Cha Gorreana: Gorreana Tea Factory, São Miguel, Portugal

A black and white cat curled on the green window ledge of the red and white tea factory building The Cha Gorreana tea factory, its white wall painted with tall red lettering, behind a bank of blue hydrangeas Vintage rotating drum sorters numbered five and six inside the Cha Gorreana tea factory Workers in white hairnets sorting loose black tea by hand around a table in the packing room

Cha Gorreana or Gorreana Tea Factory is a tea plantation and manufacturer located on São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal. It’s one of the oldest tea plantations in Europe, with a history dating back to 1883. The Gorreana tea factory produces various types of tea, including green and black, and is known for its high-quality, organic teas. The plantation offers tours, allowing visitors to explore the lush tea fields, learn about the tea-making process, and sample different varieties of tea. It’s a popular destination for both tea enthusiasts and tourists looking to experience a unique aspect of the Azores’ cultural and agricultural heritage. It requires a car to visit, though is an easy and quick stop off, so I recommend going if you have time. The rolling hills of tea leaves overlook the ocean and it’s quite picturesque.