April is a busy time for cheesemakers – with milk production accelerating, which often sparks the impetus to create new recipes, and cheese competitions taking place all over the globe. We look forward to seeing new cheeses on counters and at markets up and down the country and will be watching with anticipation for news of this year’s medal winners. If you’re lucky enough to be a judge at any of the awards, make sure you’ve got your palate cleansed and your sensory skills tuned with one of our courses and events. In the meantime, here’s our pick of other events going on in the cheese world this April.
1. Hereford Heroes: Monkland Cheesemakers’ Exclusive Tasting
Don’t miss out on this exclusive masterclass and tasting session where Chiswick Cheesemaker’s Grant winner, Dean Storey from Monkland Cheesemakers, will introduce his range of raw milk cheeses – all traditional, handmade recipes passed on by Karen and Mark Hindle. Now it’s your chance to try the beautiful Herefordshire raw milk cheeses that he helped save from extinction.
2. Beer and Cheese Tasting with WSET & Academy of Cheese
Spend an evening delighting your senses with some cracking beer and cheese pairings, with Julia Lambeth DipWSET and Academy of Cheese Training Partner, Patrick McGuigan. You will taste your way through a range of classic and lesser known beers and cheeses, and be guided through the combinations, discussing methods of production and producer stories along the way.
3. Farm Shop & Deli Show & The Restaurant Show
Experience the best quality local and regional produce, plus the latest in equipment, labelling and packaging solutions. Over 3 days, the trade-only Farm Shop & Deli Show will be packed with new launches, exciting live events and sessions, and will reveal the winners of the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards. The show runs alongside Food & Drink Expo, National Convenience Show, The Forecourt Show and The Restaurant Show, with one badge providing access to all five shows.
4. Paxton & Whitfield Modern British Cheeses Tasting Event
Join Paxton & Whitfield’s expert cheesemongers on this virtual tasting to explore five delicious modern British cheeses. You will be guided through a tasting of the cheeses and the history behind their making. The price of £45 includes five fantastic cheeses and artisan crackers.
5. Counter Culture Live: Philadelphia / San Diego
Counter Culture connects cheesemakers, importers, mongers, and buyers in an interactive and educational trade-only environment. You will hear from presenters who will tell you about their products’s unique story of origin, people, process and, of course, taste! In addition to the educational content there is the Tasting Table, a heaving farm table of cheese, charcuterie and accompaniments that attendees are encouraged to sample throughout the day.
