Join us in celebration the RBG Tea Festival from home through a series of engaging, virtual presentations over five days while we explore the botanical, culinary, history, and enjoyment that teas and tisanes have to offer.

November 24 to 28, 2020

Two talks each day at 12:15 and 7 p.m.

Pre-registration is required for these virtual talks!

• Single Lunch & Learn Session 30-Minutes (12:15 p.m.) $10
• Single Evening Session 60-Minutes (7 p.m.) $12
• ALL Lunch & Learn Sessions 5 x 30-Minutes (12:15 p.m.) $45
• ALL Evening Sessions 5 x 60-Minutes (7 p.m.) $54
• ALL Sessions 5 x 30-Minutes (12:15 p.m.) , 5 x 60-Minutes(7 p.m.) $95

SCHEDULE

Tuesday, November 24

Lunch & Learn - 12:15-12:45 pm

The Art of the Ingredient; Blending Teas and Tisanes

When it comes to teas, the skies are the limit for the different flavour profiles and ingredients one can use for making a blend. Sure, you can use anything to flavour a tea, but what is it that’s needed to make a really effective blend? Join Tea Sommelier and Community Herbalist Amy Taylor for a fun and informative talk about blending teas and tisanes for flavour, enjoyment and health.

Evening Talk - 7-8 pm

Tea and Your Health

James Cadeau of Sweets and Swirls Cafe delivers a discussion about tea and its many varying health benefits. Learn how to make tea part of your everyday life and how it can improve your health in the long term.

Wednesday, November 25

Lunch & Learn - 12:15-12:45 pm

Botany and Horticulture of the Tea Plant

Plants are such a common feature in the world around us that we rarely stop to consider the profound impact they have on our daily lives. Join Nadia Cavallin and Alex Henderson for a “tea-riffic” discussion about Camellia sinensis, the plant from which tea is harvested and which is considered to be one of the 50 plants that changed the course of history. In this presentation you will lean about the botany of this versatile plant and also some of the ways in which it has culturally and economically impacted upon our civilization. We hope you are able to come “oolong” and join the “par-tea”!

Evening Talk - 7-8 pm

Afternoon Tea, History of a Charming Ritual

Those of us who grew up in families where afternoon tea was regularly served with all the traditional ceremony, understand the charm and appeal of this very social occasion. Others who have more recently discovered tea are always delighted at the unexpected pleasure that tea brings into their lives. The story of its discovery in China, its crossing into neighbouring countries, its place today in almost every region of the world and the rituals that surround it give it a very special place in our lives. Journey with Linda Barnett of The Travelling TeaRoom as she shares the history of this charming ritual known as "Afternoon Tea".

Thursday, November 26

Lunch & Learn - 12:15-12:45 pm

Tea 101

Join Monarch Tea Co. owner and THAC Tea Sommelier, Katie Cyr as we delve into the magical world of tea! We will start off the experience by learning more about what tea is, how tea plants are grown, how it's produced and the harvesting and production methods ranging from Pai Mu Tan white tea, Oolong, Pu'erh and more! We will then shift our focus to how to brew the perfect cup of tea in the comfort of your home. From there, we will discuss how to become a better tea taster and learn about our palate and tasting notes in tea. At this point, I'll walk us through a virtual tea tasting, which you can follow along at home using your own tea! We will discuss tasting notes and the complexities that each cup of tea holds. I'll then walk us through what tea & food pairings work best based on your favourite teas. We will end the session with an opportunity for any questions and to share with each other what tea we are drinking! Please come prepared with a mug of your favourite tea.

Evening Talk - 7-8 pm

The Joys of Tea

Join RBG’s Best Oolong Tea Winner 2019, Brenda Royer of Lifestyles for Life to learn all about the joys and pleasures of drinking tea. From the benefits of a healthy body to socialization, the simple act of steeping tea, perking up with tea, to using tea leaves in our everyday care... there is something for everyone when it comes to tea!

Friday, November 27

Lunch & Learn - 12:15-12:45 pm

Making a Golden (Tumeric) Latte

Join Richa Gupta, founder of Tumeric Teas to learn about the amazing health benefits of turmeric and how to optimize the absorption of curcumin. In this talk we will make a golden milk latte and discover the many other ways of incorporating tumeric into your diet.

Evening Talk - 7-8 pm

Tea & Chocolate

Come and enjoy an evening with two of life's greatest pleasures: tea and chocolate! Join THAC Tea Sommelier and owner of The Monarch Tea Co., Katie Cyr, in an educational and interactive evening involving the art of pairing tea with chocolate! Katie brings together two very diverse worlds and shows attendees how to pair and enjoy different teas and chocolates together. We will walk through how to do a tea & chocolate tasting, learn about how chocolate is made and learn how to develop our palate and suggestions for future pairings. Please come prepared with a mug of your favourite tea, and a piece of chocolate (if available!).

Saturday, November 28

Lunch & Learn - 12:15-12:45 pm

Planning an Afternoon Tea Party, Chez Vous

Join Andrea of Teas and Toasts in taking count of all you need with current public health measures and beyond to plan an afternoon tea at home that’s just as delightful and lifting as going out for tea. Topics will touch-on traditional and modern takes on etiquette, menu to table setting and decor.

Evening Talk - 7-8 pm

Fantastic Teas and Where to Find Them

Join Geek+Tea on a magical journey as we journey to discover how we grow our own herbals on our small herb farm to the more magical loose leaf teas sourced directly from farmers who tender them, including fine black, green, oolong, white and herbal tea varieties.