Few know that tea has been grown in Gachalá, Cundinamarca since 1935. This is the story of Colombian tea and the family keeping it alive.
When you think of tea, you think of China, India or Japan. But in the Guavio mountains, three hours from Bogotá, tea has been growing for almost a century. This is the story of Colombian tea — which is also the story of Gold Flower.
1935: seeds from China in Río Murcas
It all began when landowner Carlos Piedrahita introduced tea seeds from China and started growing them in the Río Murcas area of Gachalá, Cundinamarca. Conditions were perfect: altitude, fog, volcanic soils and the Guavio humidity. Gachalá became one of the first places in Colombia where tea was cultivated.
Las Cascadas estate and the first brands
The crop was later driven forward at the Las Cascadas estate by Peter W. Rainier, and continued by Julio Ernesto Martínez Aguilera and his family, who consolidated production under brands like Té Guavio, Elephant Tea and, later, Gold Flower Tea.
2003: the rebirth
Like every long story, this one had hard chapters: economic, social and environmental challenges slowed growth for years. In 2003, descendants Julio Ernesto and Ruby Romero Martínez took up the crop again and restarted the green tea production sold today under the Gold Flower brand.
What makes high-altitude Colombian green tea special?
- Mountain-grown, with temperature swings that concentrate leaf flavor.
- Processed in small batches with manual selection.
- It arrives fresh: from Colombian soil to your cup, without crossing oceans.
You can taste it: our classic green tea descends directly from those crops. For the full story, visit our history page.
Frequently asked questions
Is tea grown in Colombia?
Yes. Though little known, there are tea crops in Cundinamarca (Gachalá) and Valle del Cauca. The Gachalá crop dates back to 1935.