Tej, Ethiopia’s floral honey wine flavored with gesho leaves, thrives in Washington DC’s large Ethiopian community, available at liquor stores, Ethiopian eateries, and a nearby tasting room. DC spots like Metro Wine & Spirits and Sherry’s stock Bethel Dry ($21.99) and Mama’s Authentic Semi-Sweet ($19.99), while restaurants such as Elfegne, Chercher, and Das serve bottled Mama’s Honey Wine by the glass or bottle. Ideal for pairing with kitfo or injera platters from your DC-area Ethiopian restaurant interests.
Liquor Stores
Metro Wine & Spirits in DC carries Bethel Tej Dry and Smooth varieties at $21.99 each, praised for authentic Ethiopian-style fermentation. Sherry’s Wine & Spirits stocks Mama’s Authentic Honey Tej Semi-Sweet ($19.99), a filtered, shelf-stable option from Negus Winery. Both offer in-store pickup; check availability via their sites for DC delivery.
Ethiopian Restaurants
Elfegne, Chercher, and Das pour Mama’s Honey Wine, often unfiltered from the barrel for fuller honey notes—perfect with their stews. Bunna Cafe in nearby areas sells Tej bottles for takeout, aligning with DC’s vibrant scene like Dukem or Letena. Many DC spots host tej alongside coffee ceremonies; call ahead for stock.
Nearby Tasting Room
Negus Winery and Meadery at 5509 Vine St., Alexandria (short DC drive), offers flights of house-made tej including Mama’s, with injera crisps—America’s only dedicated tej tasting spot. Open for tastings; bottles available for purchase, drawing DC’s 30,000+ Ethiopian diaspora.
Ethiopian Markets
DC-area markets like those in Silver Spring or Woodbridge (near Emaye) occasionally carry imported Winery Tej or Sheba via distributors like Global Shipping Services. Check for bundles with spices; Yelp lists honey wine at African groceries.
FAQ
Where in DC to buy Bethel Tej?
Metro Wine & Spirits; $21.99 for Dry or Smooth.
Mama’s Tej availability?
Sherry’s ($19.99 Semi-Sweet) or restaurants like Elfegne/Chercher.
Tasting experiences?
Negus Winery in Alexandria for flights and snacks.
Online/ship to DC?
Yes, from winery sites; confirm ABV 12-14%.
Pairs with DC Ethiopian food?
Yes, chills well with tibs or veggie combos at Letena/Dukem.
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