When was your first cup of tea?
Probably in my baby's bottle. We drank tea constantly in our house.

Who/what has shaped your knowledge of tea the most over the years?
Probably writing my last book, A Guide to Tea- I thought I knew a lot about tea before writing it. But when you write a book, you learn so much, not only about the subject you're covering (because you have to dive so deep inside of it), but also about your personal perceptions of the subject. I never thought about why I should like tea before, just why everyone else should.

Where does tea come from?
Tea is native to China and parts of India, and has been cultivated and produced for over 4,000 years. Legend says Chinese Emperor, Shen Nung, serendipitously discovered tea when a rogue leaf drifted into his cup of hot water. I'm glad he took a sip!

How are teas named?
Teas are named in several different ways. Some, similar to wine, are named after the region they are grown in (Darjeeling, for example), some are more descriptive to the quality or appearance of the tea (Silver Needle, for example.)

What are some of the key health benefits associated with teas?
A study came out recently showing that drinking tea is healthier than drinking water. That's about as impressive as possible.

What is a tea sommelier?
Someone who wants to you enjoy tea to the fullest

When did you decide you wanted to be a tea sommelier? What inspired you?
When I first moved out of the house and went to college, I realized how bad the tea was, in general, that Americans drank. And they seemed to be okay with that! I made it my mission to use my talents, knowledge and passion for tea to revitalize the image of tea.

If you didn't become a tea sommelier, what would you be?
Rockstar!

What is your favorite variety of tea? Why?
My current favorite is Oolong, but it changes by the demands of the day. Oolong is great because it has a lot of flavor dimensions and can handle multiple infusions.

What is your least favorite variety of tea? Why?
There are a lot of weird herbal teas out there. I usually try to stay away from any tea labeled "medicinal" as it never really accomplishes a medical goal and tastes like old shoes.

What do you like to drink besides tea?
I'm a big fan of fresh fruit juice, not the super-sweet stuff you get in the big supermarkets.

What do you like to eat with a cup of tea?
It depends on the meal. Generally, I like green teas with light meals/salads, black teas with either a heartier meal or dessert, and white teas are great by themselves.

What are some great flavor combinations for teas and complementary foods?
My favorites: I love a nice malty Assam black tea with dark chocolate. And Jasmine tea with a really garlicky shrimp.

What is your best tip for a tea enthusiast?
There are literally thousands of teas out there. Try something new. And always support your local tea shop.