Elmwood Inn Fine Teas

The Elmwood Inn Fine Teas story began in 1990 on the eve of the American tea renaissance, when Shelley Richardson opened a tea room in the Civil War village of Perryville, Kentucky. 

Long-time educators, Bruce, Shelly and Ben Richardson felt the need to share their tea talents with eager students. Since 2000, over 400 aspiring tea entrepreneurs from across the world have attended their annual TEA Masterclass. These seminars, combined with the 14 tea books they have since authored, continue to inspire tea professionals worldwide.

"Our goals are to explore the globe in search of extraordinary teas, to honor and respect the people who work to produce those teas, and to offer exceptional teas to a world thirsting for peace and equality. We are committed to sharing the ideal that tea is a lifestyle; not a commodity."

Gift at the Gardner collaborated with the Richardsons to develop a line of custom tea blends inspired by the Museum’s collection that connect the history of tea at the Gardner to today's visitors.