The Ageing Experience: Molds, Environments and the Affineur’s Craft, with Mons Formation
Join us for an immersive day of learning on the art and science of affinage, held the day before Affineur of the Year 2026. This is the third of four expert-led masterclasses, hosted by Laurent Mons and Emma Young.
Additional information
| Date: | 15th June 2026 |
|---|---|
| Time: | 1.30pm – 3.00pm |
| Location | London, UK |
£20.00 + VAT
In stock
An Affineur of the Year 2026 Education Day Masterclass
This is the third of four masterclasses taking place across the day. Choose individual masterclasses or unlock the full experience with the discounted bundle. Details of all the masterclasses can be found back on our Events page.
The Aging Experience: Molds, Environments, and the Affineur’s Craft
Led by Laurent Mons and Emma Young
An in-depth technical exploration of professional affinage practice, combining scientific understanding with practical cellar management and sensory goals.
Rooted in the world-renowned Mons Formation training programme – operating since 2001 from the heart of the Mons Fromager-Affineur caves in Saint-Haon-le-Châtel, France – this session covers the science and management of cheese aging at a professional level.
Accompanied by tastings of cheeses provided by Mons, the session covers the complete life cycle of molds, how aging environments are designed and managed, and the sensory objectives that guide an affineur’s daily decision-making identity.
Session Themes
- Life cycle of molds and the key parameters that govern their development
- Designing and managing aging environments for optimal results
- Humidity, airflow, and microbial balance
- Organising the daily work of an affinage team
- Sensory objectives of maturation – with a guided tasting of Mons cheeses
4 for the price of 3 – Save with the Full Educational Day Bundle
Secure your place at all four masterclasses for the price of just three. The complete day takes you from the microbiology of bloomy rinds to the caves of France, New York, and beyond: an unmatched education in the craft of affinage.
| Essential Details | |
|---|---|
| Date: | Monday 15th June 2026 |
| Time: | 1.30pm – 3.00pm |
| Location: | French Protestant Church of London 8-9 Soho Square London W1D 3QD Link to Google Maps |
| Price: | £20 plus VAT |
Getting to the venue
The French Protestant Church of London is centrally located just a few minutes walk from Tottenham Court Road Underground Station, which is conveniently served by the Central, Northern and Elizabeth Lines. Alternatively, it is approximately 10 minutes walk from Oxford Circus Underground (Victoria Line) and served by the buses of Oxford Street, Charing Cross Road and Tottenham Court Road.
Your Hosts
Laurent Mons
Laurent Mons, the second son of the Mons family, master cheesemaker and educator, has been immersed in cheese culture for more than thirty years.
Guided by his motto, “learning to understand,” he has shared his expertise with trainees from around the world since 1995. His passion for education led to the creation of MonS Formation, a training centre uniquely located within the Mons Caves, where theory and practice come together seamlessly.
Emma Young
Emma Young is a Cheese Specialist, Consultant & Author from London in the UK. She has worked in the Cheese industry since 2009 in retail, wholesale, cheesemaking, judging and now as a teacher and consultant to the cheese industry.
She is an International cheese judge & certified cheese professional (CCP) and she teaches cheese courses for the Academy of Cheese, MonS Formation and the Guild of Fine Food.
Cancellation Policy
All bookings are non-refundable. Tickets are transferable. Prices shown exclude VAT. Speakers are subject to alteration. The Academy of Cheese reserves the right to amend the programme in exceptional circumstances. Tickets to Affineur of the Year 2026 on 16th June are available to purchase separately, here.
