A “Love Letter” to Tea and a Curated Guide for Beginners and Connoisseurs Alike, the Definitive
Exploration of the World’s Most Beloved Beverage Is Now Available Everywhere Books Are Sold
The wait is over for tea lovers and culinary aficionados around the world. 101 Teas to Steep Before You Die—the ultimate bucket list for the world’s most popular beverage—is available today from Page Street Publishing Co., distributed by Macmillan. The book can be found online or wherever books are sold.
Co-authored by four of the most trusted and influential voices in tea—Nigel Melican, James Norwood Pratt, Maria Uspenski and Shabnam Weber—this beautifully crafted volume invites readers on a spirited, sensory journey through the globe’s most legendary teas, from ancient harvests plucked in mist-shrouded mountain gardens to hidden treasures found on grocery store shelves.
For newcomers eager to deepen their understanding or seasoned drinkers seeking new inspiration, 101 Teas to Steep Before You Die serves as both guide and celebration—offering stories, tasting notes, and expert insights that illuminate what makes each tea truly unforgettable.
The 256-page hardcover book features the authors’ shared passion—their “love letter” to tea—and it turns every page into an invitation to steep, savor and discover tea’s timeless magic.
Insights from the Co-Authors:
The four co-authors of 101 Teas to Steep Before You Die have helped shape the global tea landscape throughout their distinguished careers, making this book collaboration a milestone in the world of tea literature.
Nigel Melican, one of the world’s leading tea scientists and technologists, with more than 40 years of experience in agronomy, processing and innovation, said, “For me, this book is both a reflection of my lifelong work in tea and a tribute to those who keep the leaf alive—from the farmer’s hands to the drinker’s cup. It’s a joy to share the depth and diversity of tea with readers everywhere.” Melican’s work has advanced tea cultivation and production across five continents. He currently serves as president of the European Specialty Tea Association.
James Norwood Pratt, a revered tea historian and author, noted, “Tea has always been more than a beverage—it’s a bridge between people, cultures, and moments in time. 101 Teas to Steep Before You Die captures that spirit beautifully, offering readers a way to experience the world through tea.” Pratt’s poetic prose helped ignite the modern tea renaissance in the West. His acclaimed works—James Norwood Pratt’s Tea Dictionary and Tea Lover’s Treasury—remain essential reading for tea lovers worldwide.
Maria Uspenski—founder and CEO of The Tea Spot, wellness innovator and bestselling author of Cancer Hates Tea (also from Page Street Publishing Co.)—said, “This project has been a true labor of love. We wanted to create something inspiring yet practical—a book that helps people discover teas that bring wonder and comfort into their daily lives.” At The Tea Spot, Uspenski’s mission is to empower wellness through tea that is science-backed, sustainably crafted, made for everyday life, and always giving back.
Shabnam Weber, a global leader in tea advocacy and education, and president of the Tea and Herbal Association of Canada (THAC), shared, “Tea has connected communities for centuries. This book honours that legacy while also celebrating the modern tea renaissance that continues to unfold. It’s a celebration of how much there still is to learn, taste, and share.” Weber is also the designer of the THAC Tea Sommelier® Program and co-founder of the International Alliance of Women in Tea. Her work bridges tradition and innovation across the global tea community.
More About the Book:
Chapters in 101 Teas to Steep Before You Die include: Archetypes for the Six Types; Classic Blends and Flavors; Teas That Changed History; Steeped in Wellness; Supermarket, Café, and Restaurant Stars; Happy Accidents; Teas to Impress; Rare Treasures; Desert Island Teas; and Beyond the Traditional.
The book also features:
- Expert buying tips and precise steeping instructions
- In-depth tasting notes and origin stories
- Recipes that expand tea’s use beyond the teacup
- Insights into cultivation, processing, and the gong fu method
- Guidance for understanding cultivars and the six core tea types
Edited by Sadie Hofmeester, 101 Teas to Steep Before You Die features photography by Brayden Heath, illustrations by Emily Grace King and cover and design by Laura Benton.
101 Teas to Steep Before You Die is available now at major book retailers, including Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Bookshop.org, Blackwells, Amazon Canada, Amazon U.K., Books-A-Million, Books Inc., and Chapters, in addition to The Tea Spot’s website (TheTeaSpot.com).
