Melbourne Tea Festival 2017

“Tea is such an all-rounder,’’ the Brunswick tea sommelier said yesterday. “Whatever the mood or moment you’re in, it’s just what you need. I can drink up to 30 cups a day!’’
Ms De Witt, who runs Impala + Peacock artisan teas with husband Ruan, will be front and centre at the second Melbourne Tea Festival on May 20.
This celebration of loose leaf tea is drawing purveyors of the world’s most consumed beverage (after water) to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre for tastings, masterclasses and workshops. Ms De Witt said: “The tea industry here is definitely on the rise, especially as people become a lot more health conscious.’’ The Melbourne Tea Festival also celebrates the social pleasures of tea drinking.
At her Sydney Rd tea salon, Mary Eats Cake, Ms De Witt brings “a modern tea infused twist to the high tea tradition”.