Tea has always been more than a beverage. Across cultures, it has been a way to slow down, connect, and create moments of presence with others. Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water, carrying with it a deep history of mysticism, tradition, conflict, inspiration, and transformation. From ancient tea cultures to moments like the Boston Tea Party, tea has played a unique role in shaping human connection and collective history.

I’m excited to begin offering a monthly Gong Fu Tea Gathering at the Chuckanut Center—a space to come together, share tea, and build community around the simple practice of sitting down and being present with the tea, the moment, and each other.

Each month we’ll explore a different tea or tea tradition. We may travel through the mountains of Taiwan with High Mountain and Dong Ding oolongs, explore aged Sheng and ripe Shou Pu’erh, discover teas from Vietnam,  and  share other special teas I’ve collected along the way, such as Liu Bao or GABA tea.

These gatherings will not be formal classes, but rather an opportunity to learn through experience—through tasting, conversation, and the shared appreciation of tea.

My hope is to create a welcoming space for tea lovers, those new to tea, and anyone curious to slow down and enjoy the experience of gathering together, allowing the tea to flow and guide our time together.

What to Expect

• Gong Fu tea preparation and tasting
• A different tea focus each month
• Conversation, questions, and shared exploration
• An opportunity to learn about tea traditions and preparation
• A chance to connect with others in our local tea community

I’ll be sharing teas from my personal collection and travels, including teas from Taiwan, Vietnam, British Columbia, and other small-batch producers I’ve had the opportunity to discover.

Suggested Donation: $10–20

Tea and select teaware will be available for purchase for those who would like to continue their tea journey at home.