TAIWAN

THE ORIGIN:

Taiwan, once known as "Formosa", is filled to the brim with tea. Tea gardens dominate both the low-lying fields and the mountainous regions in the center of the island, each area specializing in a different type of tea. Tea culture is alive and well among the locals, thanks to the efforts of the Taiwanese government to sponsor tea competitions. The sweet, easy-drinking nature of Taiwanese tea has made it a quick favorite in international markets.  

Taiwan's tea industry does face some issues, however; because of the massive tea agricultural sector, many areas face deforestation and soil degradation from monocropping. There are also problems of fake teas, imported from other areas and deceptively labeled as Taiwanese tea, or flavored teas labeled as expensive unflavored teas. It is key to understand the issues in the region, and to gain the necessary knowledge to discern good teas from bad or mismarketed teas.  

THE EXPERIENCE:

The Taiwan segment is a fun, adventurous journey through the island, thanks to the guidance of ever-spirited teamaker Alfredo Lin who will be our guide. Immerse yourself in the tea culture of one of the world's most beloved tea regions, influenced by Taiwan's modern development and the Taiwanese culture's deep connection to the environment. Meet teamasters, tea growers, and tea artists.

Learn more about the many factors that go into tea processing, and follow the crafting of tea from farm to cup. See how new teas are developed and how old favorites can be refined with a combination of knowledge, improved technology, and sustainability in tea farming. 

Enjoy the beautiful landscape of Taiwan, from the vast tea fields and mountains just outside the city, to the bustling, modernized streets and sights in Taipei. Learn more about the interactions between technology, agriculture, and the environment, and compare fields that are conventional with others that are natural and organic. Explore tea gardens with the convenience of well-developed infrastructure, lodging, and facilities. 

FEATURED GROWERS: 

Alfredo Lin & Master Aones of Goe Tea; Nantou, Taiwan

Teamaker Alfredo Lin is from a family of teamakers and tea growers. Among them, the family owns many fields in the Dong Ding area, as well as shares in some high mountain fields. Alfredo works with both conventional and organic leaf material, sourced from his friends and family, but has been patiently trying to convince everyone to go all-natural. 

Ai Fang & Family (jhentea) in Yilan County, Taiwan

Ai Fang is a fourth-generation teamaster in Yilan, Taiwan, the oldest tea-producing region in Taiwan. She was taught by her mother, Fu Chen, who in turn learned from their grandmother. The family has been making tea for hundreds of years, and traces their lineage to Fujian Province in China. This all-female teamaster family manifests a unique aesthetic in their teas. They are guided by their Buddhist spirituality to make tea as well as possible, from all-natural environments and with humility for the craft of tea. 

>> Learn more about jhentea.