Question 1

Where is Dessford Estate in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Dessford Estate is situated on the western slopes of the Dimbula valley in Sri Lanka's Central Province, within the Talawakelle/Lindula agro-climatic district. The nearest railway station is Talawakelle on the Colombo–Badulla hill-country line. The estate sits at an elevation of 1,385 metres above sea level.

Question 2

What grade of tea is produced at Dessford Estate?

Accepted Answer

Dessford Estate produces western high-grown black tea, with BOPSp (Broken Orange Pekoe Special) being among its notable grades. The estate's annual output exceeds 600,000 kilogrammes. High-grown Dimbula teas are prized for their bright liquor, brisk character, and clean finish.

Question 3

Can I visit Dessford Estate as a tourist?

Accepted Answer

Dessford is a working commercial estate, so visits are best arranged in advance through a licensed tour operator. A typical visit includes a walk through the tea fields, a factory tour covering withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying, and a tasting session. The surrounding Dimbula valley scenery makes the journey worthwhile in its own right.

Question 4

How many wet days does the Dimbula valley get each year?

Accepted Answer

The Talawakelle/Lindula district, where Dessford Estate is located, typically records between 192 and 205 wet days annually. This high rainfall, combined with cool temperatures at elevation, is what gives Dimbula teas their distinctive quality and influences the estate's plucking calendar.

Question 5

What is western high-grown Ceylon tea?

Accepted Answer

Western high-grown is a classification for Ceylon Tea produced above 1,200 metres on the western-facing slopes of Sri Lanka's central highlands, primarily in the Dimbula region. These teas are recognised by the Sri Lanka Tea Board and traded as a distinct category on the Colombo Tea Auction. They are known for bright, coppery liquor and a brisk, clean flavour.

Question 6

How large is Dessford Estate?

Accepted Answer

The total extent of Dessford Estate is 433.99 hectares, of which 333.54 hectares are under active tea cultivation. The estate operates four divisions with a resident workforce of around 811 people. The remainder of the land supports shade and windbreak vegetation and estate infrastructure.

Question 7

What is the best time of year to visit tea estates in Dimbula?

Accepted Answer

The Dimbula quality season generally falls during the dry inter-monsoon periods, when slower leaf growth concentrates flavour in the tea. For visiting, the months between January and March and again around July to August tend to offer clearer skies and drier roads in the hill country, though the estate is operational year-round.

Dessford Estate

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