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Workshops

Saturday


Presenter(s): Laurie, Charles & Anais Dawson
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Location: Workshop Space

Enjoy this comparative tasting of high quality teas from iTeaworld scented with a variety of traditional florals. We will be sampling and discussing the history of as well as modern methods of different scentings and scenting levels.


Presenter(s): Jennifer Nowicki
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Location: Workshop Space

Oolong is one of tea’s most expressive categories, shaped by craft, place, and time. This session explores how oxidation, cultivar, elevation, and processing create distinct expressions within oolong tea. Through guided discussion and tea samples, attendees will learn how terroir influences flavor, how craftsmanship shapes aroma, texture, and finish, and how to approach oolong with a richer tasting framework. Using selected high mountain and lightly roasted oolongs as examples, participants will expand their tasting vocabulary, deepen their understanding of nuance, and experience oolong as a dynamic category of remarkable range and complexity.


Presenter(s): Anna Ye
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Location: Workshop Space

Việt Nam may not be one of the first countries tea enthusiasts think of when it comes to great teas— but it should be. While industrial, commodity teas dominate the market, it’s these small batch teas like the ones we source– grown in unique, biodiverse environments and crafted with great care by various ethnic communities—that truly make them special.

In this introductory class, Anna from Anna Ye Tea will guide participants through an exploration of single origin teas from various provinces throughout Việt Nam that grow and make tea. You'll then taste several single origin teas representative of their producing area and we'll cover the tea making traditions and microclimates unique to place. To round things out, expect to also learn a bit about how centuries of Chinese influence, European colonization, and a blend of ethnic traditions have shaped the country's tea landscape.

A great class for anyone new to Vietnamese tea, curious about its diverse styles and tea areas, or interested to dive deeper into this lesser known region.


Presenter(s): Yvonne Ochieng
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Location: Workshop Space

Discover the fascinating story behind Kenyan purple tea, one of the world's rarest tea varietals. In this interactive workshop, attendees will explore the origins of purple tea and learn what makes it unique among traditional teas. Participants will:

Learn the history and development of purple tea in Kenya.
Discover brewing techniques for bringing out the best flavor and characteristics of purple tea.
Gain insight into the processing methods used to create both unoxidized and oxidized purple teas.
Explore the unique properties of purple tea compared to green tea, including its antioxidant profile, flavor, and appearance, while sampling both tea styles.

Whether you're a tea enthusiast or simply curious, this session offers a flavorful journey into one of Kenya's most distinctive teas.


Presenter(s): Jane Yang
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Location: Workshop Space

This session decodes the legacy of Jin Jun Mei and its role in redefining the standards of modern Chinese black tea. We will analyze the technical innovations and meticulous picking standards that distinguish this category from traditional formats. Attendees will learn the structural logic behind bud-only teas, the impact of high-altitude terroir on aromatic complexity, and how to navigate the marketplace by distinguishing authentic craft from commercial imitations. This is an exploration of professional transparency, offering a clear framework to understand the quality, history, and aesthetic value of a contemporary classic.


Presenter(s): Shirley (Shuyuan) Chen
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Location: Workshop Space

In this guided tasting, we’ll explore how one oolong cultivar from one garden can become dramatically different styles through processing. You’ll taste three expressions of Zhangping Shuixian—floral, roasted, and an experimental high-oxidation style—while learning: (1) a simple framework for how oxidation and roasting shift aroma, body, and finish; (2) how to describe what you taste using approachable sensory language; and (3) practical brewing tips to recreate the comparison at home without over-steeping. Expect a relaxed, interactive session with plenty of discussion, and a fresh look at how craft—not just famous regions—shapes great tea.


Presenter(s): Dewey Meyer
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Location: Workshop Space

The Wu-Wo (Sans Self) Tea Ceremony is a beautiful, inclusive outdoor ritual where any number of participants can brew and serve tea together. Rooted in Chinese Gong-Fu brewing traditions, participants gather in a large circle to create a natural flow of community. Each person brews their own tea, serving the three people to their left while receiving tea from the three people on their right. This profound ceremony embodies principles such as giving without expectation, cooperation, and mindful presence with tea and nature. Come watch a live demonstration, taste delicious teas, and learn how to travel safely with your teaware and host your own gatherings in the park with friends!

Sunday


Presenter(s): Nathan Epstein
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Location: Workshop Space

Why do tea connoisseurs go on and on about pu-erh tea?  Does it really get better with age? What even is “pu-erh”? Whether you are just steeping into the world of pu-erh, or looking to deepen your appreciation, this is the class for you.  We will help you identify what to look for in a good pu-erh, cover the basics of raw vs ripe (or cooked), and discuss why age matters.

We will be sampling teas from 5 to 20 years old and from a variety of famous mountain peaks in Yunnan.


Presenter(s): Jonathan Steele
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Location: Workshop Space

Looking for your new favorite teapot? What details must you consider?

Jonathan will share some insights around tea-drinking styles, cultural origins, tea types, group sizes, etc. and the vessels that accompany our favorite rituals.

Take this new knowledge back into the vendor market to choose the teaware for you.


Presenter(s): Agnieszka Rapacz
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Location: Workshop Space

South Korea is the country of undiscovered Green Gold also called a morning calm. Agnieszka will take the audience on a journey through Korea's rich tea culture — from a brief introduction to the country's history and geography, through the evolution of Korean tea traditions spanning over a thousand years, to the major tea-producing regions of Hadong, Boseong, and Jeju Island. The presentation features guided tea tastings of notable varieties including Woojeon Green Tea, Dokcha Black Tea, and Jeju Green Tea, and closes with a look at Korean pottery and the philosophy of sharing tea as a universal expression of friendship.


Presenter(s): Amina Aden
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Location: Workshop Space

Join Amina Aden, founder of Mina's Matcha, for a hands on workshop exploring the world of Japanese matcha. You'll learn what sets ceremonial grade matcha apart, how different growing regions and cultivars shape flavor, and how to properly prepare matcha using traditional tools and techniques. Amina will also share stories from her time visiting tea farms in Japan and what she learned directly from producers. You'll finish the workshop by whisking and enjoying your own bowl of matcha, leaving with a deeper appreciation for the craft and the confidence to make matcha at home.


Presenter(s): D'Guar
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Location: Workshop Space

What if tea were more than a beverage? In this experiential workshop, participants will explore tea as a practice of attention, relationship, and embodied presence through a guided gongfu tea session featuring thoughtfully selected Camellia sinensis teas. Together we will cultivate sensory awareness, develop confidence in our own perceptions, and discover ways to build a more personal relationship with tea. Through tasting, observation, and discussion, attendees will gain practical insight into gongfu preparation, deepen their appreciation for the diversity of tea, and leave with tools for bringing greater intentionality and curiosity into their own tea practice.