In short: Dessford Tea Estate is a black tea producer in the Nuwara Eliya district of Sri Lanka, operated by Talawakelle and recorded as supplying Finlays.
Dessford Tea Estate is a black tea producer located in the Nuwara Eliya district of Sri Lanka, at an elevation of 1,612 metres. The estate is operated by Talawakelle, a regional plantation company, and is recorded as supplying Finlays, a major British tea trader and blender.
Terroir & Climate
At 1,612 metres above sea level, Dessford sits within the high-grown category that defines much of Nuwara Eliya's reputation. Estates at this elevation in central Sri Lanka typically experience cooler temperatures and higher diurnal variation than lowland gardens, factors that tend to slow leaf development and concentrate certain flavour compounds. The latitude, just under seven degrees north, places the estate in a tropical highland zone where the monsoon cycle generally shapes two distinct quality seasons.
Nuwara Eliya's altitude and exposure often result in misty conditions and moderate rainfall distributed across much of the year. These conditions tend to favour slower, more even growth, and estates in this band generally produce teas with a different profile to those from lower elevations in Dimbula or Uva. The interplay of altitude, aspect, and the regional climate typically influences both the biochemistry of the leaf and the character of the processed tea.
Tea Produced
Dessford produces black tea. Estates in Nuwara Eliya at comparable elevations typically yield teas known for a lighter body and a delicate, sometimes floral or grassy character, with a briskness that tends to be less assertive than that of mid-grown Ceylon teas. The cup profile from this elevation band generally features a pale to medium liquor and a clean, refined flavour that is often prized in blends requiring brightness without heavy astringency. The altitude and slower leaf maturation in this region often contribute to a tea that is aromatic and nuanced rather than robustly malty.
Supply Chain & Market Position
Dessford is recorded as supplying Finlays, one of the largest tea procurement and blending operations globally, with a network spanning major retail and foodservice customers. This relationship places the estate within a commercial supply chain that values consistency, traceability, and volume capability. Finlays' presence as a buyer suggests that Dessford's output meets the quality and logistical standards required for integration into international blends, and indicates a degree of reliability in both production and estate management.
- Recorded supplier to Finlays
Operator
The estate is operated by Talawakelle, a plantation company active in Sri Lanka's central highlands. Talawakelle operates five other estates recorded in our directory, reflecting a regional footprint and a portfolio approach to tea production. Multi-estate operators of this kind typically benefit from shared infrastructure, agronomic expertise, and economies of scale in processing and marketing, which can influence both quality consistency and access to buyer networks.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Dessford Tea Estate lies at 6.9397, 80.7430 in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. Its 1612 m elevation is the 2nd highest of 6 estates we map in Nuwara Eliya. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Somerset Tea Estate — 2.6 km away
- Talawakelle Plantations, Radella — 2.7 km away · Central Province
- Elpitiya Plantations, Meddecombara North — 4.6 km away · Central Province
- Kelanivalley Plantations, Nuwara Eliya — 4.6 km away · Central Province
- Ouvahkelle Estate — 4.9 km away · Nuwan Elgin To Maria
Estates at a Similar Altitude to Dessford Tea Estate
Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match Dessford Tea Estate (1,612 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. Dessford Tea Estate recorded 3,152 mm in 2025, 43% more than the 2,205 mm average across these estates: at the same height, local weather and exposure matter as much as elevation.
| Estate | Where | Elevation | Rain 2025 | Mean high |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seeyok Tea Garden | Mirik, India | 1,612 m | 2,552 mm | 19.4 °C |
| MWAKALELI | Mbeya region, Tanzania United Republic Of | 1,611 m | 1,944 mm | 19.8 °C |
| Madupatty Tea Estate | Mattupetty, India | 1,606 m | 2,773 mm | 21.3 °C |
| Kayu Aro Tea Estate | Kerinci Regency, Indonesia | 1,618 m | 3,130 mm | 21.1 °C |
| KABAMBE | Iringa, Tanzania United Republic Of | 1,618 m | 628 mm | 25.4 °C |
Dessford Tea Estate Compared with Nuwara Eliya
In Nuwara Eliya, Dessford Tea Estate is drier than 60% of the others by 2025 rainfall; higher than 80% of the others by elevation; cooler than 80% of the others by daytime temperature. The table sets Dessford Tea Estate against the 5 other estates we map in Nuwara Eliya, so you can see whether it is typical for its region or an outlier.
| Measure | Dessford Tea Estate | Region median | Region range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 1,612 m | 1,337 m | 1,231 to 1,892 m |
| Annual rainfall (2025) | 3,152 mm | 3,746 mm | 2,796 to 4,232 mm |
| Mean daily high | 21.2 °C | 22.6 °C | 19.4 to 23.0 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 14.4 °C | 15.7 °C | 13.0 to 16.1 °C |
Observed Climate at Dessford Tea Estate (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Dessford Tea Estate’s coordinates recorded 3,152 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was November (713 mm) and the driest was February (42 mm). Daytime highs averaged 21.2 °C and overnight lows 14.4 °C over the year; April was the warmest month and July the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 3,152 mm |
| Wettest month | November (713 mm) |
| Driest month | February (42 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 21.2 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 14.4 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dessford Tea Estate located?
Dessford Tea Estate is in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, at coordinates 6.9397, 80.7430, at an elevation of about 1612 metres.
Who operates Dessford Tea Estate?
Dessford Tea Estate is operated by Talawakelle, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Dessford Tea Estate produce?
Dessford Tea Estate is recorded as producing black tea.
Which buyers does Dessford Tea Estate supply?
Public supplier disclosures record Dessford Tea Estate as supplying Finlays.
How much rain does Dessford Tea Estate receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 3,152 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in November (713 mm).
How does Dessford Tea Estate compare with estates at a similar elevation?
Dessford Tea Estate recorded 3,152 mm in 2025, 43% more rain than the 2,205 mm average of estates at a similar elevation.
Data sources: public supply-chain disclosures (Ethical Tea Partnership member lists, Rainforest Alliance certificate holders and retailer supplier disclosures); climate figures are ERA5 reanalysis modelled for the estate’s coordinates via Open-Meteo (calendar year 2025); coordinates and elevations from geocoded records. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].
