Meet Our Founder

Melanie Wade is Founder of Golda Kombucha, Georgia’s first and finest sparkling kombucha tea. Inspired by a treasured family recipe and fruit and herb flavors native to Georgia, Melanie began developing kombucha while in college and has since expanded across the Southeast.

Golda Kombucha is more than a business venture to Melanie—it’s part of her family’s history. Melanie’s kombucha recipe and the culture used for fermentation were passed down from her grandmother Golda, the business’ namesake. A living testament to wellness, Golda is 95-years-old and resides in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She has been brewing and perfecting her unique kombucha recipe for over 40 years, now passed down to Melanie.

 After experimenting with profiles like lavender-lemonade and peach-ginger in her home kitchen, Melanie was ready to bring her product to market. She debuted Golda Kombucha to the public in 2013 at local farmers markets and craft fairs around Georgia, finding that Atlantans couldn’t get enough of the time-tested family recipe.

 As demand grew, Melanie doubled the size of Golda Kombucha’s facility and moved to a brewery on the east side of Atlanta. Today, the teas are available on tap, in ready-to-drink bottles, and in growlers at dozens of restaurants, bars, and grocers throughout the Southeast, including in over 100 Kroger supermarkets and in several Whole Foods Markets.

 Melanie also serves as Secretary of the Board of Kombucha Brewers International. She regularly teaches classes where she shares her knowledge about the health benefits of kombucha and the process of brewing and fermentation.