Private Barista Workshop at Home
Understand Your Espresso Machine
🇬🇧 This workshop is also available in Dutch
You don't need more tutorials
You need to understand what your espresso machine is actually doing.
If you already know the basics but still struggle with inconsistency — sour shots, bitter espresso, unpredictable milk texture — you're not alone. Most home baristas don't fail because of bad equipment or lack of effort, but because they never get clear feedback on why things go wrong.
This private barista workshop at home is designed to give you exactly that understanding — on your own semi-automatic espresso machine, in your own kitchen, with personal guidance.
Available in English and Dutch
Why understanding matters
Semi-automatic espresso machines give you control — but only if you understand the relationship between variables.
Most problems come from combinations , not single mistakes:
- Using coffee beans that don't match your taste or machine
- Changing gravel size, dose and yield without a clear reference
- Not knowing standard espresso and milk ratios
- Adjusting multiple parameters at the same time
- No feedback on whether you're improving or guessing
Blogs and videos explain parts of the process.
This workshop connects them — and shows you cause and effect in real time.
What this private workshop helps you achieve
After this training, you should be able to say:
“I feel confident using my espresso machine on my own.”
That confidence comes from understanding:
- what influences taste
- which adjustment to make first
- how to repeat good results
- how to correct mistakes calmly instead of guessing
What you'll learn
1. Understanding the fundamentals (theory)
- How espresso extraction actually works
- How grind size, dose, yield and time relate to taste
- Why beans matter — origin, roast level and freshness explained
- How espresso and milk ratios define drinks like cappuccino and latte
- Why consistency matters more than chasing “perfect” numbers
2. Applying everything on your machine (practice)
- Dialing in espresso step by step — without changing everything at once
- Learning how to recognize under- and over-extraction
- Building a repeatable workflow for daily use
- Steaming milk with control (no large bubbles, better texture)
- Understanding your machine's limits and strengths
- Cleaning and basic maintenance to keep results stable
All practice is done on your own semi-automatic espresso machine
(no fully automatic machines).
Who this workshop is for
This training is ideal if:
- You own a semi-automatic espresso machine like Sage, ECM, La Marzocco or other brand
- You don't know the basics, or lack consistency and confidence
- You want to understand why adjustments change taste
- You're tired of conflicting advice online
- You want better coffee at home — without overcomplicating it
This workshop is not about:
- becoming a competitive barista
- memorizing recipes without understanding
- selling specific brands or equipment
Why the workshop takes place at your home
- You learn on your own machine, grinder and beans
- Advice is directly relevant to your setup
- No transfer errors from training environments
- Immediate feedback in a familiar setting
- No travel — focused, calm learning
Personal guidance
The workshop is led by Geertjandebaristaman , an experienced barista and trainer who adapts every session to:
- your questions
- your machine
- your taste preferences
- your level of experience
No fixed script. No rushed explanations.
Your kitchen becomes your learning space.
Practical details
- Duration: choose between approx. 1 or 2 hours (adjusted to your needs)
- Language: English or Dutch
- Location: at your home in the Netherlands
- Participants: individual or small groups (friends/family possible)
- Machines: semi-automatic espresso machines only
Indicative Pricing – Private Workshop at Home
Private barista workshop at home from €78 (incl. VAT)
✔️ Training starting from 1 hour, fully tailored to your own espresso machine
✔️ Includes the use of specialty coffee beans
✔️ Suitable for 1–5 participants (more on request)
✔️ Travel costs: €0.23 per km from Utrecht (round trip)
Would you like an exact price based on your location and preferences?
Send me a message — I usually respond the same day.
Let customers speak for us
from 140 reviewsZoveel geleerd tijdens de workshop bij een vriendin. Nooit geweten dat je je machine met de 16 en 60 regel moet instellen! Ook dat bonen zoveel verschillen. Ook de branddatum dat die zo belangrijk is voor de smaak!
Fantastische workshop gehad. Heel goede uitleg, kundig en gebracht met humor. Nu weet ik pas wat ik uit mijn machine kan halen. Een aanrader voor iedereen die inzicht wil hebben in de bereiding van goede koffie!!
Ik ben hartstikke blij en tevreden met de privé workshop die ik van Geert-Jan heb mogen ontvangen. Mijn skills en kennis over espresso, het maken van een lekkere kop cappuccino en vooral hoe mijn Delonghi espresso apparaat effectief te gebruiken, zijn binnen twee uur aanzienlijk verbeterd.
Dankjewel Geert-Jan voor jouw deskundige en warme, geduldige en plezierige reis door Baristaland! Ik heb er geen moment spijt van gehad dat de keus voor jou heb gemaakt! You're the best!!
Geweldige workshop gehad van Geert Jan. Hij heeft ons alles heel fijn uitgelegd en nam daarvoor ook alle tijd. Wij hebben er zeker veel van opgestoken. Een echt aanrader. Nogmaals hartelijk bedankt voor de goede uitleg. TOP!!
Met het volgen van de workshop van Geert-Jan is een lang gekoesterde wens in vervulling gegaan. Geert-Jan geeft op een zeer enthousiaste wijze uitleg over het gehele proces van koffieplant tot het maken van een heerlijke espresso, cappuccino, ….. Zijn enthousiasme is aanstekelijk en naarmate we de workshop doorlopen worden mijn zoon en ik steeds enthousiaster.
Geert-Jan, ontzettend bedankt voor het delen en overbrengen van jouw kennis waardoor wij nu in staat zijn onze espressomachine goed te kunnen gebruiken. Grazie mille, Simon & Hans
De workshop was heel waardevol; Geert-Jan legt alles met veel enthousiasme en geduld uit.
Ik ben nu al super trots op de espresso en barista/ latte art skills die ik in 1 ochtend heb geleerd.
English below
--------------------------- Nederlands --------------------------------------------
Ik kreeg deze latte-artcursus als cadeau. Na maanden zelf oefenen had ik wel vooruitgang geboekt, maar ik miste nog steeds consistentie en een paar belangrijke basisprincipes.
GeertJan was enorm vriendelijk en deskundig. Hij keek eerst naar mijn melk-steamingtechniek en gaf meteen een gouden tip: lucht toevoegen terwijl de melk nog koud is, en daarna de stoomlans dieper plaatsen om op te warmen. Daardoor verdwijnen de grote bellen wél wanneer je de kan op het aanrecht tikt.
Daarna bekeken we mijn schenktechniek, waar ik veel meer te leren had. We begonnen met een simpele hartvorm en bouwden daarop verder. Tijdens de les maakte ik veel cappuccino’s, waardoor de principes eindelijk duidelijk voor me werden. De sessie was ontzettend leerzaam én gezellig — veel gelachen en fijn contact.
Ik moest wel een paar oude gewoontes afleren, en dat kost tijd. Maar na een paar maanden oefenen (alleen ’s ochtends, dus geen honderden per dag!) zijn de resultaten veel consistenter, zowel met soja- als havermelk. Ik maak nu niet alleen mooie harten, maar ook bloemen en meerlaagse vormen. Zodra de basis weer klopte, ging de vooruitgang veel sneller.
Kortom: deze cursus is een uitstekende investering om je fundament te verbeteren en je latte-artskills snel naar een hoger niveau te tillen. Aanrader!
-------------------- Engels ------------------------------------------------------------
I received this latte art course as a gift, after months of trying to improve the art in our morning coffees and chai lattes. I’d made some progress on my own, but I was still inconsistent and felt I was missing some core principles.
GeertJan was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. After I explained my situation, he first checked my milk-steaming technique — which, thanks to practice, was already decent — but he immediately gave me one invaluable tip: start introducing air while the milk is still cold, then lower the steam wand to finish heating. This simple correction makes a huge difference; if you add air once the milk is warmer than body temperature, the bubbles are tougher and won’t pop when you knock the jug.
After that, we focused on my pouring technique, where I had a lot more room to grow. We started with a basic heart and then moved on. I made a lot of coffees during the lesson, and the principles finally “clicked” in my mind. The session was incredibly helpful and gave me a framework to evaluate my results and know exactly how to adjust. On top of that, I had a lovely chat with GeertJan — lots of laughs and a great atmosphere.
One thing worth mentioning: I had to unlearn some old habits. Like when Tiger Woods rebuilt his golf swing, it takes time to replace ingrained patterns — especially when you’re only practicing once a day at home. It took me a couple of months to fully adjust, but the results are absolutely worth it. My latte art is now much more consistent with both soy and oat milk, and I’ve moved beyond simple hearts to flowers, layered designs, and more. Once the basics were properly reset, progress became much faster.
Overall, this course is an excellent investment if you want to refine your fundamental techniques and accelerate your latte art skills. I highly recommend it.
De siroop smaakt heerlijk, ik gebruik hem bij het maken van matcha :)
Veel geleerd over onze eigen koffiemachine in korte tijd, door veel zelf uit te proberen en te kijken waar aanpassingen nodig zijn. Uiteindelijk kwam er zowaar een lekkere koffie uit! Dank voor de leuke workshop!
Super leuke workshop, leerzaam en waardevolle tips gekregen. Wij kunnen thuis aan de slag!
Heel inhoudelijke workhop met een late-art praktijkelement. Super!!
Rustige uitleg, aanstekelijke feitjes en goede vakkennis bij ingebrachte vragen! Top!
Geweldige en gezellige Barista workshop gehad aan huis. Geert-Jan legt alles heel goed en duidelijk uit, waardoor je na 2 uurtjes alle kennis hebt om je eigen Barista koffies te maken. Ook heel leuk om cadeau te geven aan een koffie liefhebber. Kortom, super goede investering wat mij betreft!
interessante workshop, nuttige informatie en gelijk in de praktijk kunnen toepassen!
It was a great class! Every step of the coffee-making process (from choosing the beans to creating latte art) was explained in detail. We then practiced both espresso making and latte art. The instructor was extremely helpful and informative at every stage. I’m definitely going home with lots of useful knowledge, and I’d highly recommend it!
Private Barista Workshop at Home
FAQ
Do I need prior experience?
No. The workshop is adapted to your level — from basic familiarity to deeper understanding.
Is this workshop suitable if I've just bought an espresso machine?
Yes, absolutely. Especially if you're just getting started, a workshop is very valuable. You'll learn how to use your espresso machine properly from the beginning, so you get better results faster and make coffee with more confidence.
That said, the training is just as valuable if you've owned an espresso machine for a while. I regularly meet coffee lovers who have been making coffee for years, yet still discover there's much more potential in their machine. With a few practical adjustments and clear explanations, their coffee suddenly tastes really good again.
Is the workshop tailored to my level and equipment?
Yes, always. Whether you're just starting out or have been making espresso for years, the workshop is adapted to what you need. We work with your own espresso machine and grinder, at your pace.
There is no standard script — only guidance and explanations that match your experience, your questions, and your personal coffee goals.
Do we use my own coffee beans?
Yes. We work with your beans and discuss which profiles suit your taste and machine. Next to that, Geertjandebaristaman also brings along fresh beans to work with.
Can I also learn how to steam milk and make basic latte art?
Absolutely. During the workshop, you'll learn how to steam milk with the right temperature and texture — without large bubbles, just as needed for cappuccinos and latte art.
If this is something you're interested in, we'll also practice pouring and you'll receive clear tips to help you create your first heart or rosetta.
How long does the workshop at home last?
You can choose between 1 and 2 hours. This gives us enough time to focus on your main area of interest or the sum of all workshop components — whether that's dialing in espresso, adjusting your grinder, steaming milk, or another specific topic — without it becoming overwhelming.
Of course, the pace and structure are adapted to your experience and interests. It's your session, and we make the most of it.
Is the workshop intended for one person, or can I join together with someone else?
You can follow the workshop either on your own or together with someone else. Whether you prefer a one-on-one session or want to join with a partner, colleague, or friend, I make sure everyone is actively involved and learns at their own level.
When booking, just let me know how many people will participate, and I'll adjust the setup and the quote accordingly.
Private Barista Workshop at Home – Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
Understand Your Espresso Machine — Private Barista Training at Home
You don't need more tutorials.
You need to understand what your espresso machine is actually doing.
If you already know the basics but still struggle with inconsistency — sour shots, bitter espresso, unpredictable milk texture — you're not alone. Most home baristas don't fail because of bad equipment or lack of effort, but because they never get clear feedback on why things go wrong.
This private barista workshop at home is designed to give you exactly that understanding — on your own semi-automatic espresso machine, in your own kitchen, with personal guidance.
Available in English and Dutch.
Why understanding matters
Semi-automatic espresso machines give you control — but only if you understand the relationship between variables.
Most problems come from combinations , not single mistakes:
- Using coffee beans that don't match your taste or machine
- Changing gravel size, dose and yield without a clear reference
- Not knowing standard espresso and milk ratios
- Adjusting multiple parameters at the same time
- No feedback on whether you're improving or guessing
Blogs and videos explain parts of the process.
This workshop connects them — and shows you cause and effect in real time.
What this private workshop helps you achieve
After this training, you should be able to say:
“I feel confident using my espresso machine on my own.”
That confidence comes from understanding:
- what influences taste
- which adjustment to make first
- how to repeat good results
- how to correct mistakes calmly instead of guessing
What you'll learn
1. Understanding the fundamentals (theory)
- How espresso extraction actually works
- How grind size, dose, yield and time relate to taste
- Why beans matter — origin, roast level and freshness explained
- How espresso and milk ratios define drinks like cappuccino and latte
- Why consistency matters more than chasing “perfect” numbers
2. Applying everything on your machine (practice)
- Dialing in espresso step by step — without changing everything at once
- Learning how to recognize under- and over-extraction
- Building a repeatable workflow for daily use
- Steaming milk with control (no large bubbles, better texture)
- Understanding your machine's limits and strengths
- Cleaning and basic maintenance to keep results stable
All practice is done on your own semi-automatic espresso machine
(no fully automatic machines).
Who this workshop is for
This training is ideal if:
- You own (or plan to buy) a semi-automatic espresso machine
- You know the basics, but lack consistency and confidence
- You want to understand why adjustments change taste
- You're tired of conflicting advice online
- You want better coffee at home — without overcomplicating it
This workshop is not about:
- becoming a competitive barista
- memorizing recipes without understanding
- selling specific brands or equipment
Why the workshop takes place at your home
- You learn on your own machine, grinder and beans
- Advice is directly relevant to your setup
- No transfer errors from training environments
- Immediate feedback in a familiar setting
- No travel — focused, calm learning
Personal guidance
The workshop is led by an experienced barista and trainer who adapts every session to:
- your questions
- your machine
- your taste preferences
- your level of experience
No fixed script. No rushed explanations.
Your kitchen becomes your learning space.
Practical details
- Duration: approx. 2 hours (adjusted to your needs)
- Language: English or Dutch
- Location: at your home
- Participants: individual or small groups (friends/family possible)
- Machines: semi-automatic espresso machines only
For pricing and availability, request a personalized offer.
FAQ
Do I need prior experience?
No. The workshop is adapted to your level — from basic familiarity to deeper understanding.
Do we use my own coffee beans?
Yes. We work with your beans and discuss which profiles suit your taste and machine.
Will this work for my espresso machine?
Yes, as long as it's a semi-automatic espresso machine (no fully automatic machines).
Can multiple people join?
Yes. The content and pricing can be adjusted for small groups.
Book your private barista workshop at home
Stop guessing.
Start understanding your espresso machine — and enjoy making coffee with confidence.
→ Request availability & pricing