About us

Our Story

We’re Alex Balcer and Andrea Legg, a couple with a love for exceptional tea, adventure, community, and creating positive, sustainable change.

For many years, we travelled the world with Cirque du Soleil and Cavalia Odysseo—Alex as a technician (Cirque du Soleil) and Andrea as a performer (Cavalia Odysseo). Along the way, we discovered the wonderful diversity of tea, from smooth sencha green tea in Japan to earthy yerba maté in Argentina and classic Earl Grey in London. Each cup became part of our journey, connecting us to the places, people, and cultures we encountered.

When we eventually put down roots in the beautiful mountain town of Nelson, BC, we wanted to turn our passion for tea into something meaningful. Virtue Tea was born from a simple idea: to share delicious, high-quality teas sourced directly from small artisan growers in Asia who use earth-friendly growing practices, while giving back to the community and environment we call home.

Sustainability and stewardship are at the heart of what we do. We’re proud to be a Certified Green BC Business, reflecting our commitment to making environmentally responsible choices and building a more sustainable future.

Through our commitment to 1% for the Planet, we direct a portion of our proceeds to support the Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society. We also contribute to The Rod and Gun Club’s conservation projects and RePurpose, an organization working to remove plastics from the environment.

We believe that small, thoughtful choices can make a meaningful difference. Whether it’s enjoying a carefully sourced cup of tea or supporting the people and organizations working to protect our planet, we’re proud to be part of a community that cares about a healthier, more sustainable future.

The Kootenays are our home, and protecting this beautiful corner of the world is something close to our hearts.

Thank you for being part of our journey and for supporting Virtue Tea. Every cup helps us share our love of tea, community, and a better future.

With gratitude,

Andrea, Alex, Mateo & Isaac