If it’s true that tea makes everything better, Wimberley tea aficionados can rejoice in the opening of the Tea Nook. As the newest shop on the square, the Tea Nook offers premium handcrafted loose leaf teas sourced directly from the great tea estates of the world. They offer black teas, white teas, oolong, rooibos and green teas; several types of spiced chai; floral and herbal blends; and unique iced tea blends.
They also offer the visually arresting blooming tea. Artisans from the Yunnan Province in southwestern China hand-tie a bundle of dried tea leaves around an edible flower. Once steeped in hot water, the ball gradually opens to reveal the flower. A very old art form, it dates back to the Song Dynasty, 979 AD.
Other teas offer wellbeing. Four one-of-a kind herbal blends they sell are reportedly a grandmother’s recipe handed down for their efficacy. One popular blend called “Serene Tea,” not surprisingly, is effective for initiating sleep.
The teas, says owner Chris Valdez, are “very potent because they come directly from established estates and do not have syrups and other artificial ingredients.”
The non-caffeinated herbal ice tea blends with names like Mother Gaias, Sunkissed Meadows, Crimson Grove and Lovers Lust are equally inviting.
The cozy interior of the Tea Nook also offers a place to gather and sip, with tables for two and a communal table to trade tea talk with other enthusiasts. Books to pick up and read, homemade scones and cookies, and plants from Blooming Basket make for a welcome respite. Knowledgeable staff and free tastings allow visitors to leave with a better understanding of premium tea culture and what the shop offers. From sniffing the leaves to steeping and tasting a new tea or blend becomes an interactive experience.
When asked why she chose to open the Tea Nook, Valdez, who also owns Nature's Choice Wellness and Twisted Treats said, “We listened to Wimberley locals who wanted a dedicated tea shop. I’m a tea drinker myself. I love the different aspects of tea, its history and its many healthful benefits. On so many levels, tea is an exceptional beverage compared to other drinks out there. Kids just love our ice tea blends.”
The Tea Nook is located at 106 Wimberley Square. They are open Sunday through Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit tea-nook.shopify.com/ .
