History of Matsesta tea
The history of the Matsesta tea plantation began in the 1930s, when the Black Sea coast decided to establish cultivation of tea capable of withstanding local climatic conditions. Soviet agronomists conducted a great selection work, and soon Matsesta tea became a symbol of domestic quality and taste.
What makes Matsesta tea unique
Matsesta tea is valued for its rich flavor and natural purity. All year round the tea bushes are carefully tended to and the areas abandoned in the 90's are being restored, thus increasing the leaf-collecting area. Thanks to meticulous processing, the green tea retains 80% of its vitamins and antioxidants, giving it a mild, creamy flavor. The black tea in turn has a tart taste with caramel undertones and a rich aroma.
The plantation has Japanese equipment and the black tea is produced in rollers that have been modeled after Indian machines.
Tea Plantation Tour
From the end of April to the end of October, there are tour programs for groups and individuals to learn more about the technology of harvesting, processing and tasting the product. Tours range from a couple of hours to a full day, and the weather at this time of year, especially from May to July, is ideal for outdoor activities. The plantation also accepts requests for excursions from companies, families, groups of schoolchildren and other categories of guests.
For tourists, Matsesta offers an excursion that includes:
- a guided walk around the tea plantation;
- a visit to the tea processing factory;
- a tasting of black and green tea with local sweets;
- a specialty gift.
There is a store on site where you can buy ready-made tea - black, red, yellow and even green - and get detailed answers to questions about tea drinking culture and production. All varieties are produced according to classic technologies adapted to the climate of the southern mountains. There is a cafe with a traditional samovar and a menu with treats.
How to get there
The Matsesta Tea Plantation is located about 10 km from the center of Sochi and is easily accessible for tourists:
- By public transport: bus number 120, get off at the stop “Chaisovkhoz”.
- By cab or car: the trip from the center of Sochi will take about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Before traveling, check the information about excursions on the official website of the tea plantation.
Why you should visit
A trip to the Matsesta tea plantation is:
- an opportunity to taste one of the most unique teas in the world;
- immersion in the atmosphere of tranquility and nature;
- a unique souvenir from your vacation - real Russian tea.
A trip to the Matsesta tea plantation is an incredible opportunity to taste Sochi tea and see with your own eyes how it is made. The excursion around the plantation immerses you in the atmosphere of tranquility and nature, and at the end you get a souvenir as a gift - tea and sweets to enjoy quality tea even after the trip. Come at least once and you will definitely want to come back again to share your impressions and see how the first sprouts of the future drink look like, warmed by the warm sun and fresh air of the mountain sea.
