Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, and for tea enthusiasts, visiting a tea farm is a must-do experience. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Ebony Springs Tea Gardens in Nawalapitiya, Sri Lanka, and it was an enlightening and memorable experience.

Ebony Springs is located about 8 kilometers from Nawalapitiya, and at an altitude of just below 2000 feet. The farm is situated in the Nuwara Eliya district, which is known for its tea production. The district ranges in elevation from Nuwara Eliya, which is at an altitude of 8,000 feet, to the lower areas of the region like Ebony Springs. The farm is owned and operated by Bernard Holsinger, a veteran tea planter with over 50 years of experience in the industry.

Upon arrival, Bernard welcomed us and gave us a tour of the farm. The first thing that caught my attention was the stunning location. The farm is surrounded by lush green hills and is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and even elephants. The tea plants were meticulously tended to, and the rows upon rows of tea bushes were a beautiful sight.

Bernard then took us to the factory, where we got to see the entire process of tea production, from plucking the leaves to the final packaging. It was fascinating to learn about the different stages of production and to understand the different types of tea that are produced on the farm.

One of the most unique aspects of the farm is the production of “single estate teas”. Single estate teas are teas that are produced from a single farm, and they are known for their distinct characteristics and flavors. Ebony Springs is one of the few farms in Sri Lanka that produces single estate teas, and we got to taste some of the different varieties that they produce.

The highlight of the visit was the tea tasting session, where we got to taste a variety of teas, including black, green, and white teas. Each tea had its own unique flavor and aroma, and it was an incredible experience to taste teas that were grown on the very farm we were visiting.

In conclusion, visiting Ebony Springs Tea Gardens was an enlightening and unforgettable experience. From the stunning location to the warm hospitality of Bernard and his team, and of course the delicious teas, it was a trip I will never forget. If you ever have the opportunity to visit a tea farm, I highly recommend it. You will not only have the chance to learn about the process of tea production but also to taste the teas directly from the source.