South Carolina State Hospitality Beverage – Tea

State Hospitality Beverage

In 1995, South Carolina's General Assembly determined that since tea is the "world's most popular beverage" – besides water, of course – it should serve as the state hospitality beverage. Act Number 31 was soon ratified, making this an official symbol of our state.

Iced Tea with Lemon

Tea was first brought to North America in 1799 by famed French botanist André Michaux. A gift for future governor Henry Middleton, owner of Middleton Barony in Dorchester County, the plant was grown solely as an ornamental and its leaves were never brewed. Since then, however, the coastal region of South Carolina has proven to be ideal for harvesting tea.

Charleston Tea Plantation Welcome Sign

One area in particular features the tropical climate and sandy soil best suited for tea growth. Wadmalaw Island is located just south of Charleston and is the home of "America's Only Tea Garden," the Charleston Tea Plantation. Owned in part by R. C. Bigelow & Company, this modern plantation boasts 127 acres and 320 varieties of tea.

More about Tea in South Carolina

South Carolina tea rooms - Find the closest tea room to your hometown using our handy guide
History of tea in South Carolina - 1799 to today
South Carolina sweet tea recipe - Editor's note: Boiling water in a pot works just as well as a coffee maker ... the important part is the sugar! ;)
American Classic Tea: Deep in the Heart of Tea Country - Food Enthusiast Sally Bernstein takes a look at the Charleston Tea Plantation
The First Flush Tea Festival - An account of the second annual festival, held each spring at the Charleston Tea Plantation

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