Learn the real foundations of great espresso. In 90 to 120 minutes you'll go from curious to confident, covering everything from machine and grinder basics through to milk texturing, café-style pouring, and keeping your equipment in top shape. No experience needed.
Espresso Foundations Learn how to dose, tamp, and extract espresso correctly, plus the grinder and machine knowledge to understand why each step matters.
Milk Texturing and Café Drinks Master the technique behind silky microfoam and learn how to pour the classic café coffee menu with consistency.
Machine Care and Maintenance Walk away knowing how to keep your machine clean and well maintained, so your coffee stays at its best every single day.
Small Group, Personalised Guidance Sessions are capped at 4 participants so every person gets hands-on time with the equipment and direct attention from the trainer.
Everything Provided All equipment, coffee, and materials are supplied. Just show up ready to learn. Held at the Merlo Training Centre, 104 McLachlan St, Fortitude Valley.
The Coffee Foundations class is where great home baristas are made. Designed for complete beginners and casual coffee drinkers alike, this 90 to 120 minute session at the Merlo Training Centre in Fortitude Valley gives you the hands-on knowledge to make espresso you're genuinely proud of. You'll work with real equipment, pull real shots, and leave with skills you can use the very next morning.
This class covers the full espresso workflow from start to finish. By the end of the session you'll understand how your machine and grinder work together, how to dose and tamp with consistency, and how to read your extraction so you know when it's right and when it needs adjusting.
Espresso extraction: Understand the relationship between dose, tamp, grind, and extraction time, and learn how to make adjustments that actually improve your cup.
Milk texturing: Learn the technique behind smooth, silky microfoam and how to pour the classic café drinks including flat whites, lattes, and cappuccinos.
Machine maintenance: Learn how to clean and care for your machine properly so it performs at its best and lasts for years.
The Coffee Foundations class has no prerequisite. It's built for people who love coffee but haven't had any formal training, whether you've just bought your first home machine or you've been fumbling through the process for years and want to finally get it right. If you're considering the Barista Masterclass, this is the recommended starting point.
| Duration | 90 to 120 minutes (depending on group size) |
| Cost | $150 per person |
| Group Size | 1 to 4 participants |
| Prerequisite | None. Suitable for complete beginners. |
| Location | Merlo Coffee Training Centre, 104 McLachlan St, Fortitude Valley QLD |
| What to Bring | Nothing. All equipment, coffee, and materials are provided. |
| Parking | Street parking nearby and Secure Parking facilities in the area. Allow extra time. |
Liability
By purchasing any Merlo Coffee Class training sessions, you agree to take full responsibility for any damages, injuries, or physical and/or personal property issues that may occur while participating in classes and/or events.
