The 10th Annual Toronto Tea Festival is set to take place this weekend, January 27th and 28th, 2024, at the Toronto Reference Library’s Appel Salon. Running from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm each day, this event promises a weekend dedicated to the appreciation and exploration of tea, bringing together tea enthusiasts, vendors, and experts.
I’m a tea lover. Its delicious and soothing nature has this amazing way of pulling you out of a stressful moment and bringing a sense of calm. While coffee kicks off the day, making tea is my go-to, especially during demanding workdays. The process of brewing a cup is a lovely little ritual that pulls you away from stress, even if just for a few moments. When my work bestie and I shared an office at the Weather Network, we easily brewed thousands of cups… mid-morning, after lunch, and whenever we needed a break. Peppermint was our top pick. Now my son is also tea lover with Earl Grey being his favourite, with lots of almond milk and a dash of sugar.
Highlights of the 2024 Toronto Tea Festival:
- New this year is a special 10th-anniversary gift for attendees, presented in an even bigger gift tote bag.
- Expect to see new vendors and speakers from the U.S. and beyond, enriching the global perspective on tea culture.
- Engage in beautiful Chinese Tea Ceremonies performed by Sabrina Chen and elegant Japanese Tea Ceremony performances by Momo Yoshida, Reina Sakao, and Flora Grimaldi.
- Special demonstrations include a Nilgiri Tea workshop, the Japanese art of Kintsugi, slowing down with tea and poetry, and the delights of afternoon tea.
- A variety of talks will cover topics such as the Japanese Tea Auction and the Sustainability Challenge, Chinese Puer tea, Nepali tea, Tasseomancy and Tea, Tea 101, Similarities Between Tea and Wine, Canadian Tea, and more.
- Special guests include international bestselling author Linda Gaylard, award-winning Camellia Sinensis Co-owner Kevin Gascoyne, Certified Green Tea advisor Rikko Osaki of Hokusan Tea Canada, Nadia De La Vega, Tea Content & Compliance Manager for DAVIDsTEA, and more.
Momo Yoshida, owner of Momo Tea, will be one of the tea experts at this year’s festival performing a Japanese Tea Ceremony. She has been a certified TAC TEA SOMMELIER professional since 2010. Growing up in Japan, immersed in its rich traditional culture, she practices the Japanese tea ceremony with passion. Momo has been living in Toronto since 2003 and belongs to the Urasenke school of chanoyu, of one of the main branches of Japanese tea ceremony followers.
Over 50 Vendors:
With over 50 vendors, the festival offers a diverse range of tea experiences. Attendees can explore a wide selection of teas, teaware, and accessories, making it a must-visit for those looking to expand their tea collection or find unique gifts. This year’s event is sponsored by Tao Tea Leaf and the Tea Guild of Canada, organizations deeply committed to promoting and fostering the appreciation of tea culture.
Toronto Tea Festival 2024 Event Information:
WHEN:
- Date: Saturday to Sunday, Jan 27 & 28, 2024
- Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
TICKET DETAILS:
- Single day pass: $17.00
- 2-day pass: $26.00
VENUE:
- Location: Toronto Reference Library, Appel Salon, 2nd floor
- Address: 789 Yonge Street, Toronto. Located in Bloor-Yorkville one block north of Bloor Street on the east side of Yonge Street.
Source: torontoscoop