The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse is proud to announce the
10th Annual

Rocky Mountain Tea Festival

August 1 and 2

Please call us at 303-442-4993

to register for classes!

Seminars and Tastings

A wonderful opportunity to learn in a hands-on atmosphere from some of the leading experts in the field! Classes include workshops about Tea Basics, Exotic Teas, Blending Teas, Tea Leaf Reading, and more! Each seminar is $15 per person.

2009 Schedule

Saturday August 1

9:00 am - Cooking with Tea with Lenny Martinelli

Experience the variety of ways that tea can be used in the culinary arts, in this unique, hands- on class with the Executive Chef and owner of the Teahouse, Lenny Martinelli. Using all kinds of tea, including black, oolong, green, and herbal, Mr. Martinelli will demonstrate the versatility of the leaves with delicious, unique recipes that you can recreate at home. Participants will have the opportunity to taste the dishes made, as well as take home the recipes.
Lenny Martinelli is Owner and Executive Chef of the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse and is actively involved in the daily operations. Mr. Martinelli has over 20 years experience in the hospitality industry from bussing tables to ownership. He is also the owner and operator of the Naropa Cafe, Aji Latin American Restaurant, Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant, and The Huckleberry.

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12:00 pm - Tea Basics 101

This basic overview of tea will teach the differences of black, green and oolong teas. Learn about the different growing regions, processing methods, and finished leaf styles of the worlds most recognized teas. You’ll have the opportunity to taste the teas side by side. This is a perfect introduction to the world of tea.

Donna Fellman is director of the Tea Education Alliance (T∙E∙A), dedicated to promoting tea and the tea lifestyle through education and experience. She offers customized consulting and promotional materials for all aspects of developing tea programs and designs and administers professional tea training curriculum for management and staff. She is co-author of Tea Here Now, (Inner Ocean Publishing, 2005) exploring tea as a way of life and written for everyone who wishes to infuse uncomplicated spirituality and mindfulness into his or her tea drinking. Appointed as chairman of the Specialty Tea Institute’s Education Committee in 2006, she has coordinated the development of the STI Tea Professional Certification Program to meet the needs and demands of the rapidly growing tea industry. Her background includes opening and managing teahouses, and teaching tea classes and workshops on tea’s relationship to meditation, nutrition, and other cultural aspects, as well as the basics of tea.

While it was the ceremonies of tea that first intrigued her to look deeper into tea, and the spirit of tea that inspired her to learn more about this enduring drink, it is the on-going discoveries and evolution of the world of tea that motivate her to continue to share her knowledge with others. She has toured the tea plantations of Taiwan and India and made a pilgrimage to Kyoto, Japan, home of the Urasenke Foundation, her chanoyu school.

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2:00 pm - Darjeeling- Land of the Thunderbolt

The Darjeeling region is known the world over for its scenic beauty and exquisite, aromatic teas. Attendees of this seminar will be guided through the history of the region and learn the manufacturing techniques that make Darjeeling teas so distinctive. Teas from the 2009 season will be brewed throughout the seminar.

Chris Chantler was originally born in Hampshire, England and raised in Southeast Asia. Chris is known for his expertise in the coffee industry and as a local leader in the development of Colorado's tea culture.

Chris is the tea buyer and co-owner of Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea Co. in Minturn, Colorado. Chris and his business partner, Craig Arseneau, have spent two decades developing an extensive network of producer relationships around the globe. One of their favorite tea destinations is Darjeeling.

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4:00 pm - Taiwanese Oolong Tasting with Brian Wright

This hands-on tasting will feature several spring 2009 oolong teas from Taiwan. Participants will compare the diverse range of flavors found among oolong teas, and at the same time get experience brewing them gongfu style, using a small unglazed teapot. The geography of Taiwanese teas, nuances of seasonal variation, and basics of tea processing will also be discussed. This workshop offers the chance to taste some of the finest oolong teas from Taiwan, (Formosa)often considered some of the best teas in the world.
Brian J. Wright, proprietor of Shan Shui Teas in Washington DC, became enamored with Chinese tea while studying in Taipei and Beijing in 1989-90. He continued his hobby after returning to the U.S., and expanded it into a business in 1993 to satisfy his friends' appetites for fine tea. Currently, Brian specializes in providing top quality Taiwanese oolong teas, Korean green teas, and teaware for their preparation.

6:00 pm - Chado - The Japanese Tea Ceremony with The Kita Sokyu- Shacyu Tea Group

This is a great opportunity to witness the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony, presented by the Kita Sokyo-Shacyu Tea Group. The demonstration will include an explanation of the history of the tea ceremony and its cultural significance. Members of the audience will have the opportunity to taste the special whisked tea prepared in the ceremony.

Kita Shachu Tea Group has conducted performances at various locations and events, including: The Denver Art Museum, the Denver Botanical Gardens, and The Japan America Society.

SUNDAY AUGUST 2

10:00 am - The Divine Medicine: How Tea Imporves Health and Awakens the Mind

While guests see, taste, and scent delicious Chinese tea, Ken will discuss the culture and healing benefits of this "divine medicine."  He will explore the traditional Chinese view of how tea treats disease-- bitter flavor for the heart, green color for the liver, etc.--as well as cutting edge scientific research that shows how and why tea works. Laboratory experiments suggest that tea may prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and aging itself! Most importantly, tea reminds us to slow down and enjoy life. As philosopher Lin Yutang said, half jokingly, "Since culture is a product of leisure, the sage is the one who loafs gracefully!" Tea is an art and a natural companion to painting, poetry, music, and the search for beauty in the everyday. At the end of the talk, Ken will sign copies of his award-winning books. 

Ken Cohen (www.kennethcohen.com), former student of Alan Watts and Joseph Campbell, has followed the Way of Tea for more than 35 years, including many years teaching the Japanese Tea Ceremony. A China scholar and health educator, he is the author of The Way of Qigong (Ballantine Books) and has written about Tea for Chanoyu Magazine, Yoga Journal, Alternative Medicine, and many other journals. Ken was one of the first Tea educators to lecture at medical schools and oncology clinics. 

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12:00 pm - Herbal Tea Blending- Using Nature’s Gifts

This hands-on workshop offers the opportunity to taste a number of select herbs that are well known for their health enhancing properties. Each participant will have the chance to blend a custom tea, and take a sample home. 

Sara Stewart Martinelli is the owner and tea blender of the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.  She is a state certified Medical Herbalist.

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2:00 pm - Puerh and Exotic Teas of China with David Lee Hoffman

Join David Lee Hoffman in a discussion and presentation of his many adventures in the backcountry of China in search of premium tea. Learn the methods of tea cultivation on traditional Chinese tea farms, and how Mr. Hoffman hand chooses each tea that he imports to the US. This class offers the opportunity to taste some of Mr. Hoffman's teas, often unavailable from any other source, with special emphasis on the exotic Puerh teas from the Yunnan region.
David Lee Hoffman has been traveling the backcountry of Asia for 29 years seeking out the finest, best tasting leaves. With his passion for tea and a background in vermiculture and soil fertility, he is now working in China with the prestigious Tea Institute and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences to implement sustainable organic tea farming. Mr. Hoffman is the founder of Silk Road Teas.

2007 Schedule of Events

Saturday Night Tea Dinner - $35 per person

Indulge yourself with a delicious four course meal, each dish prepared with TEA!

Menu to be Announced and subject

to change at the whim of the Chef.

SAMPLE MENU - Sample Tea Dinner Menu

Reservations strongly recommended 303-442-4993

Tea Bazaar

Booths will be set up to offer tastings and sales of premium teas, tea ware, and other tea related goods.
Are you interested in being one of our vendors? Please contact us at

Tea Fest Vendor Info

The Children's Teddy Bear Tea Party