From Wimbledon Courts to the Allure of UVA, enjoy a cup of PMD tea

During the summer in Europe, one of the main spotlights in June and July, is the French Open in Paris and Wimbledon in London. While enjoying a cup of tea at Wimbledon is a long-standing tradition, both Wimbledon and Sri Lankan tea share a deep-rooted history dating back to the 1870s.

These two months are also crucial for tea cultivation, marking a critical weather period for tea production. The ideal conditions are dry days accompanied by a strong north-easterly breeze, which signals the beginning of the Uva flavour season in the tea estates of Uva and Uda Pusselawa, including the Planters range from PMD Tea.

The Planters team works diligently to maintain the fields in optimal condition, ensuring that the leaves are handled with care to preserve their delicate flavor. Meanwhile, international buyers will be actively participating in the Colombo auctions, bidding for the finest tea grades to meet the demands of their businesses.

It’s uncommon to find a tea planter away from his estate during this time of year, yet there was one exceptional case: Patrick Francis Haddow, more commonly known as Frank. In 1878, he took a summer holiday in London, entered the Wimbledon men’s singles tournament, and won—remarkably, he remains the only champion to have never lost a set. However, Frank never had the opportunity to defend his title, as he chose instead to stay in the Uva estates, focusing on managing the crucial period of tea cultivation during the season.

Fifty years later, Frank returned to receive a commemorative medal from Queen Mary, recognizing him as the oldest living champion. As we anticipate this year’s Uva season, why not indulge in some seasonal tea from the High Forest estate in Uda Pusselawa? Alternatively, the Seasonal Uva Tea from St. James offers an aromatic, full-bodied bouquet of natural wintergreens. Both are the perfect companions for savoring while watching this year’s Wimbledon Championship.