December 13, 2017 2 min read
There is an old saying that serenity is the path to wisdom. Well, wisdom is also the path to better tea.
As a tea connoisseur, you are constantly looking for ways to improve your tea drinking experience. At the start of my journey, I was looking for the same thing.
Like many of you, my first taste of green tea was bitter, lacking in flavour and aroma. My mother brewed me that first cup, and she did not understand how to prepare such a delicate and subtle product.
Over the years that followed, I made it my mission to learn how to brew the perfect cup. I visited Japanese tea shops, sat with elderly European tea enthusiasts, stood on the Chinese slopes where teas were grown, and I listened. I learned. And I want to share that knowledge with you.
The most important thing to remember is this ancient Chinese saying:
Water is the mother of tea. A teapot its father. And fire the teacher.
Like you, I am passionate about tea. I work hard every day to bring that ancient tea culture to my customers, and I know my dedication is having an impact.
Thank you for listening to what I have learned. Thank you for putting this knowledge to good use. And thank you for helping me spread tea culture around the world.
Here is to all those perfect cups yet to come.
Wouter
Founder, Valley of Tea
You might also enjoy
From our collection
![]() Dragon Well Longjing From €14.62 |
![]() Genmaicha From €15.49 |
![]() Jasmine Needle China From €25.75 |
Wouter Gryson is the founder of Valley of Tea. He has imported, tasted and sold single-origin teas, herbs and spices for more than 15 years, working directly with growers around the world.
Comments will be approved before showing up.

July 16, 2026 5 min read
Learn how to grow black tea at home: soil, climate, and the five processing steps from fresh leaf to a finished cup of black tea.

July 16, 2026 5 min read
Spearmint for tea brews sweeter and milder than peppermint. Learn how to brew it, blend it, and what the hormone research actually shows.

July 16, 2026 6 min read
Wholefoods matcha is convenient and organic, but lacks origin transparency and freshness. See what specialist importers do differently before you buy.
Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more …
Get our free brewing guide: the right water, heat and timing for every tea we sell. You will also hear it first when new harvests arrive.
No spam. Unsubscribe any time.
The guide is on its way.