One of Charleston’s true gems is the Charleston Tea Plantation on Wadmalaw Island. A visit to the tea plantation isn’t only beautiful but an educational opportunity. Take a factory tour packed with information on the history of tea and details on the harvesting and production of American Classic Tea.
A trolley tour of the 127-acre farm makes stops at the greenhouse for tea plant propagation. The tour is also narrated by William Barclay Hall, founder of American Classic Tea and world renowned tea taster. This tour focuses on the horticultural aspect of the plantation and the more than 320 varieties of tea plants in their various stages of growth. Also learn why Wadmaaw Island with its sandy soils, sub-tropical climate and average rainfall of 52 inches per year is the ideal climate for growing tea.
This weekend, visit the plantation for the seventh annual First Flush FesTEAval beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 18. The event features a number of bands, food trucks, vendors and a kids’ area. Tickets are $20-$50 and can be purchased online.
The “first flush” is the escalated growth of new leaves on the tea plants in the spring after they awaken from dormancy. This typically happens in April or May and results in a unique taste only available once during the growing season. In the past this first flush tea was reserved for royalty.
The Charleston Tea Plantation is open seven days a week. For questions, call 843-559-0383.
