California's Artisan Cheese Festival

The 7th Annual California's Artisan Cheese Festival was last weekend at the Sheraton Sonoma County in Petaluma. It was a 3-day event with Behind-the-Scenes Cheese Country Farm Tours & Lunches on Friday; Seminars, Cheesemaking Classes, Cooking and Pairing Demonstrations on Saturday and the Artisan Cheese Tasting and Marketplace on Sunday. We went to the Cheese Tasting and Marketplace on Sunday from noon to 4 pm for a $45 entry fee.

The event was under 2 tents in the parking lot of the Sheraton Sonoma County. There were 77 artisan producers of local cheese, wine, beer and other specialty foods. There were tons of samples and opportunity to purchase. For the price of admission, you got an insulated cheese bag and a wine glass.

It was a very crowded event but by 3:30 pm, there was hardly anyone there.

 

One of my favorite producers. I loved their goat cheese with truffle.

 



 

Point Reyes--they made a very smooth Toma cheese that melts easily.

There were 3 cooking demonstrations: 1:00, 2:00 & 3:00. Sign up at the Information booth because seating was limited. When we showed up, they were not checking the list and anyone could enter. We watched the 2:00 demonstration on Parisian Quiche then stayed for the 3:00 demonstration on Dungeness Crab Mac & Cheese.

 





 We got a sample of the demonstration. This was loaded with crab and so creamy. The pasta was not overcooked. Delicious!

 

 

 

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