A Weekend for Tea Lovers: TEA 101 & 102 in Calgary

This June, I’ll be teaching TEA 101 & 102 for the Tea and Herbal Association of Canada in Calgary. I’m especially excited because this is the first time these courses are being offered in Calgary and, honestly, the city already has such a great tea scene with some of my favourite tea shops. (I’m still holding onto the tin from a special rose oolong I bought at The Naked Leaf over 15 years ago).

When I tell people I’m a tea sommelier, I usually get a slightly puzzled look before I explain that yes, tea sommelier certification is in fact a real thing.

The Tea and Herbal Association of Canada offers the TAC Tea Sommelier® Certification program, and TEA 101 & 102 are the foundation courses within that pathway. Over the three days, we explore the fundamentals of tea: where it comes from, how it’s processed, how to taste and evaluate it, tea history and culture, brewing methods, and the differences between the major tea categories.

These courses are wonderful for people working in hospitality, cafés and restaurants, but also for anyone who has ever found themselves wanting to understand tea beyond what’s written on the box.

The courses are a mix of education, discussion and tasting. You taste teas side-by-side, learn how to identify characteristics, and start understanding tea in a much deeper way.

As someone who naturally loves independent learning and disappearing down research rabbit holes, taking these courses really helped give me structure to all the information. Instead of trying to piece everything together from books, videos and the internet, the courses helped connect the dots and build a strong foundation for understanding tea in a more meaningful way.

The courses are available online, which is wonderful for accessibility, but I am especially thrilled to be leading the courses in person. I think there’s something special about learning tea in person - it is a sensory and shared experience, and there is nothing better than feeling part of a community of fellow tea enthusiasts.

We’ll also be using the beautiful kitchen space at the YWCA Calgary, which is perfect for this kind of hands-on learning environment. It’s easy to access by transit, comfortable to work in, and gives us plenty of room to steep, taste and explore tea together over the three days.

TEA 101 & 102
Calgary, Alberta
June 13–15
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily

Tea 101 provides an introduction to the history and origin of tea. You’ll learn how to differentiate the various tea types, and tea grading standards used within the industry. You’ll also be introduced to basic tea terminology and proper cupping techniques.

Tea 102 examines in detail the principal tea growing regions of the world. You’ll develop a fundamental understanding of tea, its evolution and its influence on culture and world events.

You can sign up for just Tea 101 (June 13/14) or both courses (June 13-15) at www.teasommelier.com/upcoming-tea-sommelier-classes

The gorgeous learning kitchen at the YWCA where our classes are held. Photo: YWCalgary.ca