A HANDBOOK ON TEA MIXOLOGY
terroir of tea Tea, just like wine, is dependent on its terroir. The natural alchemy of earth, wind, rain and warmth comes together to give tea its own unique personality based on its place of origin. This is the wonder of tea; the reason why one plant, depending on where it is grown and how it is processed, has the ability to yield this limitless variety. The Sri Lankan tea country is as vivid as it is stunning. It sprawls over the gently undulating hills of the Central Highlands at elevations above 6,000 feet; where the tea covered mountain tops lay hidden in a cloud cap, right down to the hot and humid lowlands bordering Southern Plains astir with warm breezes of the Indian Ocean. There are 4 tea growing regions in Sri Lanka, categorised so based on elevation. 1. Yata Watte In local dialect Yata Watte means the low-lying garden. 2. Meda Watte In local dialect Meda Watte means the mid-lying garden. 3. Uda Watte In local dialect Uda Watte means the high garden. 4. Ran Watte In local dialect Ran Watte means the golden garden which refers to the estates at peak elevations.
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