Linda Louie, owner of Bana Tea Company, is a lifelong tea enthusiast and student of tea culture. She has traveled extensively through the farms and villages of the Pu-erh producing regions in China in her quest to find the finest teas.

Over 1,700 years ago, in the high mountains of southwest Yunnan Provence, the unique broadleaf variety of the tea plant, Camillia sinensis var. assamica, was first cultivated and harvested by the indigenous people of the region. To this day they practice the same time-honed methods that have been used for centuries. Ms Louie stated, "Pu-erh tea is unlike any other tea in that, as it ages, its flavor becomes enhanced, a feature it has in common with fine wine."

        Bana Tea Company owner Linda Louie hosting a tea ceremony.

The Chinese tea ceremony emphasizes the tea, rather than the ceremony -- what the tea tastes like, smells like, and how one tea tastes compared to the previous tea. During the ceremony, Ms. Louie will provide insight into various teas, offer samples and share her knowledge and experiences in her pursuit of the some of the world's finest teas. The ceremony provides a warm, unique, and relaxing environment and is just as fun as it is informative. 

Cost is $20 per person. Seating is limited If interested in attending, please contact Mandarin Fine Art Gallery at (949) 376-9608 or e-mail us at info@mandarinfineart.com.