Introduction
I first met Wenzhuo Liu (founder of Liu Tea & Art) online, where we connected over our shared passion for tea and cultural exchange. During our first conversation, Wenzhuo interviewed me about my work and journey with tea, and it was a truly inspiring exchange. Her knowledge, dedication, and multifaceted work she conducts through Liu Tea & Art deeply impressed me.
After that wonderful conversation, I wanted to learn more about her story, her vision, and the incredible projects she’s leading in Germany. From cultivating Chinese tea plants in Europe to building a holistic tea school that integrates ceramics, education, and sustainability, Wenzhuo’s work is a testament to how tea can bridge cultures and inspire innovation.
Today, I have the pleasure of turning the tables and interviewing Wenzhuo to explore her journey, philosophy, and contributions to the world of tea.
Lorela Lohan: Wenzhuo, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me today. Liu Tea & Art is such a multifaceted project. Can you share with us the founding vision behind it and how it has evolved over time?
Wenzhuo Liu: Thank you, Lorela! Liu Tea & Art began with a strong educational foundation. In China, I spent time working in tea fields, conducting research, and developing hands-on experience with tea cultivation, particularly in places like Wudang Mountain. Teaching Chinese tea culture was already a passion of mine when I moved to Germany in 2016, where I realized there was a unique opportunity to share this rich heritage with a European audience.
At first, I started small—teaching private classes, building an online shop, and hosting local workshops. Over time, my vision grew into something much more holistic. Now, Liu Tea & Art offers a comprehensive experience that combines tea education, ceramics, tea cultivation, and cultural exchange. I want to connect the cultural, practical, and artistic dimensions of tea, making it both accessible and inspiring for people in Europe.
Lorela Lohan: You’ve successfully planted Chinese tea trees and established a tea plantation in Germany, which is truly impressive. What inspired you to start this project, and what challenges have you encountered along the way?
Wenzhuo Liu: The idea came from my observations of tea cultivation in northwest Hubei, where tea thrives despite harsh winters. It made me wonder—could tea grow in Germany under similar conditions? So, I imported cultivars from China, experimenting with both seedlings and cuttings to identify the varieties most resistant to the cold climate here.
The main challenge has been managing the winters. Unlike in China, where conditions are often ideal, I’ve had to employ protective techniques such as windbreaks and coverings. Recently, I’ve adopted methods used in Shandong Province, which has a similar climate.
What makes this project special is its ecological approach. I focus on organic farming, avoiding chemicals and using natural fertilizers like oxygen-rich compost. The tea we produce is clean, high-quality, and small in quantity for now, but I hope this inspires more interest in local tea production in Europe.
I’m also a proud member of the Tea Grown in Europe Association, where I provide free consulting to help members choose suitable machines and environments based on their terroir and production goals. Recently, I’ve supported the association in connecting with the China Tea Science Society (CTSS) to organize international industry training. This initiative helps European farmers navigate the tea industry and produce tea that meets professional standards.
Lorela Lohan: Beyond tea, Liu Tea & Art also incorporates ceramics into its curriculum. How does the ceramic studio connect art with tea culture?
Wenzhuo Liu: The ceramic studio is integral to our work. We’re located near the Leine River, a region historically renowned for its ceramic clay production. This area was once called “Pottland” because of its pottery heritage.
I see ceramics as an essential part of the tea experience. We combine local clay, water from the ancient Apenteichquelle spring, and tea leaves grown in our garden to create something unique— a harmonious blend of Chinese tradition and European heritage.
Our ceramic workshops are beginner-friendly, offering participants the opportunity to create their teaware. It’s a hands-on way for people to connect artistry with the practical beauty of tea culture. I hope to develop this program further so it becomes a cornerstone of our holistic approach to tea.
Lorela Lohan: You also maintain a blog and contribute to China National Tea Times. What motivated you to start documenting tea culture and interviewing key tea personalities?
Wenzhuo Liu: It started with my desire to document my research and experiences with tea. Over time, I realized there was a gap in communication between European and Chinese tea cultures. When the China National Tea Times invited me to write a monthly column in 2022, it gave me a platform to bridge that gap.
Through my blog and magazine contributions, I highlight the work of key tea personalities, explore trends in European tea culture, and analyze international market strategies. Storytelling is a powerful way to connect people to tea—it gives the industry a human face, which is essential in a market often dominated by large brands.
Lorela Lohan: Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the tea world. How do you integrate sustainable practices into both your tea production in Germany and your collaborations with China?
Wenzhuo Liu: Sustainability is at the core of my work. In Germany, I practice ecological farming, using natural fertilizers and avoiding chemicals. It’s challenging but rewarding.
In China, the transition toward sustainability is also gaining momentum. While many large factories have made strides toward ecological farming, smaller producers often need more education and support to make this transition. It’s a gradual process, but through collaboration and education, it is achievable.
I believe sustainability requires balance—it needs to be practical, realistic, and rooted in long-term solutions.
Lorela Lohan: Your tea school has a compelling program. Could you tell us more about the classes you offer and who they’re designed for?
Wenzhuo Liu: At Liu Tea & Art, we offer programs for both beginners and professionals. For enthusiasts, we have short workshops that introduce the basics of tea tasting, brewing techniques, and tea history. These are designed to be accessible and enjoyable, fostering an appreciation for tea culture.
We provide advanced training for professionals. This includes sensory evaluation—learning how to assess quality, origin, and price—as well as courses on tea processing. I also offer consulting services for businesses looking to train their staff, particularly in matcha and speciality teas.
My ultimate goal is to build a systematic, scientific education program that bridges the knowledge gap in Europe and helps people truly understand tea.
Lorela Lohan: With so many dimensions to your work—tea cultivation, ceramics, education, and writing—how do these elements come together to create a holistic approach to tea culture?
Wenzhuo Liu: Tea is a remarkable medium for connection. It ties together art, science, history, and culture. By cultivating tea, producing ceramics, teaching workshops, and sharing stories, I aim to create a holistic experience where people can explore every dimension of tea.
Here in Germany, the local clay, spring water, and our tea leaves form a unique intersection of Chinese tradition and European heritage. Whether through education, production, or art, my work invites people to discover and connect with tea on multiple levels.
Tea is a remarkable medium for connection
Wenzhuo Liu
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