If you are searching for coffee classes in San Diego or looking to improve your barista skills, the San Diego Coffee Training Institute (SDCTI) is quickly becoming a standout option. Located inside Talitha Coffee on Morena Blvd, SDCTI combines professional equipment with approachable instruction, making it a strong choice for both beginners and experienced coffee enthusiasts.
I recently attended one of their hands-on training sessions and wanted to share a full breakdown, including coffee cupping, pour-over techniques, and espresso training.
The San Diego Coffee Training Institute is a newer coffee education program connected to Talitha Coffee. Beyond coffee, Talitha is known for its mission-driven approach, actively supporting efforts to combat human trafficking and make a positive social impact.
The training space is located directly behind the cafe and is equipped with multiple espresso machines, grinders, and pour-over stations. It is a compact but highly functional environment that feels like a true playground for anyone interested in working with high-end coffee equipment.
SDCTI offers a variety of specialty coffee classes in San Diego, including:
The biggest advantage of this setup is the ability to learn on commercial-grade equipment, which is something most home baristas rarely get access to.
The session began with a Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) cupping protocol, using two different Talitha roasts. This was my first time participating in a formal cupping, and it was one of the most valuable parts of the class.
We spent about 30 minutes evaluating fragrance and aroma, flavor profile, acidity and body, and mouthfeel and finish.
One of the biggest takeaways was learning that you do not need to identify extremely specific tasting notes right away. Using broader categories from the SCA flavor wheel is completely valid. This approach makes specialty coffee much more approachable and removes a lot of the pressure that newer coffee drinkers often feel.
Next, we moved into a pour-over lesson using a ceramic Kalita Wave dripper, chosen for its consistency and ability to produce a balanced, sweet cup.
We focused on proper pouring height and control, a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio, and a simplified two-pour technique. Getting real-time feedback from an experienced instructor made a noticeable difference. Seeing proper technique in person helped clarify small details that are difficult to fully understand through online videos.
The final portion of the class focused on espresso workflow and milk steaming. This was a great opportunity to work with high-end commercial machines and directly compare them to home setups.
Using equipment similar to a Sanremo machine made it clear how much more powerful and consistent commercial machines are, especially when it comes to steam pressure and overall performance. This hands-on experience is extremely valuable for anyone looking to level up their home espresso game.
This experience is a great fit for:
If you are looking for coffee training in San Diego, the San Diego Coffee Training Institute offers a well-rounded and highly practical experience. The instructors are knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely invested in helping you improve.
The combination of hands-on learning, professional equipment, and structured instruction makes this one of the best options for coffee education in the area. If you are exploring more coffee spots and roasters across the city, you can browse the full San Diego coffee map at sandiegocoffee.co. For course details or to book a session, reach out to SDCTI directly through their Instagram.