew is clear with a beautiful golden tinge, reminiscent of spring honey.

Origins

The history of tea cultivation in Georgia dates back to the early 19th century, when Prince Mamia V. Gurieli, ruler of the Principality of Guri, expressed interest in developing agriculture in the region. In 1809, he was inspired French botanists who brought the Camellia Sinensis tea plant to the USA 10 years earlier. Prince Gurieli commissioned a Scotsman, Jacob Montague Marr, to acquire exotic plants – including tea plants – for the botanical gardens. This laid the foundations for the future development of the tea industry in Georgia. By the beginning of the 20th century, Georgia was already known as a major tea producer within the Soviet Union. Tea cultivation was mainly concentrated in the western part of Georgia, especially in the regions of Guria, Imereti and Ajaria. Georgian tea quickly gained popularity outside of Georgie, particularly throughout Eastern Europe and Russia, and was valued for its unique taste and premium quality.

Tea cultivation has recently experienced a resurgence in Georgia. One of the successful projects is the production of SIO tea, which was developed under the leadership of Nika Sioridze, even adapting a part of her name in the tea itself. SIO production is inspired by the traditional processes used for Oolong tea, but with an emphasis on preserving Georgian customs. The fresh leaves are hand-picked, contributing to its distinctive aroma and taste. The production process is adapted to suit the specific growing conditions of tea in Georgia, where the mountain wind alternates with sea breeze.

The people behind this project have been gradually restoring abandoned tea plantations in the Guria region since 2016. They have restored over 25 hectares of plantations and contributed to the tea renaissance in Georgia. The shrubs there are grown from particular, premium quality seeds, which ensures the best possible yields with rich flavor and aroma. No chemicals are used on the plantations to keep the harvest all-natural and quality of production. What’s more, these plantations are known for growing Paulownia tomentosa trees, which further enhance the local conditions for growing tea plants. They provide shade, increase humidity and shield the plants from harsh winds, creating the perfect microclimate.

Tea packaging preview

We pack our teas in a strong, zip-lock aluminum packet which allows you to easily re-seal its contents. This container protects the quality of the tea against humidity, light or foreign odors, all of which could noticeably affect the quality of the brew.