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September La-Tea Magic: Orchard Winds & Harvest Whispers


By Sarah Moore, Montour Falls Tea Company


September arrives like a hush over the hills—quiet, golden, and full of promise. In the Finger Lakes, it's the time of apple baskets, vineyard mist, and cinnamon-sweet air. The summer sun softens, the first leaves fall, and the waterfalls shimmer beneath the amber light of early autumn.

At Montour Falls Tea Company, we welcome the shift with steeps that warm the heart and awaken the senses. This month’s La-Tea menu celebrates the harvest season with orchard-inspired blends, vineyard notes, and spiced comfort in every cup.


Boland Thomas Vineyards 30 Old Main Street, Trumansburg, NY, United States, 14886

Featured September La-Tea Menu

Apple Spice

A fragrant fusion of apples, hibiscus, cinnamon, and elderberry. This signature blend captures the first bite of a crisp orchard apple and the cozy aroma of spiced cider.

Mocktail: Autumn Orchard Spritz

  • 1 cup brewed Apple Spice tea (chilled)

  • ½ cup sparkling apple cider

  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup

  • Squeeze of lemon

  • Apple slices and cinnamon stick for garnish

Sip under the trees or by the firepit—this one is made for sweater weather.


Pear Spice

Juicy pear and warming spice combine in this comforting tea inspired by early September harvests. A gentle, elegant brew with floral undertones.

Mocktail: Spiced Pear Tonic

  • 1 cup brewed Pear Spice tea (cooled)

  • ½ cup pear juice

  • Dash of nutmeg

  • Sparkling water to top

  • Thin pear slices for garnish

Lightly sweet with a delicate finish—this is the kind of sip that turns a quiet moment into a ritual.


Vineyard Bliss


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A nod to the Finger Lakes wine trails, this blend features berries, grape notes, and hints of floral tea. It’s lush, layered, and a little decadent.

Mocktail: Non-Alcoholic Berry Merlot Cooler

  • 1 cup brewed Vineyard Bliss tea (chilled)

  • ¼ cup pomegranate or grape juice

  • Frozen grapes and rosemary sprig

  • Optional: splash of sparkling water

A grape-inspired indulgence perfect for sipping at sunset after a visit to the local vineyards.


Cinnamon Bun

Sweet, smooth, and soul-warming—this rooibos-based blend is rich in cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of pastry magic. Dessert in a cup.

Mocktail: Cozy Cinnamon Creamer

  • 1 cup brewed Cinnamon Bun tea (hot or iced)

  • ¼ cup oat or almond milk

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla syrup

  • Dash of cinnamon on top

Serve warm for a cozy moment or iced with whipped cream for a fall latte feel.


Tea Tradition: The Harvest Table

In many cultures, tea harvests are celebrated with community gatherings and rituals of gratitude. September is often a time of second flushes—deeper, richer brews that reflect the maturity of the growing season. It’s a time for giving thanks, storing away, and steeping deeper connections.

Our La-Tea blends reflect that tradition—offering comfort, grounding, and a sip of seasonal storytelling.

Habee Farms Beaver Dams, NY, United States


Finger Lakes Harvest: More Than Grapes

While the Finger Lakes are famous for wine, September also brings pears, apples, squash, and golden grains. Orchards open for picking, farmers’ markets brim with local goods, and towns like Montour Falls host community festivals that celebrate abundance and change.

Our Apple Spice and Pear Spice blends are a tribute to these local harvests—and the hands that bring them to life.


Montour Falls in September

With every step through Montour Falls, you’ll find signs of the season. Pumpkins appear on porches, the air grows crisp, and Shequaga Falls seems to flow a little slower—its cascade now framed by turning leaves. This is a place where fall feels full, rich, and real.


Join the Harvest

September is one of the most magical times to visit our tea shop. Try a cinnamon latte, take home a La-Tea box, or stroll to the falls with a warm cup in hand.

Next month, we embrace all things pumpkin, s’mores, and woodland lore.

Until then, breathe in the harvest. And steep something wonderful.

Chamberlain Acres Farmer’s Market 824 Broadway, Southport, NY

 
 
 

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