
Led by Ronee De Guzman, an IICCT-certified (International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting) chocolate educator and taster, and Niraj Lama, owner of Happy Earth Tea, this immersive class is designed to refine your palate and deepen your appreciation of two remarkable worlds.
What you’ll learn
Chocolate
Origins and cultivation of cacao
Harvesting, fermentation, and drying
From bean to bar: roasting, grinding, conching, tempering
Quality, sustainability, and ethical considerations in the chocolate industry
Tea
Tea and terroir: how place, cultivar, and season shape flavor
Processing of fine teas (green, oolong, black, and more)
Evaluating tea quality: leaf, liquor, aroma, and texture
Tea and wellness: an overview of potential benefits
You will taste a curated selection of craft chocolates alongside premium teas, learn pairing principles, and leave with practical tips for recreating thoughtful pairings at home.
Location: Happy Earth Tea, 696 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 PM