The Teayard
THE BRAND
Riyang Teayard, the blend of love and tea over three generations.
37 years ago, Master Chen returned to his hometown Nantou, where abundant resources and techniques were available, to learn tea craftsmanship. As a novice, he describes the process as “being a barefoot hiker with a rock on back – difficult yet steady.” During his study, he met his wife. His devotion and determination won him the trust of his father-in-law, and the old tea master had passed onto him not only his daughter but also his lifetime expertise. The family heritage is thus preserved and continued.
For a tea family, life begins at dawn and goes on beyond sunset. Every harvest is a marathon for more than 24 hours, not just an ordeal of master’s endurance, the intricate processing is also a test of master’s proficiency and ability. Yet for a master who strives for excellence, practice and challenge are addictive – for there is always the next chapter.
Riyang Teayard – a summation of the master’s footprints under the sun and his palms’ warmth on every tea leaf – is also the reflex of tea in the water, finely releases the ballad, sunlight, breeze, sincerity and a farmer’s life which is intertwined tightly with the land.
Take a sip and learn about the master’s life. To be understood and to be appreciated are the greatest rewards for his dedication.
AWARDS
Grand Prizes in Wu-Yi, Chin-Hsuan and Tzui-Yu Categories, Mingjian Township Farmers’ Association, Spring Contest, 1993
Grand Prize in Shy-Jih-Chuen Category, Bi-Fong Tea Production and Marketing Division, Winter Contest, 1993
Grand Prize in Shy-Jih-Chuen Category, Mingjian Township Farmers’ Association, Spring Contest, 1995
Grand Prize in Shy-Jih-Chuen Category, Mingjian Township Farmers’ Association, Winter Contest, 1995
Grand Prize in Shy-Jih-Chuen Category, Mingjian Township Farmers’ Association, Winter Contest, 1997
Grand Prize in New Cultivar, Shanlinxi Jin Pai Da Zhang, Winter Contest, 2003
Grand Prize in New Cultivar, Shanlinxi Jin Pai Da Zhang, Spring Contest, 2004
THE TEAYARD
Our tea yard is located in Lishan range in central Taiwan. The high altitude geography is gifted with hazy and cold climate which makes tea plants grow slower and have more time to conceive the essence of the mountainous nature. Given the long growing time, there are only two harvests per year – spring and winter. The fallow period helps the land to replenish its fertility for the journey ahead.
Currently, Lishan has a tea cultivation area of about 410 hectares. The annual production stands at around 312 tonnes, which is 2% of the total tea production in Taiwan. Limited quantity and extraordinary quality make it extremely difficult to acquire the genuine teas from Lishan. Apart from Lishan, we also share the masterpieces by our artisan friends from different mountains of Taiwan who have the same passion towards tea. We hope you enjoy the variety!