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ABOUT US
 Contessa Tea Connoisseur was started as a dream to introduce South Africans to the world of tea, and to create an original and relaxed environment within which to enjoy it.
New owners Rita and Richard Churches, aim to continue this dream, as Contessa is lavished with their love and attention to detail, in all aspects of the original legacy.
Tea is a universal and multifaceted product bringing enjoyment and health benefits to those who share in it. Tea has emerged as the international beverage of choice, rated second only to water, in a trend to move away from coffee based drinks, due to health reasons.
The tea house’s name, "Contessa", came about due to a famous Contessa who lived in Italy in the late 1800, early 1900's, named Contessa Louisa Casati.
Casati was the maiden name of the original shop owner, whose grandfather hailed from Italy. The Contessa was a rather flamboyant personality who had a reputation for having exotic tea parties, often draping a python over her shoulder or walking her pet cheetah.
Contessa stocks approximately 70 different teas, largely made up of its own imported range of +/- 28 loose leaf teas, and further complimented by the entire Twinings range. Some of the Contessa flavours include; Coconut Snow, Tropical Breeze, Apricot Brandy, Masala Chai, Flower Green and many more! The addition of 82 new organic Hyson Tea flavours, brings the total tea offering to 152.
The Contessa brand attempts to maintain a superior level of quality in everything it chooses to be associated with. The Twinings range has been available within the retail market for many years, but customers can now enjoy the luxury of being offered any flavour in the collection to enjoy, before making their purchase.
Rita, previously known as the Sauceress, has a City & Guilds International Diploma (with distinction) in Food Preparation & Cooking, obtained through the Culinary Arts, LONDON.
Over the past 10 years, Rita has amongst others: successfully managed a renowned catering company, Vanilla Catering, as well as shared her vast culinary knowledge and flair for cooking through the exclusive Sauceress Kitchen School.
Richard brings a wealth of business knowledge, gained from his past directorship at an international FMCG wholesaler, to the tea party. After retiring from an illustrious retail career spanning some 40 years; Rita was soon looking for an opportunity to get Richard (happily reading his books), off the couch and back into work mode. Richard is now not only steeped in tea, but also in the day-to-day running of this highly successful business operation.
Contessa Tea Connoisseur is the perfect fit for the talents of this wonderful and warm couple.
“We invite you to come and enjoy a cup with us…” ~ Rita and Richard
GALLERY
     
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