What I Learned from Tea Lovers at the Chocolate, Coffee and Tea Festival

One Cup of Perfect Tea

This weekend I had the chance to be part of the Chocolate, Coffee & Tea Festival at the Gathering Place— and wow, what an experience! The crowd was HUGE. People came ready to sip, taste, shop, and most of all — talk tea.

As a tea vendor, it was incredible to see how much the tea conversation has shifted. These weren’t casual tea drinkers — these were passionate, informed tea lovers. And I loved every second of it.

Tea Drinkers Know Their Stuff

People weren’t just asking what was in a blend — they wanted to know where it came from. They knew their regions, their farms, their countries of origin. They asked about harvest styles, growing conditions, and terroir like seasoned sommeliers.

They also asked smart questions about herbs — not just for flavor, but for function. What’s good for digestion? What soothes a sore throat? Which tea will help me sleep? What pairs well with green tea? It’s clear that tea drinkers today are using tea not just as a treat — but as part of their wellness routine.

Green, Black, and Herbal — They Know the Difference

I used to spend a lot of time explaining the difference between green, black, and herbal teas at events like these. Not anymore. This crowd knew. They could taste it. They could feel it. They understood the difference in caffeine levels, antioxidants, and health benefits.

But what really stood out was their love of flavor. They weren’t just drinking tea for health — they were drinking it because they loved how it tasted.

Loose Leaf for Life

Another thing that made me smile? These were loose leaf die-hards. People raved about how much better loose leaf tastes than bagged tea. They compared notes on their favorite blends, talked brewing temps, steep times, and ratios like true tea nerds (and I say that with love). I had left a black tea brewing for far too long, forgetting that the tannins come out in bitterness. When handing out a sample, one lady exclaimed: “this has been over brewed! You can’t sample this”. Wake up call to me, people are aware of good brewing techniques!

I met people who use travel scales, precise thermometers, and specialty brewers. Tea brewing is their ritual — part science, part art, and a whole lot of joy.

Final Thoughts

It was inspiring to be part of a community that cares so much about what’s in their cup. Though some people still enjoy their cup without much thought at bedtime, the new tea lovers are on a flavor adventure, a wellness journey, and an endless quest for the perfect brew.

And honestly? That’s my kind of crowd.