Schedule of Events

Friday, March 22	Various Locations
9:00 am – 3:00 pm	Farm Tours + Lunch One of the most popular and coveted of events, the intimate Farm Tours are held at various local farms and creameries, giving visitors a glimpse into the important role of the farmer and where cheese gets its start. Guests can taste the differences between cow, sheep and goat milk cheeses, tour area farms, watch cheese being made and learn about how an animal’s diet affects the flavor. Lunch and bus ride (provided by Pure Luxury Transportation) to and from the Sheraton are included.
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm	Meet the Cheesemakers and Their Cheeses This year, we are giving you the opportunity to warm up your taste buds for the weekend’s events and go elbow to elbow with our rock star cheesemakers. Join cheesemakers and farmers at this intimate and informal experience where you can meet the cheesemaker masterminds themselves and fulfill those cheesy cravings by sampling their latest and greatest. Artisan wines and beers will also be available for sampling.

Saturday, March 23	Sheraton Sonoma County – Petaluma
9:30am – 11:30 am	Seminars, Cooking and Pairing Demos Join local industry experts, chefs and cheesemakers for a variety of interactive seminars and demos throughout the day at the Sheraton Sonoma County – Petaluma. Seminars include lunch catered by Petaluma Market.
12 noon – 1 pm	Lunch for attendees
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm	Seminars, Cooking and Pairing Demos Join local industry experts, chefs and cheesemakers for a variety of interactive seminars and demos throughout the day at the Sheraton Sonoma County – Petaluma. Seminars include lunch catered by Petaluma Market.
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm	Grand Cheese Tasting This popular roaming feast showcases top local Bay Area chefs using artisan cheeses in a variety of dishes from sweet to savory. More than 20 top restaurants, caterers, wineries and breweries and will vie for your affection to will cast your vote for them at this lighthearted competition of all things cheese. From soufflés to sandwiches, guests can expect to experience artisan cheese in ways they’ve never had before at this gastronomic showdown.

Sunday, March 24	Sheraton Sonoma County – Petaluma
9:30 am -12 noon	Cooking Demo and Sparkling Wine Brunch What a perfect start to a Sunday morning – a glass of bubbly and an artisan cheese inspired sit down brunch prepared before your eyes by Chef Mark Stark who takes his passion for great food and serves it up in fun and exciting dishes. Let Chef Stark of Stark Reality Restaurants entertain you as he takes you on a cooking adventure showcasing some of his favorite artisan cheeses and how to best include them in a recipe for success. As a special bonus, brunch guests gain VIP access to the Artisan Cheese Tasting & Marketplace an hour before it opens to the public.
12 noon – 4:00 pm	Artisan Cheese Tasting and Marketplace Join us under the big top for an afternoon like no other! Meet over 70 artisan producers and experience the best of local cheese, wine, beer and other specialty foods. . Discover the next wave of interesting cheese accompaniments, cheesemaking products and books. Pick up new recipes, tips and tricks at chef demos scheduled throughout the day. Your ticket includes admission, access to chef demos and author book signings, the coveted Artisan Cheese Festival insulated cheese tote bag and a festival wine glass.