Learn to Taste Coffee Like a Roaster
Join us for a weekend cupping class at Rivergate Coffee Roasters in Modesto. Taste small-batch single-origins side by side, guided by our roaster through the same structured method we use to evaluate every bean we roast.
What Is Coffee Cupping?
Cupping is the professional tasting method roasters use to evaluate coffee quality, aroma, body, and flavor. It's how we decide which origins make the cut for Rivergate's rotating menu. Now you can learn the same technique — and taste the difference between coffees in a way that sticks with you.
What Happens in a Session
The Format
Each session runs 60–75 minutes. You'll taste 4–5 different single-origin coffees, side by side. Our roaster walks you through it step by step — no coffee knowledge required.
What You'll Learn
We start with aroma, move into the slurp (yes, really — it aerates the coffee and opens up the flavors), and then identify what you're tasting. Fruit? Floral notes? Nutty, chocolatey, bright? You'll be surprised what you can detect once you know where to listen.
Who Should Come
Total Beginners
Never thought much about coffee beyond "I like it dark"? This is exactly for you. No jargon, no gatekeeping — just honest tasting and curiosity.
Home Brewing Fans
You grind your own, you experiment with water temperature, you care about what you pour into your cup. Cupping sharpens your palate and helps you get more out of the beans you're already buying.
Weekend Explorer
Looking for something real to do in Modesto? Good food and drink, hands-on learning, and a small-batch vibe? We've got you.
Reserve Your Spot
We keep each session small — usually 8–12 people — so everyone gets real attention and plenty of time with the roaster. Space fills up, especially on Sundays.
How to Book
Call us: Stop by the cafe counter or call ahead to reserve your seat. We're open most days and love talking about cupping — just ask when the next session is.
Spots are limited. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially if you're bringing a group. We do take walk-ins if space allows, but don't count on it on weekends.
When We Cup
Saturdays and Sundays. Times vary by week, so ask when you book. Each session is around 60–75 minutes, so plan your weekend around it.
What to bring: Just yourself and your curiosity. We provide the coffee, the cups, and the guidance.