Sorate - Japanese Green Tea and Matcha!
For Silvia Mella, founder and creative director of Sorate, tea is more than just a drink—it’s a ritual of balance and mindfulness. After feeling physically and emotionally depleted, Silvia embarked on a transformative solo journey through Japan. There, in the serene tea farms near Kyoto, she discovered the power of daily tea rituals to restore clarity and peace. Inspired by Japan’s reverence for tea and Italy’s deep-rooted traditions—like the energizing morning espresso—Silvia created Sorate as a love letter to both cultures, offering a path to mindfulness through the art of tea. In this interview with Delivery Rank, she shares her journey, the philosophy behind Sorate, and how small daily rituals can bring stability, serenity, and joy into our lives.
Can you describe the pivotal moment during your solo road trip in Japan that inspired you to start Sorate?
The pivotal moment during my solo road trip in Japan that inspired Sorate happened when I found myself quietly sitting in a traditional tea house near Uji, Kyoto. There, surrounded by the simplicity and profound tranquility of the tea ceremony, I experienced an overwhelming sense of clarity. It became evident to me that the ritualistic beauty and mindful essence of Japanese tea culture had deeply impacted my personal journey, leading me to want to share these experiences and practices more broadly. That moment, sitting quietly sipping freshly harvested tea, planted the seed for Sorate.
How did the experience at the family-owned tea farm near Kyoto shape your understanding of mindfulness and daily rituals?
Visiting the family-owned tea farm near Kyoto profoundly shaped my understanding of mindfulness and daily rituals. Observing the meticulous care with which the tea was cultivated, harvested, and prepared, I saw how mindfulness was embedded in every small action. The farmers taught me that tea isn’t just a beverage—it’s a form of meditation, a daily reminder to pause, reflect, and fully immerse oneself in the present. This experience became foundational in Sorate’s emphasis on intentionality and mindfulness in everyday routines.
What parallels do you see between the tea culture in Japan and the coffee culture in Italy, and how do these influence Sorate's philosophy?
There are striking parallels between the tea culture in Japan and the coffee culture in Italy, my home country. Both cultures deeply respect the rituals involved in preparing and enjoying these beverages. In Italy, coffee rituals encourage connection, momentary breaks, and social intimacy; similarly, Japan’s tea rituals cultivate a sense of serenity, presence, and intentional community. These parallels inspired Sorate’s philosophy of fostering mindful living through everyday rituals, blending Italian warmth and sociability with Japanese mindfulness and intentionality.
How do you believe daily tea rituals contribute to emotional and physical well-being, based on your personal experiences?
Based on my personal experiences, daily tea rituals contribute significantly to emotional and physical well-being. Taking time each day to prepare and enjoy tea creates intentional spaces for calmness, reflection, and rejuvenation. Physically, tea is rich in antioxidants and nutrients beneficial for health. Emotionally, the ritual itself acts as a grounding practice, reducing stress and enhancing mindfulness. This daily habit has personally helped me maintain balance, focus, and emotional clarity amidst the demands of modern life.
Looking ahead, how do you envision Sorate evolving, and what new directions or projects are you excited about for the future?
Looking ahead, I envision Sorate expanding our business presence both locally within our cities and internationally. I am particularly excited about bringing our teas and mindful practices to a broader audience by establishing new partnerships and opening new venues abroad. Additionally, we plan to continue creating immersive tea experiences and educational initiatives that help more people integrate mindfulness and tranquility into their everyday lives.
To read more about Sorate, please visit https://sorate.co/