Court Lodge Estate

Court Lodge Estate was established in 1890 to the north east of Nuwara Eliya, in the central hills of the country. Tea growing in Sri Lanka was still a new industry in the late 19th century only having been started by the Scotsman James Taylor, on just 19 acres at the Loolecondera Estate in 1867. However, it soon became apparent the area around Nuwara Eliya provided the ideal tea growing conditions and teas from this area have become known as “the champagne of Ceylon teas” for their sophisticated and characterful flavours, often being compared to teas from Darjeeling.

Court Lodge Estate, alongside Pedro Estate which is also in our tea collection, are two of the highest tea estates in Sri Lanka. Court Lodge is near Nuwara Eliya, a little town at the heart of the hill country and stands at a height of over 6,000 feet. The high elevation produces bright, characterful and sophisticated flavours which the region is so well known for and which are especially sought after.

The climate is cool, with a steady rainfall and soft sea air blowing through the hills, producing the perfect tea growing environment. I only buy during the best seasons when it is dry and the winds blow in from the south west reducing leaf growth but exacerbating the delicious, distinctive flavours. The estate is Rain Forest Alliance certified and is part of the Ethical Tea Partnership