Gorreana Tea – Plantation, Factory, and Museum – São Miguel Island

Did you know that the oldest tea plantation in Europe, Chá Gorreana, is located on São Miguel Island, in the Azores Archipelago?

Since 1883, this delicious tea has been produced on this beautiful island, maintaining the original traditions of the East as well as the ancestral qualities of five generations of Azorean families.

All this dedication has brought Gorreana international recognition, so much so that in 2012, the matriarch of the tea-producing family, Bertha Meireles-Hintze, was awarded the Medal of Merit on São Miguel Island for her efforts in keeping Gorreana as a family business since the 18th century.

The Gorreana Tea plantation is located in Maia, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, and today it covers an area of 32 hectares, producing approximately 33 tons of tea annually, both black and green varieties. The humid climate and clayey soil of the region favor the cultivation of the tea plant, Camellia Sinensis.

The main focus of Gorreana’s production is the international market, with tea exported to various countries that appreciate its quality, such as Germany, the USA, France, Italy, Brazil, Japan, and others. Additionally, the Azorean market is also a strong consumer of the tea, which is very traditional in the region.

When you visit São Miguel Island, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Gorreana Tea plantation and try this magnificent beverage.

Gorreana
Fotografia de Nuno Bicho

History of Gorreana Tea

There are several accounts of how Gorreana was introduced to the Azores. Many believe that Camellia Sinensis came from the East in the 18th century, having been discovered in China in 2737 BC. Others suggest that the plant arrived in São Miguel through the Azorean Jacinto Leite, who brought the seeds back from Brazil in 1820.

Gorreana Tea began being planted in 1874, with its commercial production starting in 1883 with the first kilo of dried tea. The great incentive for this plantation came due to the orange crisis in the 19th century, emerging as an alternative crop in the region, reaching around 250 tons of tea in an area of 300 hectares by the 1950s.

Chá Gorreana
Fotografia de Magic Islands Rent Car

The Gorreana property is located in the beautiful mountains of the island, far from industrial pollution in urban centers. Thanks to the island’s climate, there is no need for herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, dyes, or preservatives in its production, making it a 100% organic product. The harvest occurs between April and September.

Thus, consumers enjoy a tea of excellent quality, with more than 130 years of cultivation and dedication. The tradition is passed down through generations of families and is now enjoyed worldwide, with daily consumption exceeding 2.5 billion cups.

Visit the plantation, factory, and museum

Plantação de Chá Gorreana
Fotografia de Carla Dias

During your trip to São Miguel Island, don’t forget to visit the Gorreana plantation, factory, and museum. You can see all the original machinery in operation since 1840, showcasing the entire tea production process, from cultivation to commercialization. At the end of the guided tour, you can taste and purchase various products such as teas, sweets, and liqueurs.

Entry Price

The visit and entry to the Gorreana Tea Factory is free. You can also taste some of their teas for free.

Opening Hours

Summer: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Winter: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Address

Gorreana Tea Plantations
Gorreana – 9625-304 Maia
Tel./Fax – (+351) 296 442 349

Location on the Map

Interesting Facts

The local climate, with its clayey, acidic soil rich in minerals, combined with the sea breeze over the plantations and artisanal cultivation methods, makes São Miguel Island the ideal place for growing Gorreana Tea in Europe. Two types of tea are produced at the factory: black tea (stimulating) and green tea (relaxing).

It’s important to note the many benefits of Gorreana Tea, which contains antioxidants capable of preventing the degeneration of cells responsible for more than 50 diseases, as well as preventing heart attacks and strokes. Tea helps reduce cholesterol, improves blood pressure, strengthens the immune system, and aids in treating colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, and many other conditions.

How to Prepare Gorreana Tea

Here’s a quick tip on how to prepare your Gorreana Tea:

– Heat filtered water and watch carefully, as soon as it begins to bubble, remove it from the heat;
– Add Gorreana tea leaves, 3 teaspoons for one liter of water;
– Wait between 3 to 5 minutes, then remove the leaves to prevent the tea from becoming bitter;
– Enjoy your delicious Gorreana Tea.

Where to Buy Gorreana Tea

Gorreana Tea is one of the most sought-after regional products worldwide. You can buy it at any commercial store during your stay or through stores in Mainland Portugal (list here) or directly from the Gorreana Tea Store.

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