Zealong: Tasting of Organic Teas from New Zealand

“Tea is a kind of camellia… maybe tea could grow here too.”

A wonderful chance to taste some superb organic New Zealand-grown teas from Zealong, winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award at The Leafies 2023.

Sen Kong will be joining us to tell us all about Zealong and taste 4 of its teas.

Included in the ticket price is delivery of the 4 teas to taste during the event:

Zealong Green
Zealong Aromatic Oolong
Zealong Dark Oolong
Zealong Black

ABOUT ZEALONG:

In 1996, a flowering camellia in the Waikato region of New Zealand inspired Vincent Chen.

“Tea is a kind of camellia… maybe tea could grow here too.”

A dream was born. Fifteen hundred tea cuttings were brought into New Zealand but only 130 survived quarantine. The difficulties and challenges were many, but year after year Vincent acquired more knowledge about growing and processing tea in New Zealand’s unique environment. Today, over 1.2 million tea plants thrive at Zealong’s Waikato estate, a testimony to Chen’s original dream of producing true New Zealand tea – 100% certified organic, traceable, and produced without compromise.

Zealong Tea Estate produces an annual harvest of 20 tonnes, thanks to Waikato’s temperate climate, fertile soils, regular rainfall, and careful year round care and attention.

The use of organic farming practices, zero sprays and clean air mean the quality of the freshly picked leaves is superb. Quality and purity are more than just labels: they literally define how Zealong produces tea. From fresh leaves to packaged tea, the entire process is compliant with the world’s strictest ISO 22000 HACCP food safety standards. Food grade from start to finish. Audited by international consultancy SGS. That’s just how it’s done at Zealong.

Every detail of Zealong Tea is completely traceable, from soil to first sip, a unique status within the tea industry. Third party certification assures discerning tea drinkers that they can drink Zealong tea with a clear environmental conscience. Being internationally Certified Organic to include New Zealand, EU, USA, China, and Japan means that we know exactly what’s in our tea and what isn’t – no additives, no residues, and no heavy metals.

Bringing tea mastery to the modern world, Zealong tea is carefully picked by skilled and expert workers during only three short harvest seasons each year during the months of November, January, and March.

Diligent hands pass down the ancient art of tea making from one generation to the next so that Zealong tea drinkers can reap the benefit of carefully guarded family secrets and traditions.

Skilled Tea Masters bring with them a wealth of traditional knowledge and years of experience in turning hand-picked tea leaves into exquisite tea flavours. Every batch of fresh leaves is different, leading to countless micro adjustments as they dry, roast, shape, and roll our delicate tea leaves to perfection in our modern facility.

Zealong Tea Estate is proud to be home to international award-winning tea. Our prestigious awards include international tea honours from USA, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom, including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award by The Leafies.

It is hard to believe that the magnificent 48ha, certified organic Zealong Tea Estate was once a dairy farm. Today, 1.2 million Camellia Sinensis bushes are lovingly nurtured by our farm team, and the impressive tea rows provide a safe haven to an abundance of native birds and wildlife.

Zealong officially opened its gates to visitors in early 2010, quickly becoming an iconic must-visit destination for the Waikato region and for New Zealand. Visitors to the estate will find an award-winning Retail Boutique, Functions and Events centre, Tours, on-site accommodation, and multiple dining venues including its Tea Room serving Signature High Teas, and its French-inspired fine dining Camellia Restaurant.

What will I need?

Your phone, computer or tablet to join the webinar via Zoom
Brewing equipment (kettle, gaiwan/teapot etc - see recommendations above.) and a surface on which to brew the teas during the webinar

Prices (inclusive of VAT and delivery of teas):

UK - £24
EU - £27
Rest of World - £32

WEBINAR ONLY (NO TEAS) - £8
If you don't have time to receive the delivery of the teas, or just wish to watch along, you can join the webinar for this lower price.

Please note, PLEASE NOTE INTERNATIONAL BOOKINGS HAVE NOW CLOSED , to allow for packing and postage of teas. UK bookings will close 1 week before the event.

Restrictions apply for international postage, please make sure you read the information on this page carefully before making your booking, especially if you live in Spain or Portugal.

Things to know:

- We cannot ship to PO Boxes
- Once teas have been shipped, we cannot refund the ticket price if you cannot attend.