The Festival of Cheese is the biggest and most comprehensive event of its kind, boasting some 1,400 artisan, farmstead, and specialty cheeses and cultured dairy products from Canada, U.S.A., and Mexico available for attendees to sample.
The Festival of Cheese is the culmination of the American Cheese Society’s Annual Conference & Competition, and has taken place annually in different cities since 1985. Back then, 30 cheesemakers entered 89 cheeses in 7 categories into the ACS Competition. Amazing growth in artisan cheese production and consumer interest in farm-to-table products has fueled the growth of the Competition to include 1,676 cheeses in 2011.
Open to the general public, the Festival of Cheese features all of the cheeses entered in the 2011 Competition, highlighting winners and recognizing their mastery of cheesemaking in 99 carefully defined categories.
In addition to an amazing array of cheeses, the Festival of Cheese features artisan producers and local purveyors of cheese accompaniments from crackers, breads, nuts, and dried fruits to condiments, charcuterie, and honeys. And, of course, beer and wine producers share their libations which guests can sample in their commemorative take-away wine glass.
The 2011 Festival of Cheese took place on Saturday, August 6 at the Palais des congrès in Montréal. Thanks to everyone who attended the event!
Photo: Uriah Carpenter