The Art of French PDO Maturation with L’école du Fromage by Savencia
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 second of four expert-led masterclasses, hosted by Noémie Richard-Stein from L’école du Fromage.
Additional information
| Date: | 15th June 2026 |
|---|---|
| Time: | 11.30pm – 12.30pm |
| Location | London, UK |
£20.00 + VAT
In stock
An Affineur of the Year 2026 Education Day Masterclass
This is the second 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 Art of French PDO Maturation
Led by Noémie Richard-Stein
From the natural caves of Roquefort to the washed rinds of Époisses and the evolving character of Crottin, this session uncovers the science behind France’s most celebrated affinage traditions.
An immersive tasting and deep-dive into three of France’s most iconic PDO cheeses — Roquefort, Époisses, and Crottin. Through these distinct examples, Noémie Richard-Stein reveals how terroir, microbial ecosystems, and traditional maturation techniques shape each cheese’s texture, aroma, and identity.
Session Themes
- Guided tasting of three benchmark PDO cheeses
- How terroir influences milk, microbes, and maturation
- The role of native cave environments in Roquefort aging
- Washed-rind development and aroma formation in Époisses
- Texture evolution and aging stages of Crottin
- The intersection of tradition, regulation, and sensory identity
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: | 11.30pm – 12.30pm |
| 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 Host
Noémie Richard-Stein
Noémie is “Maître Fromager” (Cheese Master) of the Guilde International de Fromagerie and a leading international figure in the industry. She comes from the French Alpes, a region known for its cheese traditions. In 2013, Noémie created L’école du Fromage (cheese school) and today continues in her mission to spread cheese education across Europe, in her role as Head of Cheese Education and Product Development’ for the French cheese company Savencia UK. She is also part of the training team of the Academy of Cheese and a judge in many international competitions, including the World Cheese Awards, Mondial du fromage and the British Cheese Awards.
Cancellation Policy
All bookings are non-refundable. Tickets are transferable. Prices shown exclude VAT. Speakers and times 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.
