Platinum Sponsor 2026 - Chicago Teahouse

Indigenous Roots and Farmer Innovations in Indian Tea

$2500

A festival admission ticket is required to attend workshops, cupping sessions, and other events. All tickets for these activities are final, non-refundable, and cannot be canceled, returned, or exchanged. Thank you for your understanding.



Saturday, April 11 @ 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Join a guided tea tasting that uncovers the flavors and history of India's tea heritage.

Discover the journey of Indian tea, from indigenous cultivation practices before colonization to the changes brought by colonial rule and the innovations shaping its future. Learn about regions like Mirem Valley, the contributions of Khalap, and traditional tea practices that have endured through generations. Celebrate the creativity and resilience of small-scale farmers across India, whose techniques continue to transform the tea industry.

Speaker: Poorvi Chordia

Poorvi Chordia is a tea sommelier, educator, and founder of the Atlanta-based premium Indian tea company, Herbs and Kettles. She travels across India to source single-origin, single-batch teas from small sustainable farmers. Her work focuses on sharing the rich history and evolution of Indian tea while maintaining a commitment to cultural authenticity and expertise.