ShanFamily

At our tea garden, we are passionate about crafting exceptional oolong teas, grown and processed in our Da'an area, Nantou County. Over the years, we've focused on traditional farming methods while embracing innovative techniques. Our dedication to quality and authenticity has earned us recognition, including prestigious tea awards, and we continue to share our love for Taiwanese tea with the world.

Our tea farm has been in the family since 1978, with a long-standing tradition of producing high-quality oolong teas. For over four decades, we've worked to perfect our cultivation and processing methods, passing down our knowledge and passion through generations. It's a family legacy that continues to thrive as we adapt to new challenges and continue to share our exceptional teas with the world.

Growing up in Taiwan, I was always inspired by the rich tea culture here. I was drawn to oolong tea because of its deep history and incredible flavor profiles. I wanted to create a tea farm that could showcase the purity and richness of Taiwanese teas, like our Honey Oolong, while contributing to the heritage of our local community.

Our process starts with planting in the rich soil of the Da'an area, high in the mountains, where the climate and elevation help our teas flourish. We focus on sustainable, small-batch production, from hand-picking leaves to traditional processing methods. Our farm is unique because we control every step, from cultivation to final packaging, ensuring a premium experience with each cup.

We pride ourselves on the authenticity and quality of our teas, from Honey Oolong to competition-grade varieties. Every leaf is carefully grown in our pristine environment and processed with precision. When you buy our tea, you're not just getting a product; you're supporting a tradition that values craftsmanship, sustainability, and the preservation of Taiwan's tea legacy.

In recent years, extreme climate changes and droughts have severely affected our water resources in the mountains. To address this, we successfully ventured into cutting down the valley to find new water sources for irrigation. Additionally, the long sunshine periods have caused the tea leaves to grow rapidly, making harvests from both high and low altitudes occur at similar times. This leads to significant labor shortages, and arranging enough manpower has become a major challenge.

Currently, we distribute our teas both locally in Taiwan and internationally through online platforms. The biggest challenge is educating consumers about the unique flavors of our teas and the care that goes into each batch. We want our customers to know that buying from us isn't just about the tea—it's about the story and tradition behind every sip.

We are focused on expanding our offerings while maintaining our commitment to small-batch production and sustainability. Our dream is to see our tea label become a globally recognized name, bringing Taiwan's best teas to more customers worldwide. We hope to further integrate eco-friendly practices and continuously improve the quality of our teas.

Farming tea has allowed me to support my family and community, providing local jobs and contributing to the regional economy. The rewards go beyond financial success—it's about preserving a cultural tradition while fostering a deep connection to the land. The farm has become a hub for learning and community development.

The joy of farming lies in seeing each tea leaf grow and evolve. It's a slow, steady process that rewards patience. For young farmers, my advice is simple: start with passion, invest in learning the craft, and don't rush. The journey may be long, but it's incredibly fulfilling.

I'm particularly fond of our Honey Oolong for its sweet, floral notes. For the best brewing experience, use water around 85-90°C (185-194°F) and steep for about 2-3 minutes. I recommend multiple infusions—each steeping reveals new layers of flavor, which makes it a wonderfully complex tea.

The Shan family won the 特等獎 (Tè Děng Jiǎng) — "Grand Prize" or "Top Prize" — from the 2015 Lugu (鹿谷) tea competition.

Lugu is one of Taiwan's most prestigious tea competitions, especially for high-mountain oolongs.