Gopaldhara: Pioneering a Revolutionary Style of Darjeeling Tea Making

In the serene hills of Darjeeling, we have emerged as a pioneer in the world of tea, bringing forth a revolution in the way Darjeeling teas are crafted. Nestled in the majestic hills of India, we at Gopaldhara & Rohini Tea Estate have embarked on a journey to perfect the art of crafting authentic Darjeeling Teas. With a relentless pursuit of excellence, innovative techniques, and a steadfast commitment to quality, we have developed a new style of tea making that pushes the boundaries of traditional methods. This innovative approach not only preserves the essence of Darjeeling tea but also introduces a new dimension of flavour and aroma. In this blog, we will explain our unique approach, which challenges traditional methods and delivers an unparalleled tea-drinking experience.

PRESERVING THE INTEGRITY OF THE LEAVES:

Our approach to a new style of tea making stands apart by emphasizing the preservation of leaf integrity. Unlike conventional methods that often result in broken leaves and harsh notes, our new style of tea making involves oxidizing and delicately rolling the tea leaves. Traditional Darjeeling tea makers commonly use rollers measuring 36 or 48 inches. These rollers are equipped with a step-down plate that aids in breaking the tea leaves and initiating the oxidation process. Consequently, when prepared using this method, the dry leaves undergo a reduction in size. Furthermore, this process significantly influences the flavour profile of the tea, resulting in most of them being categorized as black teas.

On the other hand, we employ a Chinese roller with a smaller diameter of 22 inches. This particular roller is designed with rolling grooves that facilitate a circular motion, allowing the leaves to be rolled without undergoing breakage or oxidation. As a result, our method produces whole leaf tea, preserving its integrity and character. Also, this meticulous process, reminiscent of oolong tea-making, ensures minimal damage to the leaves. By preserving the leaf structure, the tea can fully express its flavours and aromas, offering a smooth and refined character that delights the senses. Also, it will ensure that the tea leaves retain their natural fragrance. The enchanting aroma that emanates from each cup of their tea is a testament to their unwavering dedication to quality.

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1881:

Gopaldhara & Rohini Tea Estate’s relentless pursuit of perfection is deeply rooted in a legacy of excellence since 1881. Drawing from centuries of tea-making traditions in Darjeeling, we combine time-honoured techniques with innovative methods to create teas that reflect the region’s unique terroir. Each cup is a testament to their unwavering commitment to producing exceptional Darjeeling teas that captivate tea enthusiasts worldwide.

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Unveiling the Unknown Facts of Gopaldhara Tea Estate:

Studies have shown that there is a decrease in growth rate as altitude increases, resulting in lower yields at higher altitudes. Our tea estate Gopaldhara, located in the Mirik hills of the Darjeeling District, has a large portion of its tea area planted between 5,500 ft to 7,000 ft above sea level, making it one of the highest elevated tea estates in the region. It has been planted with quality AV2 and 312 Tea to produce rare and exquisite teas. Provided other environmental factors such as planting material and soil remain constant, slower growth rates at higher altitudes allow the tea plants additional time to develop more complex flavours. As altitude influences tea flavour, teas produced from Gopaldhara are rich in flavour.

Discovering the Hidden Gems of Excellence of Rohini Tea Estate:

In Rohini Tea Estate, the youngest tea estate in Darjeeling, we hold a unique position in the region as a prominent producer of the coveted first flush teas. Its exceptional elevation, favourable weather conditions, and cultivation of the 157 clone variety contribute to this distinction. With 4 hectares dedicated to the 157 clone, known for its early flushing characteristics, we starts plucking as early as January 16th. This gives us a significant head start of one to two months compared to other clonal variants, allowing us to offer the earliest and freshest first flush teas in Darjeeling.