About

AO Tea is an online-only specialty tea store based in Ericeira, Portugal. I curate limited, single-origin teas from China, Taiwan, and Japan, selected for a distinct sense of place and careful craftsmanship.

Over the past years, I’ve been exploring the world of tea — and the deeper I go, the more I see how vast and fascinating it is. There’s always something new to learn, taste, and appreciate. AO Tea is my way of sharing that ongoing discovery.

Each tea in the collection caught my attention — a precise flavor, an unexpected story, or simply a feeling I wanted to pass on. I’m not a tea guru. I’m an engaged enthusiast who tastes widely and shares good finds with people who share my curiosity. 

The shop began from a practical need: after moving from Ukraine to Portugal, sourcing high-quality tea locally proved difficult; orders through friends and intermediaries were slow and inconsistent. Many others had the same experience, so AO Tea became a straightforward solution. 

My sourcing is transparent and pragmatic. I work with a mix of small producers, cooperatives, and trusted in-country partners who stay close to the gardens and keep provenance traceable. This approach gives access to seasonal lots and helps maintain high standards for storage and freshness from origin to Portugal.

The range is intentionally tight: a focused, seasonal lineup rather than hundreds of labels — delicate whites and greens, expressive oolongs, characterful black teas, plus pu-erh and other dark teas with clear origin stories.

Product pages use plain language for tasting notes and practical brewing guidance so you can dial in your own style at home. 

I’m always happy to talk about anything tea-related. Please reach out to me via the Contact page or on Instagram.

Artur Orudzhaliiev, Founder of AO Tea