Last month we finally made it to Yunnan Province in China — a place we’ve been wanting to get back to for years. The highlight of the trip was visiting the biodynamic tea farm we’ve partnered with for some time, the very farm that produces the Jasmine Pearl tea used in T.I.N.A 2.0. Spending time in their tea garden and processing facility gave us a clear sense of how carefully they handle each step of production, from cultivation to finished tea. Their biodynamic practices focus on soil health, biodiversity, composting, and avoiding synthetic inputs. It’s a long-term commitment to both quality and environmental responsibility.

The tea garden is in the mountains surrounding Pu’er, the home of the famous fermented tea. The region has a humid subtropical climate and mountainous high altitude - from 1200 - 2000 meters above sea level. The conditions are ideal for growing high quality tea (and coffee!). We also spent time in Kunming, Yunnan’s capital, which is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” thanks to its idealistic and consistent l weather year-round. Although the climate is generally spring-like, Pu’er has experienced heavier-than-usual rainfall this year, which has impacted and presented some challenges for harvest.

Of course we drank countless unforgettable teas throughout the trip, and brought back a hefty supply with us — some destined for upcoming R&D for T.I.N.A (and some purely for our own personal stash). One stand out was the tea from ancient plants, over 300 years old, inside beautiful dried tangerines.

Yunnan is home to several ethnic minority groups, including the Dai (傣族). Their cuisine is closely connected to the local environment and seasonal produce, highlighting sticky rice, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs and vibrant flavours. Because Dai cuisine shares ingredients and culinary influences with Southeast Asian food, there are parallels to Thai or Lao style dishes: fresh herbs, bold but balanced chili and lime — all reflecting the region’s richness and connection to the land.

The local food more broadly was another highlight of the trip — distinct, fresh, and shaped by the subtropical climate and Yunnan’s proximity to Laos and Vietnam. The region is home to mushrooms, heritage corn, unique citrus, and a wide range of other seasonal produce, all of which feel deeply connected to the same landscape that grows the teas we love.

We can't wait to get back there x