7 Irresistible Reasons to Attend Affineur of the Year — The Ultimate Cheese Tasting Event

The cheese event you don’t want to miss

Whether you’re a cheesemonger, cheesemaker, curious enthusiast or industry commentator, Affineur of the Year is the one event you won’t want to miss. Far more than your regular cheese competition, this annual celebration is a rare convergence of craftsmanship, collaboration and community -bringing together the industry’s top cheesemakers, affineurs, judges, and enthusiasts under one deliciously aromatic roof.

Whether you’re looking to taste exceptional cheeses, chat with the makers, or dive deep into the skill behind cheese maturation, this event offers an experience like no other.

Cheese Events Calendar

So, why should Affineur of the Year be at the top of your cheese events calendar? For starters, it’s the only competition where guests can taste the cheeses in contention and engage with their creators in person. From casting your own vote in the People’s Choice award to hearing expert insights from world-class judges, the event invites you behind the scenes of the affinage process in a uniquely interactive way.

Add in exclusive masterclasses, unmatched networking opportunities, and a celebratory atmosphere that rivals any TV awards show (swapping the gowns for aprons, of course), and you’ve got seven compelling reasons to be there. Let’s dive in.

1. Soak Up the Excitement

Hosted by the Academy of Cheese, Affineur of the Year not only celebrates the art of affinage, it tests the craftsmanship and innovation of each of the competitors. Attending this prestigious event offers the chance to witness top cheese professionals showcase their mastery in refining cheeses to their finest form. This is your opportunity to meet your cheese icons and be present as the drama of the competition unfolds.

Watch as the competitors cut into their cheeses – a nerve-wracking moment: for some what the last 10 months tweaking and care rests on.  Will there be blue? Will there be enough blue? Will the paste have cracked? Will it be dry? Will it ooze? Does that initial heady aroma of a freshly cut cheddar fill the nostrils?

2. Taste Lots of Cheese

The only cheese competition that allows guests to taste the competition cheeses and talk to their creators – all in the same room, in the same afternoon!  And with 46 cheeses in total, that’s a whole lot of tasting!

Seen enough? Book your tickets here.

3. Be a Cheese Judge

Our People’s Choice award that recognises the popular vote – and one that cheesemakers are often so keen to win!  Work your way around the room, talk to the makers and affineurs, taste the cheeses and compare them to the original “control” cheese.  And then score each cheese – which will come out top? And, dare we venture, do you think it’s better than the original? 

4. Learn about Affinage

Talk directly with the makers and competitors: learn about the different techniques they’ve used to refine the same cheese, and analyse the scientific impact of those variations. From aging conditions and humidity, temperature control to microbial cultures and technical records of pH and moisture levels -every decision has an impact. Each competitor will submit a detailed statement of intent, accompanied by their full technical documentation, ensuring full transparency and the opportunity for comparative analysis. Alongside the main competition, attendees can participate in expert-led masterclasses exploring the science, craft, and technique behind artisan cheesemaking.

The Awards are a positive energy in a time of standardisation, they are the yang to the ying that we all need. A showcase of how real and individual cheese is.   

Sarah Furno, Cashel Blue

5. Listen to the Experts

Our panel of judges has been selected with care and purpose; each recognised for their expertise and experience within cheese maturation.  Late in the afternoon, the whole room gathers for the Judges’ Review.  This is their time to feedback their observations to the competitors and audience before announcing each category winner.

Amazing to get a behind the scenes look at the judges doing their thing

Jeanette Young, aka @Cheesemonger_Jeanette

6. Networking Opportunities

This is your opportunity to mingle with cheese industry leaders and influencers; meet the cheesemakers from Fen Farm Dairy, Cropwell Bishop, Quickes, White Lake Cheese and The Trethowan Brothers, as well as influential cheese distributors, including Paxton & Whitfield, The Fine Cheese Co., Brindisa, Harvey & Brockless, Neal’s Yard Dairy, Curd & Cure and The Courtyard Dairy.

The room was buzzing and it’s great to have a reason to chat about nothing but cheese, and this is the event for that, when lots of the Big Cheese’s in the industry are all gathered together, it’s like the BAFTA’s of Cheese, without the frocks. 

Victoria Dunthorne, Vicky’s Cheese

7. Celebrate with the Winners

And after the awards are presented, it’s time to celebrate.  Celebrate the wonderful cheesemakers and their cheeses, the innovation and collaboration this wonderful industry is renowned for.

The event not only provides insight into the craftsmanship of affineurs but also highlights their significant role in the flavour development of cheese. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to learn from the best, discover new trends, and leave with an enhanced appreciation for cheese as an artisanal product.

What a blast it was! My favourite event on the cheese calendar.

Sasha Serebrinsky, Daylesford Organics

Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of this wonderful community that celebrates cheese craftsmanship at its highest level. Whether you’re there to support your favourites or to explore the world of affinage, the Affineur of the Year Finals promises an unmissable experience.

When is Affineur of the Year 2026?

This year’s competition takes place on Tuesday 16th June at the stunning Christ Church Spitalfields, which is in the heart of London. Click here for more information and to book tickets.

Thank you to our Sponsors for supporting this event: