Studying coffee at A Day at La Marzocco Accademia: Learning at the Birthplace of Modern Espresso

When most people think of Florence, Italy, they picture incredible art, architecture, and food. We came for something a little different: espresso.

We were invited to spend the day at the La Marzocco Accademia, the educational center of one of the most respected names in coffee, and decided to turn it into a trip! Much like Gibson guitars, Leica cameras, or maybe even Harley-Davidson, the name represents craftsmanship, innovation, and a legacy that professionals around the world aspire to work with. Having the opportunity to learn directly from their team is something few coffee professionals get to experience.

The day began with a challenge: dialing in an espresso we'd never worked with before. Without a recipe or familiar settings, we had to rely on our understanding of extraction, adjusting the grinder and recipe until the coffee truly came alive. It was a great reminder that making exceptional espresso is equal parts science, experience, and intuition.

After a fantastic lunch prepared by La Marzocco's on-site chef, we explored another side of coffee through a guided tasting. We sampled a tea made from the coffee flower, an infusion brewed from the coffee leaves, and finally, coffee from the roasted beans themselves. Experiencing all three side by side gave us a whole new appreciation for the coffee plant beyond what's in the cup each morning.

The day concluded with an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to La Marzocco's Custom Shop, where standard machines are transformed into one-of-a-kind creations. Seeing the craftsmanship that goes into these custom builds was every bit as inspiring as the espresso itself.

At Catfight Coffee, we believe there's always more to learn. Opportunities like this don't just make us better coffee professionals—they allow us to bring new ideas, techniques, and a deeper appreciation for coffee back home to New Jersey.

We're incredibly grateful to everyone at La Marzocco Accademia for their hospitality and for giving us a rare glimpse into nearly 100 years of espresso history and innovation.