Sips Global Teas (Alameda, California)

For our latest Community Stories feature, we sat down with Marlene Quan, founder of Sips Global Teas in Alameda, California — a tea apothecary, tasting room, and cultural gathering space where visitors explore global tea traditions through tastings, workshops, and shared experiences.

A Journey Rooted in Connection

Long before opening her shop, tea had been a thread of connection throughout Marlene’s life. Her travels and conversations over tea revealed its power to bridge cultures and spark community. That realization inspired her to create a space where people could slow down, discover something new, and connect through the ritual of tea.

“Tea culture, to me, is about connection — to self, to others, and to the world,” Marlene shares.

Learning Through Experience

At Sips Global Teas, education is hands-on. Guests participate in tea blending classes, tastings, and workshops that invite curiosity and conversation. A simple sip often leads to questions about origin, craftsmanship, and tradition — turning each tasting into a moment of cultural exchange.

Marlene believes tea is best understood through experience. By tasting, asking, and learning, visitors form a deeper connection to what’s in their cup.

Moments That Matter

Some of Marlene’s most cherished memories come from watching connections form around tea — strangers becoming friends, families blending teas together, and guests returning to share how a workshop inspired their own tea journey. Each story reminds her why Sips Global Teas exists: to create community through shared experience.

Craftsmanship and Respect

Every tea tells a story of the people who cultivate it. Marlene honors that craftsmanship through thoughtful sourcing and authenticity. She hopes each guest leaves with a greater appreciation for the care, tradition, and artistry behind every leaf.

A Shared Appreciation

Marlene’s connection with Sugimoto Tea began through the tea community itself — at events like the San Francisco International Tea Festival and the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas. Those encounters grew into a partnership grounded in respect for Japanese tea traditions and the people who preserve them. Today, Sugimoto teas are featured in Sips Global Teas tastings, including matcha, hojicha, tencha, and seasonal selections.

“Tea is an invitation — to slow down, explore, and connect.”

It’s a philosophy that continues to shape the experiences Marlene creates for her community.

Visit Sips Global Teas

Sips Global Teas
2215-B South Shore Center Alameda, CA 94501