Jorge Rizo - Tea Sommelier

The enormous cultural background of tea makes its study an exciting journey into both history and gastronomy. This passion has taken me to some of the most important tea-producing regions in the world, where I’ve immersed myself in the culture surrounding this extraordinary plant. From traditional ceremonies to the delicate processes behind each leaf, tea has become more than a beverage, it's an art form that reflects mindfulness and connection.

As part of my work in tea cultural management, I curate educational content and original photography on my website, Pontos. The site features visual narratives and essays that explore tea culture through a broad lens, touching on topics like traditional ceremonies, botanical history, artisan methods, and the intersection of tea with travel and daily rituals. Also photo essays from tea regions in India, Japan, and China.

Pontos serves as a platform for cultural diffusion—celebrating tea not just as a beverage, but as a living tradition.

Host and producer of the Pontos Tea Podcast dedicated entirely to tea culture:  Listen to the Podcast on Spotify In each episode, I interview renowned authors, tea sommeliers, tea house owners, and experts from around the world. Together, we explore the global traditions, techniques, and philosophies that continue to shape tea culture today. From Japan to Darjeeling, London to Australia, I dive deep into the tea world, one conversation at a time.

Certifications & Training

• Certified Tea Sommelier Mexican Tea School & Tea and Herbal Association of Canada

• Master Class in Japanese Tea Ceremony Kyoto, Japan

• Master Class in Tea Harvesting and Processing Munnar, India

• Master Class in Gongfu Cha Tea Preparation Hangzhou, China

These in-depth practices across different cultures have allowed me to experience the depth and diversity of tea—from the spiritual stillness of Chanoyu to the dynamic artistry of Gongfu Cha.

Services Offered

As a tea sommelier, I offer personalized services to restaurants, hotels, cultural institutions, and private clients. My goal is to elevate the experience of tea by aligning it with culinary, aesthetic, and experiential values.

• Tea Menu Development & Curation I advise on the best tea selection based on the restaurant’s identity, cuisine, and customer experience. Each recommendation is guided by origin, flavor profiles, and seasonality.

• Staff Training Preparation, presentation, and service protocols tailored to the type of tea and setting.

• Tea & Wine Pairing I design pairings that integrate tea alongside wine and food for a layered gastronomic journey.

• Supplier Sourcing I help identify and connect with reliable tea suppliers to ensure quality, ethical sourcing, and consistency.

• Storage & Management Guidance I provide clear protocols to store and maintain tea properly, preserving its integrity and aroma.

• Event Planning From floral arrangements and perfumery to immersive tasting experiences, I craft events that celebrate tea in a multisensory and culturally rich way

  
  

Author & Cultural Research

The History of Tea in Mexico This book explores the fascinating journey of tea from China to Mexico, uncovering the lesser-known stories that shaped its place in Mexican culture. It traces how tea was introduced through transpacific routes and how it encountered, competed, and coexisted with native beverages like chocolate, pulque, and herbal infusions. The book includes historical maps and trade routes,merchants, healers, and key figures and a look at Mexico’s indigenous herbal medicine practices and how they intersect with tea cultureThis publication has been praised for its interdisciplinary approach, bridging history, anthropology, and gastronomy. It also fills an important gap in Latin American tea history, giving voice to local traditions often overshadowed by dominant narratives from Europe or Asia.

For me, tea is not just work—it’s a way of being. Its quiet lessons on patience, focus, and balance have shaped how I approach creativity, collaboration, and daily life. It continues to inspire the way I tell stories, host experiences, and build community through ritual and presence.

If you're interested in collaborating on a project, event, consultation, or cultural initiative related to tea, feel free to reach out:

LinkedIn

jorge.rizo@gmail.com

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