Your comprehensive guide to the finest tea shops, tastings, and events across metro Atlanta. From traditional Chinese tea houses to modern matcha cafes, explore the rich tea culture of the South.
Tea is more than a beverage—it's a journey of flavor, tradition, and mindfulness. Learn about the ancient art of tea cultivation, processing, and brewing techniques that create the perfect cup.
Master the fundamentals of water temperature, steeping time, and tea-to-water ratios. Different teas require different approaches—from delicate white teas at 175°F to robust black teas at full boil.
Explore the terroir of tea—how climate, soil, and altitude influence flavor profiles. From the high mountains of Darjeeling to the misty hills of Fujian, each region produces unique characteristics.
Develop your palate to identify subtle flavors—from the grassy notes of sencha to the malty richness of Assam. Learn the vocabulary of tea tasting and discover your personal preferences.
Metro Atlanta has emerged as a surprising hub for tea culture in the Southeast. From Buckhead's upscale tea salons to Little Five Points' eclectic tea shops, discover the diverse tea landscape across the city.
Business district tea shops perfect for afternoon meetings and quick matcha fixes between meetings.
Upscale tea salons offering premium loose-leaf selections and traditional afternoon tea service.
Cozy neighborhood spots with artisanal tea blends and locally-sourced pastries.
Hip, alternative tea culture with bubble tea, kombucha, and experimental tea cocktails.
All true teas come from the same plant—Camellia sinensis—but processing methods create dramatically different flavors, colors, and caffeine levels. Discover the six main categories of tea.
Unoxidized leaves with fresh, grassy flavors. Popular varieties include sencha, matcha, and jasmine green tea.
Caffeine: Low to Moderate | Best time: Morning to afternoon
Fully oxidized with robust, malty flavors. Includes Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and Darjeeling.
Caffeine: High | Best time: Morning
Partially oxidized with complex flavors ranging from floral to fruity. Traditional Chinese and Taiwanese varieties.
Caffeine: Moderate | Best time: Afternoon
Minimally processed with delicate, subtle flavors. Silver Needle and White Peony are prized varieties.
Caffeine: Low | Best time: Any time
Fermented tea with earthy, complex flavors that improve with age. A specialty of Yunnan Province, China.
Caffeine: Moderate | Best time: After meals
Caffeine-free infusions from herbs, flowers, and fruits. Chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos are popular choices.
Caffeine: None | Best time: Evening
Atlanta's tea community comes together through tastings, workshops, and cultural events. From traditional Chinese tea ceremonies to modern tea and food pairings, there's always something brewing.
Join guided tastings to explore different tea regions, processing methods, and flavor profiles. Learn to identify quality indicators and develop your palate alongside fellow tea enthusiasts.
Experience the meditative art of traditional tea ceremonies from various cultures. Learn proper brewing techniques, tea etiquette, and the philosophy behind mindful tea drinking.
Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned tea connoisseur, Atlanta's tea scene has something special waiting for you.