Tea garden seasonal event information

First Flush Fest

Typically held during the 3rd weekend in May, 10am-4pm

Tour the gardens, relax in the shade, taste our homegrown & handmade First Flush teas, and enjoy talking about growing local tea. Plants and tea samples are available for purchase. Garden tours are offered throughout the day.

Intro to the Tea Garden

Typically offered twice a month from June-August and by special arrangement:

This 2-hour introduction starts with an educational tour of our gardens followed by an opportunity to taste our fresh, hand-made teas.  Learn about Camellia sinensis, the source of all types of tea - white, green, oolong and black, and how it grows at Camellia Forest.

They are held on Saturdays, from 2pm until 4pm, in the tea garden's Shady Grove and/or Tea Studio, depending on the weather.  Space is limited, registration is required.  This workshop will be held with a minimum of 4 participants.

Harvesting/Processing workshops

Typically offered twice a month June-July:

This 4-hour workshop provides instruction and hands-on experience harvesting and making tea.  In our Tea Garden, you will pluck your own shoots, learn about key steps in processing for green and black tea, help with rolling, and see the process of oxidation transform the leaves for black tea. You will gain an understanding of which leaves to harvest, what processes are critical to the flavors and aromas we enjoy in tea. At the end of the class, take home processed tea samples to dry at home.

Held on Sundays, from 10am until 3pm, with a 1-hour or so break for lunch, either individually or as a group.  Space is limited so registration is required: classes will be held with a minimum of 4 participants.  Attendees will be eligible for "Pick Your Own" weekends in August.