There are stories that live in the land itself, rising with the morning light and carried by the scent of tea leaves unfurling in the cool air of the high plateaus. In Mauritius, tea and infusions are more than drinks, they are part of the island’s rhythm, shaped by care, attention, and the natural richness of the land.
Roots that crossed the seas
The story begins in the late nineteenth century, when Jules Corson left Mauritius to study tea cultivation in Ceylon. He returned with Assam tea varieties, bringing seeds, knowledge, and a vision. In 1886, the first five acres of tea were planted at the Jardin Expérimental,marking the beginning of Corson’s history as a pioneer in the local tea industry.
Over the years, the Corson Tea Estate evolved, experimenting with new flavors and approaches. In 1919, Auguste Jules Corson introduced the island’s first vanilla tea, a creation that remains cherished today. In 1931, Jean Raoul Corson took the helm of the family business, followed in 1956 by Marie Jean Raoul Corson, who continued to nurture the estate and its plantations. Elizabeth Corson later became the first woman to lead a tea company in Mauritius, guiding the estate with care and resilience. Today, her daughters, Deborah (Corson) Adam and Laura Giselle (Corson) M d’Unienville, continue that same spirit, ensuring the craft adapts and grows with the island and its people, always attentive to quality, innovation, and the evolving world of tea.
La Maison Corson today
Today, the Corson Tea Estate has naturally evolved into La Maison Corson, a home for creativity and flavor. The evolution is rooted in the same curiosity and dedication that guided the first plantings, but it is also oriented toward the future, toward new blends, new experiences, and a renewed dialogue with the land and its people.
More than a tea house, La Maison Corson is a house of passion, of sharing. It brings together three distinctive brands, each reflecting a unique approach to Mauritian plants and flavors:
Corson, the founding brand, offers signature black teas and blends that invite moments of enjoyment and connection. Every cup carries the essence of careful cultivation, balanced flavors, and the character of the island’s soils.
Théière des Îles, the souvenir collection, celebrates subtlety and refinement. This range of aromatic teas offers nuanced flavors for those seeking a quiet moment of elegance, a sensory journey that lingers.
Planty, the modern range that aims to reconnect people with their environment. Through organic infusions and teas inspired by the island’s flora, Planty’s bold, sustainable, and lively creations, opens a path toward a more responsible future.
The island and the leaf
Mauritius’ volcanic soils and highland climate provide favorable conditions for teas and infusions with distinct depth and character. The tea fields are living ecosystems, cared for by planters, métayers, and families whose knowledge and dedication sustain the plants year after year. Each harvest is a quiet celebration of patience, expertise, and ongoing care.
A meeting of flavors
The three brands together form the identity of La Maison Corson, a balance of experience, elegance, and experimentation. Planty’s Black Citrus, for example, blends the depth of Mauritian black tea with the bright zest of combava, creating a cup that bridges careful cultivation and contemporary creativity.
A living craft
La Maison Corson is a house that continues to grow, adapting and evolving with the island, its plants, and the people who nurture them. Brewing a cup of Corson, Théière des Îles, or Planty is to take part in a living craft, an ongoing story of flavor, care, and the legacy of Mauritius’ first tea pioneers.
Learn more about La Maison Corson.