Tea Sommelier Course
A tea sommelier training course is offered by the Jardins de Gaïa tea school.
What is it all about?
In France, tea sommelier training is recognized as a discipline in its own right and is playing an increasingly important role in the culinary arts.
Tea—or more precisely, the infusion of Camellia sinensis —is a beverage of Asian origin with a long history, the mastery of which requires extensive knowledge (terroirs, organoleptic profiles, cultivars, etc.), a specific vocabulary, and a variety of brewing techniques.
This 9-month program offers 2 to 2.5 hours of classes per week, for a total of 80 hours. It enables students to acquire concrete, theoretical, and practical skills. This is a demanding program in terms of personal commitment; students should expect to spend approximately 2 additional hours per week on independent practice.
What will you learn?
- How to conduct a sensory analysis as part of a professional tea tasting.
- How to advise customers in a shop and at a tea house
- To use professional vocabulary with ease, both in writing and speaking
- How to use tea preparation utensils according to classical methods and traditional service
- How to design a seasonal menu for an establishment
- Create hot or cold mocktails and pair teas with food
- Assist restaurant owners in creating tea-based recipes
- Lead educational workshops
To learn more, check out our brochure
How does the training work? Who is it for?
To take the online courses, simply log in via the Zoom platform. Learners receive packages at home containing about 100 samples of teas and herbal teas, which they can use to practice live with the instructors. Educational materials are also sent by mail, such as an aroma wheel and numerous explanatory diagrams to support learning and review.
A reliable internet connection is essential, as are a few prerequisites (fine motor skills, sensory awareness, a minimum level of French, etc.).
To better assess your progress, ongoing assessments (oral and written exercises, video recordings) complement the final exam that concludes the program.
In a friendly and intimate atmosphere (maximum 8 people per group), participants share their tastes in an interactive way. Periods of relaxation and mindfulness meditation are interspersed throughout the sessions, making the learning experience both effective and serene.
Training Schedule
The next session will take place from January through November 2027, with a summer break (July–August). Registration is open from October through November 30. Choose from 3 groups: Monday afternoons, Thursday evenings, and Saturday mornings. (See brochure for details)
- Small class sizes: 8 people maximum per group
- Class duration: approximately 2 to 2.5 hours per week
- Presentation sessions: December 10–14, 2026
- Exams: December 2027
Funding, Costs, and Materials
The cost of the program, 2,400 euros, includes:
- Application fees and exam fees
- Tuition: 80 hours of classes and 2 hours of coaching on store and order management (bonus, optional).
- Shipping of 3 packages (1 per cycle) containing materials, valued at approximately 280 euros.
Note: Funding options are available (OPCO, employers not affiliated with OPCO, associations, etc.). The training program is also in the process of obtaining Qualiopi certification (fall 2028)
Registration Procedures
You must first pre-register on the Digiforma platform
A few days later, you will receive a confirmation email and an information form to complete and return. You will then need to follow the registration steps described on pages 19–20 of the brochure. Once your application has been approved by the training coordinator, you will receive bank account information to make the payment. This payment can be made in three installments.
For more information: ecole@jardinsdegaia.com
Please feel free to ask any questions by email and/or leave your phone number.
English