Tea Blending

If you’re someone who appreciates good tea or enjoys learning about herbal remedies, the Tea Blending experience at Portsmouth’s Société: Tea and Apothecary offers a charming, educational, and personalized journey. This 90-minute private class combines the sensory pleasure of sampling herbal teas with the scientific and artistic skill of blending your own custom tea. With a knowledgeable clinical herbalist guiding the way, you’ll not only leave with a jar of your own creation but also a deeper understanding of herbs’ benefits and flavors.

What really stands out about this experience is how it balances practical skills with storytelling. We loved how Joy, the expert herbalist, shared stories along with her knowledge, making the class both engaging and memorable. The potential downside? Since the class only runs on weekday evenings, it might not fit everyone’s schedule. Still, for those passionate about herbal tea or looking for a unique, hands-on activity in Portsmouth, this experience is hard to beat.

This tour suits curious travelers eager to learn about herbs, those who love personalized experiences, and anyone wanting to take home a custom tea blend that’s tailored to their health or taste preferences. It’s a fantastic way to connect with the local herbal culture and deepen your appreciation for tea’s therapeutic qualities—plus, it’s a little bit of wellness with a sprinkle of fun.

Key Points

• Personalized Learning: You’ll create a custom herbal tea blend tailored to your needs.
• Expert Guidance: Led by a seasoned clinical herbalist, ensuring genuine knowledge and safety.
• Herbal Knowledge: Gain insight into the benefits and properties of over 250 herbs.
• Tasting Experience: Sample four herbal teas, discovering flavors and aromas.
• Memorable Souvenir: Leave with a jar of your own tea blend to enjoy at home.
• Private Session: An intimate, tailored experience focused solely on your group.

A Deep Dive into the Tea Blending Experience

What’s the Setup Like?

The tour begins at the charming Société shop located at 51 Ceres Street in Portsmouth. This is a cozy, well-stocked tea and apothecary shop, boasting an impressive collection of 250 different herbs. The setting immediately conveys a sense of discovery, with shelves filled with jars and herbs, enticing aromas, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The activity is scheduled for weekday evenings, typically from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, making it accessible after work or day trips.

The Role of the Herbalist

You’ll be guided by Joy, a knowledgeable clinical herbalist known for her engaging storytelling and expert advice. From the moment you meet her, it’s clear she’s passionate about herbs and dedicated to sharing her knowledge. Her approachable style makes complex herbal benefits understandable and applicable, whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or a curious beginner.

Learning About Herbs

The core of the experience is understanding the therapeutic qualities of herbs. With over 250 herbs available, Joy explains their benefits—from calming chamomile to invigorating peppermint, and perhaps lesser-known medicinal herbs like lemon balm or elderberry. You’ll learn how each herb affects the body and how to use them safely and effectively in tea blends.

The art of blending

Once familiar with the herbs, it’s time to get hands-on. You’ll learn how to combine flavors, aromas, and health-promoting properties to craft a truly personalized tea. Joy emphasizes blending with intention—whether you’re aiming for relaxation, digestion aid, or simply a delightful taste. The process involves understanding flavor profiles, balancing aromas, and respecting the medicinal qualities.

Sampling and tasting

Throughout the session, you’ll sample four different herbal teas, which helps you develop an appreciation for how herbs interact and how blending influences flavor. Guests have described this as a sensory journey, with one review noting they enjoyed “learning about herbs, teas, and aromatherapy,” while others appreciated that sample teas serve as inspiration for future blends.

Take-home creation

At the end of the class, each participant leaves with a jar of their own tea blend. This personalized souvenir makes the experience more meaningful, as you walk away with a tangible product rooted in your preferences and new knowledge.

Advantages of the Private, Educational Format

The private setting ensures you won’t feel rushed or overwhelmed. With Joy’s expert guidance, questions are encouraged, and the learning is tailored to your interests. Several reviews mention how the stories Joy shares add depth to the experience, creating an engaging and warm environment.

While the class is priced at $100 per person, many would agree that this is a fair value considering the personalized instruction, tasting, and the take-home product. Plus, the knowledge gained about herbal benefits and blending techniques can be applied long after the class ends.

Why it’s worth the price

This isn’t just a casual tea tasting; it’s a crafting class that educates, inspires, and leaves you with a useful skill. If you’ve ever wondered how to create your own calming or energizing tea blends, this session provides practical, actionable advice you can use repeatedly.

Practical Details

• Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
• Price: $100 per person
• Meeting point: 51 Ceres Street, Portsmouth
• Availability: Weekdays, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Booking: It’s recommended to book at least 36 days in advance due to popularity
• Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours before the experience, making it flexible in case of plans change

Accessibility & Other Info

• Service animals are allowed, which is considerate for travelers with support animals.
• The activity is private, so only your group participates, ensuring a tailored, intimate experience.

Authentic Perspectives: What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently comment on the informative nature of the class and Joy’s engaging storytelling. One guest said, “I learned that it is fun to blend teas with intention, and I will be using this idea for special occasions,” highlighting the practical, lasting value of what they learned. Another appreciated the storytelling aspect, noting, “Listening to Joy and her stories made the experience more enjoyable,” which underscores the friendly, personable approach of the instructor.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for herb enthusiasts, tea lovers, and wellness seekers. If you enjoy hands-on activities and want to learn how to craft teas tailored to your needs, this class offers a meaningful, educational outing. It’s also an excellent gift idea or a memorable addition to a weekend in Portsmouth for those who want a deeper connection with natural remedies.

Travelers interested in local culture and plant-based health will find this a wonderful, authentic activity that enhances their appreciation for herbal remedies and the art of tea blending.

The Sum Up

The Tea Blending class at Société: Tea and Apothecary offers a rare opportunity to learn a practical craft in a warm, intimate setting. You’ll walk away not only with your own personalized herbal tea but also with a wealth of knowledge about herbs’ health benefits and flavor profiles. It’s educational, sensory-rich, and thoughtfully guided—ideal for anyone curious about herbal medicine or looking for a unique, meaningful activity during their Portsmouth visit.

While it does require booking in advance and runs during weekday evenings, the investment is well worth it for the personalized attention, expert guidance, and the lasting skills you’ll gain. Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or simply someone who loves tea, this experience provides a perfect blend of learning, tasting, and creating.

In the end, it’s more than just a class—it’s a fun, healthful adventure that connects you with both the natural world and the art of mindful blending. A true highlight for those wanting a memorable, enriching activity that combines education with sensory delight.

FAQ

How long does the Tea Blending experience last?
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving ample time for learning, tasting, and blending.

Is this a group or private experience?
It’s a private tour, meaning only your group participates, ensuring personalized attention.

What is included in the price?
Your session with the herbalist, sampling four teas, and a jar of your own custom blend to take home.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Last-minute cancellations are non-refundable.

Is the experience suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The session is designed to be accessible whether you’re new to herbs or have some prior knowledge.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing is fine; all supplies are provided. Just arrive eager to learn and have fun.

Is the experience accessible to those with service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed in the shop and during the class.

When should I book?
It’s recommended to book about 36 days in advance since the class is popular and runs on weekday evenings.