One-to-One Black Tea Processing Masterclass

In-person training: 1.5 days @ The Scottish Tea Factory, UK

£900

Open to all UKTA qualified Tea Champions and Sommeliers.

Dates for this course are dependent on when the tea plants in Scotland flush. We have planned one course for the beginning of July and one for the middle of September, but the dates could be subject to change depending on the plants. If you are interested in booking this course please click below to email us.

This course contributes one credit toward your Level 3 Tea Diploma.

“An extraordinarily professional seminar! It was an honor to be taught by such a professional experienced tea specialist. I’d like to thank Mrs.Beverly for this great tea production in small scale with fantastic results in smell and taste. I have received a high increase of knowledge of artisan hand rolled black tea producing.”

– Yvonne, August 23

ABOUT THIS COURSE

This is a fully immersive and exciting opportunity to learn how tea black tea is plucked and processed on a ONE to ONE basis – and this is the first course of its kind to be held in the UK!

You will be the only student, although one of the growers may well work along side us in the factory on day 2. The tea we make will be sold by the tea maker so this is a real chance to be involved in a professional artisan tea making process.

WHERE WILL THE COURSE BE HELD?

The course will be held at The Scottish Tea Factory which is situated between Crieff and Comrie at Comrie Croft which has a market garden, café, shop, mountain biking and a variety of accommodation. The Scottish Tea Factory has a good reputation for tea making and processes tea for a number of Scottish tea growers. Some of the tea produced is sold by Fortnum & Mason, some is on offer at the Glenturret Lalique Michelin starred restaurant and some at The Corinthia hotel in London.

WHO IS THE TUTOR?

Beverly Wainwright (The Scottish Tea Factory) will be leading the tea-plucking and tea-making aspects of the course on the afternoon of day1 and during day 2. Beverly has worked with tea since 2011 when she set up a small-scale factory at Amba Estate in Sri Lanka, producing world renowned teas that continue to provide a sustainable livelihood for the estate workers. She has since offered tea consultancy to a variety of growers and makers around the world, has set up several small scale factories and now runs The Scottish Tea Factory where she processes tea for Scottish growers and offers tea tasting experiences.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

The course includes all tuition and course materials although you may wish to bring a notepad and pen, the opportunity to pluck and process fresh leaf into black tea and a tea assessment and tasting at the end of the second day.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Transport, food or accommodation however, depending on availability you may be able to book a private studio apartment in Comrie at a discount. https://camelliastudio.co.uk/ There is a café onsite at Comrie Croft so you will be able to buy lunch there.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

We will be processing tea professionally and you will be provided with an apron and hairnet etc. However you must wear smooth cotton clothing that will not shed fibers to avoid cross-contamination.

WHO IS IT FOR?

This course is an elective Masterclass that will contribute to the Level Three Tea Diploma. As well as Tea Diploma students, the course is open to all UK Tea Academy qualified Tea Champions and Tea Sommeliers.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

DAY 1 schedule

• On arrival – welcome and introductions
• PowerPoint presentation and a step-by-step guide covering the basics of black tea making and the tea making equipment we will be using.
• Plucking demonstration and tea plucking from the tea plants outside the tea factory (this is a small demonstration garden)
• Introduction to processing as tea begins its withering process
• Opportunity to ask any questions

 Day 2:

• Asses the wither and learn about wither percentages/types of wither.
• Tea rolling using a mechanical roller and the opportunity to hand-roll some tea
• Oxidation and tea drying
• All processing techniques will be hands on in the factory area
• Tasting and critical assessment of the teas produced

EXTRA INFORMATION: As we are dealing with plants and leaf production is not entirely predictable due to the weather, we may have to slightly adjust the dates accordingly, so we advise you not to book accommodation until we have confirmed that the course is going ahead.

There is limited public transport to the tea factory so own transport is advised.

You will be assisting Beverly in making tea for Scottish growers which will be sold to the market. You will be observing and participating in professional level small scale tea making. There may be a tea grower working alongside you on the day too.

FURTHER TRAINING

If you wish to continue studying for your Tea Diploma, you will need to take further courses at this level and you must have already completed both Level One and Level Two before the final qualification can be awarded.

FURTHER ADVICE

For any enquiries regarding this course please email info@ukteaacademy.com