When I first joined my father in the tea business, I never imagined how far it would take me – literally. Over the years, I’ve wandered the lush fields of Sri Lanka, swapped stories with growers in Japan, and sipped first flush Darjeeling straight from the source. Each trip adds a new layer to my understanding of tea creation and culture. Traveling for tea isn’t just about finding the finest leaves; it’s about building relationships, respecting traditions, and always staying curious. In this edition of Mike Harney Spills the Tea, I’m drawing on decades of tea travel to share some favorite stories, practical tips, and a few hard-earned lessons from the road. My hope? To inspire fellow tea lovers to cultivate and carry out their own travel bucket list.
Have you always had a passion for travel, or did it start when you began sourcing tea?
Since my college days, I have enjoyed travelling. After college, I lived abroad in Paris, where I met my wife, Brigitte. With her being born and raised in France, that sealed the deal on regular travel plans to Europe. After I joined my dad in the family tea business, I began traveling more frequently to Asia.
How has your perspective on tea evolved after traveling the world and experiencing its diverse cultures?
Watching tea being grown and crafted has been an eye-opening experience. I now understand not just how tea is made, but why. Meeting the people behind each variety and experiencing their unique cultures has brought a deeper sense of connection and meaning to it all.
If you had to create a travel bucket list for tea lovers, what places would be on it?
China is a must for any tea lover! It’s where tea originated and is home to an incredible variety of styles. Hangzhou is especially worth a visit, with its scenic mountain tea fields and the fascinating Tea Museum (just be prepared to share the experience with plenty of other visitors).
Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka is another gem, offering stunning views and countless opportunities to explore and taste tea. And of course, there’s the Queen of Tea herself: Darjeeling. Many of the old British bungalows there have been transformed into charming bed-and-breakfasts, perfect for a stay steeped in history.
What are some lesser-known tea destinations that every tea lover should add to their bucket list?
Taiwan is a fantastic destination with numerous regions to explore and savor. Alishan in the south is especially stunning and loaded with great tea.
If you could only pick one region or tea experience to relive, what would it be and why?
Why would I do that? I love them all!!
What’s the one travel destination you’d recommend for a tea lover seeking both adventure and relaxation?
This year, we traveled to South Africa and made our way up to Clanwilliam, the heart of rooibos country. We stayed at the Cederberg Ridge Lodge, a peaceful retreat surrounded by adventure. From mountain biking to witnessing ancient hieroglyphics on rock faces, every day brought something new.
Do any tea gardens offer experiences to tourists who may be interested in learning about tea but not purchasing like Harney or other tea sources do?
Our friends down at the Amba Estate in Sri Lanka run a wonderful eco-resort where you can experience tea production up close. Simon Bell and his team will make sure that you are well taken care of.
Are there any tea-related festivals or events around the world that you highly recommend attending?
In Kyoto, Japan, the first Sunday of October marks a festival celebrating the renowned teas of Uji. While I haven’t had the chance to attend yet, I am absolutely considering it. Our friend Tsoyoshi has been there many times and always speaks highly of it.
What’s next on your travel bucket list, and why?
I just returned from Africa! We have begun sourcing more teas from there due to an increase in quality and lowered costs. Our upcoming trip is designed to better understand and access teas from this region.
Every tea region we travel to and source from offers something unique to visitors. For an in-depth read, check out our blog on Tea Sourcing Around the World.
