Hi, I’m Alicia Gentili.
For those who have found the way of tea, most will tell you the path is not linear. Mine is no exception.
Although the unfolding of my career had unknowingly been planted throughout the entirety of my life, my tea roots really began to form in 2011 on an herbal tea farm in my home state. It was harvesting elderflower and chamomile that my love for working with plants outdoors really took bloom. A few years later I needed a part time job while finishing my undergraduate degree, which was resolved by getting my foot in the door as a tea packager for a prominent Boston tea import. Here, I quickly realized how important the ritual of tea brewing became for me. The mindfulness of the practice was so helpful and anchoring. From that first sip of the day when all I think about is the flavor, the warmth, and the texture, tea soon became a welcomed necessity.
When I moved west to Oregon, I decided I wanted to remain working in tea. There I managed a few tea shops in Portland, and when I discovered there was actual tea growing just south of me, I knew I wanted to be involved. It was there I had my first experience crafting tea and I haven’t been able to look back since.
A few years later on a tea tour of India, I met a consultant who was looking for someone to manage a new tea garden in the Channel Islands, and that is where my experience vastly deepened. There I spent three seasons tending to the plants, developing processing methods, and establishing a brand.
It became clear to me that my true passion lies in processing tea, and wanting to help other tea gardens make the most of their leaf while expanding my own knowledge set. In 2022 I began helping a small grower in the Netherlands where we work together to bring the most unique and flavorsome qualities from her leaf. Here I also assist in hosting tea processing workshops and advising on plant care. So far in 2023 I have participated in a wonderful tea program in Sri Lanka, made tea in Italy, and Wales, and plan to continue working with clients all over Europe and the world.
I have been on two origin trips, processed tea in four different countries, and am always aiming to increase and grow my tea experience.
I have overseen the planting of thousands of tea plants, as well as seedling care within a nursery.
My processing specialities lie in wok fired green tea, black tea, and white tea, and I have produced over 100 kilograms of tea for commercial exchange. I am able to process tea on a small scale with kitchen machinery, as well as operate large scale orthodox factory equipment.
I have organised and hosted tea tours, taught tea making workshops, and have interacted with a variety of media outlets.
I am a current member of the United States League of Tea Growers, as well as the European Tea Growers Association. I host a tea processing work group, and am continually attending webinars, taking classes, and participating in events out of affection for tea and eagerness to expand my knowledge.