SUNDAY LECTURES (NOV 2ND)

ALL LECTURES ARE FREE WITH GENERAL ADMISSION.

SPACE IS AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS. SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. more to come!

Ethnic Traditions, Terroir, and Trade: Understanding the Forces Shaping Northern Việt Nam's Specialty Tea Landscape

SUNDAY, november 2ND, 11:30AM-12:30PM

ANNA YE, ANNA YE TEA

Northern Việt Nam's tea landscape is shaped by a convergence of climate, ethnic traditions, geopolitics, and trade—an interplay shared across other tea-producing regions, yet deeply rooted in its own local context. Through firsthand experiences and relationships, and personal stories from her journeys sourcing tea, Anna Ye will share her insight into how the land, people, and tea are deeply connected.

Learn how shifting climates continue to impact cultivation and processing methods, and explore how the rise of on-site and local processing impacts the supply chain. Ye will also discuss how cross-border dynamics impact the visibility and branding of Vietnamese teas on the global stage. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how micro-regional flavor profiles, ethnic minority knowledge, and shifting global markets all play a role in the future of Vietnam's specialty tea sector.

In Search of Ultimate Matcha

SUNDAY, november 2ND, 1:15-2:15PM

Join Eijiro ("Ey-jee-roh") Tsukada, founder and CEO of Cuzen Matcha, as he shares the story and science behind freshly ground matcha. With over 20 years of experience in Japan’s tea industry, Eijiro founded Cuzen Matcha in 2020 to bring authentic, high-quality matcha to a global audience while empowering Japanese tea farmers committed to organic cultivation.

Before founding Cuzen Matcha, Eijiro spent more than two decades at Suntory, one of Japan’s leading beverage and wellness companies. There, he led the launch of Iyemon Toku-cha, a functional bottled green tea, in Japan in 2013, and opened Stonemill Matcha café in San Francisco in 2018.

Tea Basics — An Invitation to the Leaf

SUNDAY, november 2ND, 2:30-3:15PM

KRISTINA TUCKER, THE REPUBLIC OF TEA

In every cup of tea lies a story—of ancient traditions, distant gardens, and the quiet beauty of daily ritual. Together, we will explore various tea types—white, green, oolong, black—alongside beloved herbal infusions, learning how each is grown, harvested, and crafted.

Participants will gain practical knowledge on steeping techniques, water temperature, and preparation tips, ensuring that every sip is perfectly steeped to one’s preference.

Whether you are newly curious or seeking a refresher in the timeless fundamentals, this journey through the basics of tea will deepen your appreciation for the leaf and inspire you, Sip by Sip Rather Than Gulp by Gulp.