Our Home Barista Workshop is a theory + hands-on two-hour class at Augusta Lab, led by Rambert Sin, Certified SCA Trainer. It's built for people who have a machine at home and want to stop guessing.
You'll learn how to actually dial in your espresso — dose, yield, time — and you'll taste the difference between a shot that's over-extracted, under-extracted, and dialled. Then you'll get on the machine and do it yourself.
Here's what the two hours cover:
Welcome drink on arrival and a quick intro to the coffee you'll be working with — origin, roast, freshness, and why it matters for your shot. Then a guided look at the three variables that control every espresso, with live demos and a tasting of three intentionally different shots so you can hear the feedback in the cup. After that, milk mechanics — stretching, temperature, vortex — with another tasting so you understand texture before you try to replicate it. The second half of the class is hands-on: split into pairs, one group pulling shots and adjusting the grind, the other working on milk steaming with video guides on the TV. Both groups rotate. You finish with a short equipment chat — what actually makes a difference at home, when it's worth upgrading, and what to prioritise first.
Spots are capped at 8 per session.
What's included:
Two-hour hands-on workshop with Certified SCA Trainer Rambert Sin
Espresso, milk, and tastings
Welcome refreshments on arrival
10% exclusive end-of-class discount on coffee
FAQ
Do I need to own an espresso machine? No. Everything is on our equipment. That said, you'll leave knowing exactly what to look for if you're shopping, and what to do differently with what you already have.
Do I need any experience? None at all. The class starts from the fundamentals and builds from there.
Is this a good gift? Genuinely one of the best. Great for coffee-obsessed partners, curious friends, or anyone who's ever complained their espresso doesn't taste like the café.
What if I'm running late? We'll hold the start up to 15 minutes, then begin out of respect for everyone who showed up on time.
Getting here: Augusta is in Kensington Market. Parking is limited, and the Spadina and College streetcars both drop you close and are the easiest option.
Refund policy: Full refunds available up to 5 days before the event. After that, no refunds due to limited seats and preparation involved.
Questions? hello@augusta.coffee
Instructor bio: Rambert Sin is a Certified SCA Trainer with deep roots in specialty coffee. He brings a teaching style that's equal parts technical and genuinely fun — the kind of instructor who makes the nerdy stuff click.