With the rise of work from home and remote team building, organizations are seeking unique and captivating ways to help their team feel more connected and build a sense of belonging. One such activity that has gained traction recently is a Virtual Tea Tasting class. Rather than just an online event, tea tasting offers a novel experience that brings people together over a shared passion for tea. 

In this article, we have compiled a variety of teas and some of the best virtual tea tasting classes that are worthwhile to check out for an aromatic team bonding experience. 

So, let’s dive right in.

1. Why You Should Consider a Virtual Tea Tasting Class for Your Next Team Building Activity?

Incorporating virtual tea tasting into your team building activities introduces a whole new level of learning and enjoyment. Unlike adrenaline-driven escape rooms or scavenger hunts, tea tasting provides an opportunity to explore and appreciate various tea traditions across the globe. Moreover, this activity promotes cultural awareness and a greater appreciation of diversity within your workplace. This shared experience nurtures a comfortable environment and sparks conversations while fostering a unique camaraderie among colleagues.

2. How to Organize a Virtual Tea Tasting Class?

2.1 Select a video conferencing platform

Choose a user-friendly and reliable video conferencing platform such as Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet for hosting your virtual tea tasting class. Ensure the selected platform accommodates your team capacity, enables screen sharing or chat and facilitates breakout rooms for a seamless interactive experience.  

2.2 Book a tea expert to lead the session

Reach out to a certified and knowledgeable tea sommelier who can guide participants through the virtual tea tasting process. Go for someone who is well-versed in different types of tea, their origins, flavors, and  brewing techniques. Additionally, make sure your tea expert possesses excellent communication skills and the ability to engage in various virtual collaboration platforms. Have a prior discussion with them regarding the agenda and topics to make the session more interactive and engaging.  

2.3 Send out tea tasting kits

Prepare and pack all the essential components for a delightful tea tasting experience. Include samples of different teas, teaware such as cups and infusers, all properly labelled and packed to maintain the freshness. Don’t forget to add brewing instructions, tasting note cards or any other additional materials to make the most of your virtual tea tasting class. Use sturdy boxes or containers to protect the package during transit and keep track of shipping to make sure the item reaches its respective address on time.

2.4 Set the time and send notifications in advance

Fix a suitable date and time for the virtual tea tasting class based on participants’ availability and their respective time zones. Send out invitations and notifications with clear instructions on details such as date, time, video conferencing link, and any preparation instructions for participants. You can send the event invitation through email or any other event management platform. 

3. 5 Best Virtual Tea Tasting Class Platforms

3.1 Hooray Teams

Hooray Teams’ virtual tea tasting class offers a unique opportunity for your team to indulge in a flavorful tea tasting experience, all from the comfort of their remote workspace. Tea experts offer their expertise and answering, reveal the nuances of different tea types, origins, and preparation techniques, making this experience both educational and enjoyable.

During this immersive experience, participants will also have the chance to not only savor a variety of teas but also engage in meaningful interactions. They can freely share their thoughts, personal tea experiences, and preferences. It’s not just about sipping tea; it’s about creating a virtual tea community where colleagues become tea connoisseurs together.

Ideal for: Remote employees, Tea enthusiasts, Corporate professionals, Creative team

Duration: 60 mins to 120 mins

No. of Participants: 10- 1000

DIY supplies: Tea kits

3.2 Mansa Tea

If you are looking for a fun, interactive and delicious virtual tea tasting class for your team, then Mansa Tea will be a great option. Attendees could gain an in-depth understanding of the history, culture, brewing and tasting of tea. Their online tea tasting class includes a variety of choices such as aged tea tasting, cold brew technique, Gaiwan brewing technique, aged tea pairing with chocolate or honey. 

Ideal for: Team building event, Corporate events, Remote team, Small groups

Duration: 1 hour

No. of Participants: Standard virtual events – groups of up to 4
                              Specialized corporate packages – up to 100

DIY supplies: Tea kits

3.3 Té Company Tea

Té Company Tea, located in NYC, offers specialized virtual tea tasting class sessions customized to the preferences of your team. They possess a wide variety of teas like Oolong tea, Black tea, Green and white tea, herbal tea and more. The company sends tea tasting kits to all the participants prior to the online session. Tea options include Iced Teas, Tulsi Tea, Rooibos Tea, Herbal Tea to name a few. 

Ideal for: Small businesses, Tea lovers, Remote team

Duration: 1 hour

DIY supplies: Tea kits

3.4 Open Door Tea

Open Door Tea conducts virtual tea tasting for groups of various sizes for a comfortable and relaxing experience. They provide different class types with three options for tea kits, all tailored to best suit your audience needs and budget. Tea options include Iced Teas, Tulsi Tea, Rooibos Tea, Herbal Tea to name a few. 

Ideal for: Team building, Client Appreciation, Corporate Events, Conferences

Duration: 1 hour

No. of Participants: Minimum spend – $250 per event 

                               Maximum: No limit

DIY supplies: Opt for three options for tea kits

3.5 In Pursuit of Tea

By joining a virtual session with In Pursuit of Tea, your team is sure to get an educational, restorative, and inclusive tea tasting experience like no other. Under the guidance of experts, participants can learn tea brewing techniques and enjoy tea tasting. They also provide a tea pairing experience with artisan farmstead cheese, handcrafted chocolate, single-origin honey, and cocktails.

Ideal for: Remote Team, Community Gathering, Small or Large group

Duration: 1 hour

No. of Participants: Up to 1000

DIY supplies: Three samples (~10 grams each) of loose leaf tea and a printed steeping chart. 

4. Top 10 Tea Tasting Class Ideas for Your Team

4.1 Bubble Tea

Bubble tea, also known as boba milk tea, is a cold Taiwanese beverage. From classic milk tea to fruity blends, bubble tea comes in a variety of flavors and toppings, creating a unique drinking experience. To make bubble tea, you’ll need ice cubes, tea bags,  boba balls, flavoring syrup (optional), tapioca pearls, sugar, and whole milk or non-dairy alternatives. 

Best suited for: Trend-Savvy folks, Team building groups, Cultural explorers, Summer vacationers

Workshops or Classes that host Bubble tea: MILK+T, KraftyLab

4.2 Cold Brew Iced Tea

Cold brew Iced tea is a light and super refreshing drink and less bitter flavor          compared to traditional hot brewed teas.The process is very simple as it only involves steeping tea leaves in cold water over an extended period. All you need is tea leaves (green, black, or fruity teas), ice cubes, water and sugar. 

Best suited for: Remote team, Tea lovers, DIY Enthusiasts, teams in need of relaxation

Workshops or Classes that host Cold Brew Iced Tea:  Smith Teamaker, Virtuelly

4.3 Herbal Tea

Unlike conventional tea, Herbal tea is made up of herbs, fruits and         flowers and is known for its potential health benefits.  Including herbal tea in tea tasting class can provide your team with a soothing and relaxing  experience. To make herbal tea, you need herbs (peppermint/ lavender) , flowers (hibiscus, rose petals), or spices (Cinnamon, ginger), sugar and water. 

Best suited for: Wellness enthusiasts, Team looking for soothing experience, Tea lovers

4.4 Black Tea

Black tea is popular for its robust flavor, rich color and high antioxidant properties. There are numerous varieties of black tea such as Earl Grey, English breakfast, Darjeeling, Assam offering a diverse range of experiences to explore. This beverage is easy to make as you just need some black tea leaves, water and sugar. 

Best suited for: Traditional Tea Drinkers, Minimalists, Morning energizers

4.5 Milk Tea

Milk tea is a popular beverage that combines tea with milk or any other milk substitute. It offers a perfect balance between aromatic flavors of tea and the richness of milk. This beverage can be enjoyed hot or cold depending on the preference or weather. 

Best suited for: Travellers, Diverse teams, Cultural explorers

4.6 Oolong Tea

 Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea and is famous for its semi-oxidation process, which gives it a distinct appearance. The flavor can also vary widely, depending on where the tea leaves are grown and how the tea is brewed. To make this tea, you’ll need oolong tea leaves and water.

Best suited for: Relaxation seekers, Cultural explorers, Health enthusiasts

Workshops or Classes that host Oolong Tea: Raaka Chocolate

4.7 Masala Tea

Also known as ‘Masala chai’, this popular Indian beverage has a myriad of benefits such as heart health, digestion, controlling blood sugar levels and more. This aromatic tea is made from a combination of black tea, spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and milk.

Best suited for: Cultural enthusiasts, Health-conscious individuals, Tea lovers

Workshops or Classes that host Masala chai: The Art of Chai Workshop

4.8 Green tea

When it comes to tea tasting, you cannot miss a cup of soothing green tea. It appears in a pale, yellowish or light green color when brewed.  Green tea is a clinically proven drink for its therapeutic benefits and widely included in healthy diet and lifestyle. 

Best suited for: Fitness seekers, Teams in need of relaxation, People who are caffeine conscious

4.9 Hojicha Tea

This is a Japanese roasted green tea that takes on a nice earthy fragrance and an appealing reddish-brown color. Hojicha undergoes a roasting process which not only reduces its caffeine content but also enhances its flavor. 

Best suited for: Relaxation seekers, Tea lovers, Cultural explorers

Workshops or Classes that host Hojicha Tea : Triplecoffee.co

4.10 Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea has deep roots in South Africa and is a great caffeine-free option to consider. The tea appears in a vibrant red color with a sweet and earthy flavor and is enjoyed for its potential health benefits.

Best for: Caffeine-avoiders, Holistic lifestyle followers, Relaxation seekers

5. FAQs

5.1 What is virtual tea tasting?

Virtual tea tasting is an online activity where participants explore and appreciate a wide variety of teas from the comfort of their home. Through any reliable video conferencing platform, attendees can watch experts guide the process of different brewing techniques and enjoy tasting teas. In addition to this, participants can interact with experts, ask questions and share their insights with fellow attendees. 

5.2 How do I host a virtual tea tasting?

You can organize virtual tea tasting by choosing a video conferencing platform and any of the expert tea masters. Set the date and time for the event and send out invitations in advance. During the tea tasting class, engage participants to try the brewing process and share their thoughts while  enjoying different tea aromas.