Tea Sommelier

Chicago Teahouse

Getting to Know Our Tea Sommelier, Agnieszka Rapacz

Agnieszka (Agnes) Rapacz

Tea Sommelier & Global Tea Explorer

Credentials & Achievements

Founder & Owner of Chicago Teahouse
Certified Tea Sommelier (2017)
Certified Herbal Tea Blender
B.S. in Finance, DePaul University, Chicago
Recognized Success Alumni under 40
President of Chicago Tea Festival
International Speaker at World Tea Forum, Seoul
Tea Presenter at National Tea Festivals across six major cities (Seattle, San Francisco, New York, Des Moines, Philadelphia, and Chicago)
Five-time award recipient for Project Windows collaboration with Art Institute of Chicago

Agnieszka’s journey with tea began in her childhood, growing up in Poland, where tea holds a deep social and cultural significance. She found a deep connection with the world of tea and was inspired by the quote “You will never have to work a day in your life if you do something you’re passionate about”. Later on, Agnieszka graduated from DePaul and was hired as Director of Finance at TeaGschwendner, a German premium loose leaf tea company. As her knowledge and love for tea blossomed, Agnieszka found her calling and became a certified Tea Sommelier in 2017.

Soon after, she opened tea shops in Chicago to bring together people and tea from all around the world. Agnieszka has traveled to many exotic countries to learn first hand about tea culture and how it goes from a tea leaf to the perfect brew in your cup. Most recently, she has expanded and opened her very own tea shop and online store to serve various globally-recognized, high quality tea brands and tea accessories to tea lovers all over the country. Agnieszka welcomes you to dive deeper into the world of tea with her tea shop, Chicago Teahouse.

Award-Winning Excellence in Tea

The Best Tea Shop in Chicago

In 2012, Agnieszka acquired TeaGschwendner US, named Best Tea Shop in Chicago by Chicago Magazine, and became a certified Tea Sommelier to offer clients the finest teas. Chicago Teahouse is proud to have our teas showcased at some of the Midwest's most prestigious venues and events. Our unwavering commitment to quality has earned us the trust of esteemed partners, including Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago, the award-winning Waldorf Astoria—recognized as the best hotel in the U.S.—the historic Woman's Athletic Club of Chicago, and the beloved Christkindlmarket in Chicago, Milwaukee, Aurora, and Carmel, Indiana.

At Chicago Teahouse, we are passionate about delivering world-class teas and premium tea accessories. Our mission is to source the finest teas from around the globe, offering an exceptional selection that reflects our expertise and love for tea. With a commitment to quality and flavor, we aim to share the world's best tea experiences with our community.

We would like to share with you our extensive offering at our downtown State Street location in Chicago - We look forward to meeting you!

Visiting Tea Gardens

Tea is not only something you taste, but a drink that offers an experience beginning from trying different tea brands and flavors, the brewing process and from the very first sip to the last. Agnieszka has traveled to Japan, Austria, China, New Zealand and South Africa to bring worldly flavors right to your tea cup.

Did you know? Almost all tea comes from the same leaf, what creates the unique flavors, colors and smells is how it’s harvested, prepared and combined with other natural fruits, herbs and plants.
Pictured is Agnieszka, visiting one of the oldest tea plantations in Kyoto and its matcha factory, where you will experience the handling of a green tea mill and tasting.
What brings quality to tea? In New Zealand, Agnieszka experienced harvesting tea leaves by hand and learned that the careful harvesting process prevents the tea leaves from
sustaining damage and losing quality and flavor.