Darjeeling

Darjeeling's 87 tea estates produce some of the world's most sought-after teas, distinguished by altitude, cool temperatures, and the unique terroir of Himalayan foothills. The region's teas are classified by flush: first flush (February-April) is light, floral, and sometimes greenish; second flush (May-June) develops the prized muscatel character — a grape-like sweetness attributed to the combination of Chinese cultivar genetics, altitude stress, and a tiny leafhopper insect that triggers defensive compounds in the plant. Darjeeling's Geographical Indication (GI) status, granted in 2004, protects the name for teas grown and processed within the designated region. Despite its prestige, Darjeeling produces less than 1% of India's total tea output. The most celebrated estates include Makaibari, Castleton, Margaret's Hope, and Thurbo, each with micro-terroirs yielding distinct character.