Experience the Tradition
Let us help you increase your knowledge and appreciation of tea. Each month we offer tea classes in our Powell Street store on some aspect of tea. We alternate tastings of new seasonal teas with “Tea Connoisseurship” classes, which deeply explore various aspects of tea including tea types, history, brewing methods, and much more. Classes are held on the last Sunday of each month and are $35 per person for "Tea Connoisseurship" classes, $45 dollars for all other classes, and include the teas that you taste. The schedule for 2005 is:

Join us in exploring the fascinating world of tea. Email imperial@imperialtea.com or call us at 800-788-6080. Reservations are required and classes often fill up early, so please contact us as soon as possible.

Gaiwan Tea Presentation
The gaiwan -China's classic covered teacup- represents the traditional way of sharing tea informally with friends. In this service tea selections are presented in individual cups, allowing everyone to drink the same type of tea or try something different. The versatility of the gaiwan makes it the perfect vessel for traditional tea preparation. Its elegant utility encompasses all varieties of tea and provides the perfect setting for visual appreciation, aromatic enjoyment, and tasting pleasure.(No appointment necessary.)
$3 per person per selection, $5 for "Imperial" grade teas.
Traditional tea snacks available for $2 per item.)

Gong Fu Tea Presentation
The formal presentation of tea in China is known as "gong fu". The term denotes skill from practice - the idea being that expertise is derived not so much from learning as from experience, that is: practice (which we could say in this case does not "make perfect", but which is instead an end in itself). While literally gong fu could signify the serious practice of any art form, today "gong fu tea" is generally used to refer to the more or less elaborate preparation of tea using miniature unglazed wares made of the special "purple sand" clay of Yixing (pronounced "yee-shing") in Jiangsu province. Indeed, success in gong fu tea requires patience, attention to detail, and, of course, extended practice, but the rewards are well worth the effort. For those just starting out, we are happy to demonstrate the necessary techniques and answer any questions you may have. (No appointment necessary.)
$8 per person per selection. (2 person minimum.)

Introduction to Tea & the Teahouse
Space willl be reserved for your group - whose members will be welcomed as honored guests into the famous San Francisco teahouse. As tea is prepared, a guide will point out distinctive features of the room and give a brief introduction to Imperial Tea Court and its unique products. The fascinating story of tea itself follows - tracing the famous herb's history from its legendary origins to the present day. Q. & A. and a tasting of our famous Jasmine Pearl tea concludes the visit. (Reservation required.)
$5 per person. (10 person minimum.)

Introductory Tea Tasting
This service introduces the tea drinker to the various aspects of gaiwan ("covered bowl") tea preparation. Because of its elegance, functionality and ease of use, the gaiwan has long been recognized in China as the universal tea making tool. A server will be assigned to your table to assist you and your guests with your selections and to present the tea and answer any questions you may have. (Reservation required.)
$10 per person. (4 person minimum.) Includes tea snack selection.

Formal Tea Presentation
Following an introductory talk on the historical and cultural significance of tea, formal presentations will be made demonstrating the two major forms of tea brewing in turn: gaiwan and gongfu. These services usually showcase superlative examples of green and oolong teas, but other selections are available. (Reservation required.)
$20 per person. (4 person minimum.) Includes tea snack selection.

Seasonal Presentation
A general introduction to tea and the unique points of seasonal variation is followed by a special presentation of the season's choicest (and often rarest) tea treasures. (Service includes 4 to 5 teas, subject to availability and seasonal variation.) All teas are prepared "Imperial" style in gaiwans and served in individual tasting cups. (72 hr advance notice.)
Presentation includes souvenir menu card.
$30 per person. (10 person minimum.)
Add $1 per person for tea snacks.

Varietal Presentation
This uniquely educational program opens with a general discussion of the history of tea and encompasses the different periods and styles of tea and traces the origins of the modern varieties as we know them today. The following service includes "Imperial" style presentations of representatives. (72 hrs advance notice.)
of the five major tea categories: Green, Oolong, Black, Puerh and Scented.
Souvenir menu card included.
$30 per person. (10 person minimum.) Add $1 per person for tea snacks.

Imperial Tea
Known simply as "the full treatment", this utterly unique experience takes 2-3 hours and features five individual tea services - representing the participant's ultimate dedication to what in Chinese is called Cha Tao, "the way of tea". Honored guests are welcomed with Sen Dao Cha, an expression of the "Three Course Tea" of Yunnan province: the birthplace and homeland of tea. The teas are served in succsession and represent the joyfulness of the gathreing, the richness and complexity of life and finally the fruits of our labor and accomplishments. A light dim-sum luncheon follows, featuring a fresh selection of sweet and savory dumplings accompanyied by a tall glass of our unique Imperial Red iced tea. The final presentaiton opens with a discussion of the ceremonial, philosophical and practical aspects of gongfu tea and features a service of our most famous tea - the legendary "Monkey-Picked" Tieguanyin of Anxi county, in Fujian province. (One week advance notice.)
$50 per person. (10 person minimum.)