Valentine’s Day Tea Tasting and Victorian High Tea.

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VENTFORT HALL MANSION AND GILDED AGE MUSEUM TO HOLD

A VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL TEA TASTING, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14

James Harron, Sr., president of Simpson & Vail, Inc., one of America’s oldest tea companies, will present a special tea tasting event at Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum on Valentine’s Day, Thursday, February 14, at 3:00pm.

The tasting will focus on several teas which include the J. P. Morgan blend (That J.P. himself commissioned) (caffeine) and Tulsi Orange/Cranberry Ginger (no caffeine).  The tasting will introduce the public to these blends that will be for sale in Ventfort Hall’s Gift Shop. 

Attendees are asked to bring their own favorite tea cups, which can become objects of conversation as part of the event.  A Victorian High Tea with savories and sweets will follow the presentation.

Harron will discuss the origin of the historic special Morgan blend, recent changes in the tea market, its future and tea as a personal tasting experience.  In addition, the speaker will lecture on the history of Simpson & Vail which was founded in 1904 as Augustus M. Walbridge, Inc. on Water Street in the South Street Seaport area of New York City.  In 1929, Walbridge sold the business to Mr. Simpson, the company’s accountant, and Lester Vail, the tea taster.

In 1978, the firm came under the ownership of James and Joan Harron and today is located in Brookfield, CT.  Simpson & Vail currently carries over 380 teas, some 100 herbal tisanes, over 55 types of coffee, tea accessories and gourmet food products.

Advance reservations are $25 per person. Two advance reservations from the same source are discounted at $45. Day of rate will be $30 on February 14.  Reservations are highly recommended as seating is limited.  For reservations and more information call Ventfort Hall at 413-637-3206