Whisk, sip and craft lattes with Japanese powdered teas in one of the most calming team building activities for small groups in the Bay Area. In this matcha and milled hojicha class at a tea shop in Alameda, your group learns both the art and the science of preparing these teas, from ceremonial whisking to cafe-style lattes made to taste.
The class runs two hours and is priced at $75 per guest for private groups of 2 to 12 guests. It is beginner-friendly and works for tea lovers, wellness fans and curious first-timers alike.
What's Included
- A two hour hands-on matcha and hojicha class
- A complete matcha starter kit for every guest: chasen (bamboo whisk), chawan (tea bowl) and chashaku (scoop)
- A sample tin of
Whisk, sip and craft lattes with Japanese powdered teas in one of the most calming team building activities for small groups in the Bay Area. In this matcha and milled hojicha class at a tea shop in Alameda, your group learns both the art and the science of preparing these teas, from ceremonial whisking to cafe-style lattes made to taste.
The class runs two hours and is priced at $75 per guest for private groups of 2 to 12 guests. It is beginner-friendly and works for tea lovers, wellness fans and curious first-timers alike.
What's Included
- A two hour hands-on matcha and hojicha class
- A complete matcha starter kit for every guest: chasen (bamboo whisk), chawan (tea bowl) and chashaku (scoop)
- A sample tin of imported Japanese matcha powder to take home
- Matcha and hojicha for tasting and for your own lattes
- A choice of whole, almond or oat milk for your drinks
- Knowledge of Japanese milled teas and their traditional techniques
What You Will Learn
The class begins with a brief introduction to the origins, history and health benefits of matcha and hojicha, followed by a live demonstration of traditional whisking techniques and the essential tea tools. Then everyone gets hands on, creating matcha or hojicha lattes with a selection of milks and styles.
As you sip your creations, you explore the difference between ceremonial and culinary grade matcha and pick up ways to bring matcha into daily rituals. Reviewers describe a class that starts traditional and then sets aside time to experiment with tea mixes, with lattes, flavor combinations and a matcha affogato on the table, and an instructor who is accommodating of dietary restrictions.
The workshop is ideal for friends looking to connect with fellow tea lovers, and reviewers call it completely hands on, with plenty of time to explore and play with the different teas and inclusions. Guests leave with new skills, a deeper appreciation for Japanese teas and the confidence to recreate their favorite blends at home.
Why It Works for Groups
This is one of the more hands on team building activities for a team that wants something calm and focused. Whisking is a skill nobody arrives with, so the group learns together, compares lattes and swaps flavor ideas. As wellness team building activities go, it pairs a slow, mindful ritual with real take-home skills.
With 2 to 12 guests per private class, it is a strong pick among team building activity ideas for small groups, and it also suits couples, a date idea, a birthday, a bachelorette party or a Christmas party. As holiday team building activities go, a starter kit and a tin of matcha make a gift guests keep using long after the class.
About Your Host
Your host is a women-owned tea shop that carries more than 100 exotic fusion teas from Africa, Asia, South America and Europe, with a carefully curated collection of fine loose-leaf, herbal and wellness teas. Its founder has loved tea since early childhood, when a small cup of tea with milk ended each evening, and grew up blending teas for every mood and moment, from steaming hot cups and iced teas to tea cocktails and tea-infused treats. Workshops are built around learning through hands-on creativity, and guests can sample the shop's teas through its tea sniffers. What began as a childhood ritual grew into an exploration of global flavors, healing traditions and sensory experiences, and the shop offers its own specially blended teas alongside teas from other fine tea makers.
How the Session Runs
- Learn the origins, history and health benefits of matcha and hojicha
- Watch a live demonstration of traditional whisking with the chasen, chawan and chashaku
- Compare ceremonial and culinary grade matcha
- Craft your own matcha or hojicha lattes with whole, almond or oat milk
- Experiment with tea mixes and take home your starter kit
Good to Know
- Beginner-friendly; no experience required
- Private groups range from 2 to 12 guests
- Held inside the tea shop
- Let the host know about dietary needs when you book
Plan Your Matcha Class
Share your preferred date and group size to check availability. At $75 per guest with a full matcha starter kit included, this is one of the most rewarding creative team building activities for groups who want to slow down and share a cup together.
