Tea Expert

Mr. Changli Wang obtained his Master's degree in Business Administration in 2004. During this time, he served as Marketing Manager at Fuji Medical Instruments' North American branch, where he gained substantial experience in marketing strategy, exhibition planning, sales training, and logistics management, providing a solid foundation for his future endeavours.

After returning to Taiwan in 2006, Mr. Wang pursued his passion for promoting Taiwanese tea culture by combining it with a modern dining concept. He founded "Xiongmei Noodles and Coffee," where he innovatively introduced premium tea as an accompaniment to meals, transitioning tea from a traditional ceremonial role to a sophisticated element of fine dining. This initiative garnered significant media attention, becoming a rising star in the industry. However, after eight successful years, Mr. Wang decided to close the restaurant and refocus on his family's tea business.

In 2015, Mr. Wang became the second-generation head of Sanpotea, concentrating on internationalising Taiwanese tea and expanding into markets in Europe, the United States, Japan, and Southeast Asia. He has established strategic partnerships with international hotel chains, Michelin-starred restaurants, and global tea beverage brands. Mr. Wang is also known for his innovative cross-industry collaborations, regularly hosting tea and wine pairing events featuring Taiwanese tea alongside fine wines and sake, offering a fresh perspective on Taiwan's tea culture.

Mr. Wang has continually pursued professional development. In 2015, he earned a certification in Tea Sensory Evaluation from National Taiwan University, followed by the title of International Sake Sommelier from the SSI in Japan in 2016, and certification as an ITMA-certified Tea Master in 2017. In 2019, he undertook rigorous cultural training under the tutelage of Sōsui Satō of the Omotesenke Fushinryu school of Japanese tea ceremony.

In response to the global pandemic in 2020, Mr. Wang pivoted towards e-commerce, making Taiwanese premium tea more accessible to tea enthusiasts worldwide. Through his proactive and innovative approach, he successfully expanded Sanpotea’s presence in international markets, where their products have become best-sellers on major online platforms.

In 2024, Mr. Wang earned the International Sommelier title from the SSI and is dedicated to integrating his extensive knowledge of Taiwanese tea and Japanese tea ceremony with systematic tasting methodologies, further broadening the horizons for Taiwanese tea culture.

Education

  • Master of Business Administration, UBC Sauder School of Business

Professional Certifications

  • 2024 – SSI International Sakasho (Sommelier)
  • 2017 – ITMA Tea Sommelier
  • 2016 – SSI International Kiki-sakeshi (Sake Sommelier)
  • 2015 – Certified Tea Sensory Evaluator

Current Position

  • Second-Generation Tea Master, Sanbaotea

Work Experience

  • 2016–Present – Tea Master, Sanbaotea
  • 2007–2015 – Head Chef & Sommelier, Xiongmei Noodles and Coffee
  • 2004–2006 – Marketing Manager, Fujiiryoki Canada