If you're a Bay Area resident, consider yourself lucky to live in the backyard of pioneering artisan American cheesemakers.
While not all local cheese producers are open to the public, many of the legendary ones—Laura Chenel, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese, Cowgirl Creamery, and Cypress Grove, among them—participate in the annual California Artisan Cheese Festival and even hold behind-the-scenes tours. One of the longest-running artisan cheese festivals in America, the must-attend event is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and cheese lovers are flying in from 25 states just to get a taste.
As a born-and-raised Californian, I took field trips to visit Marin French when I was a kid; today, as the editor-in-chief of Cheese Professor, a site devoted to all things cheese, it will come as no surprise that I am a regular at the California Artisan Cheese Festival. If you, too, are a denizen of dairy, these highlights and insider tips will help you get the most out of the experience.
Marin French Cheese at the CACF Tasting and Marketplace(Courtesy of California Artisan Cheese Festival)
The California Artisan Cheese Festival Now and Then
This year, the signature event of the festival, the Tasting and Marketplace taking place on March 22nd, will fill the 40,000-square-foot Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, but originally it was held in just a few tents in the Sheraton Hotel parking lot in Petaluma. Tom Birdsall, the hotel's owner at the time, came up with the idea. He knew about the garlic festival in Gilroy and the mustard festival in Napa Valley and was searching for something that might put Petaluma on the map when it occurred to him that cheese might just be it—considering, as he put it, "within a 30-mile radius, you hit all the pioneers."
Co-founder Jill Giacomini Basch, one of the co-owners of Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co., is just as involved today as she was on day one. "For me, the festival represents what artisan cheese is really about: community, curiosity, and the joy of good food bringing people together. And now that the California cheesemakers own the festival, the authenticity shows—and you can feel it in every interaction."
Brulee Cypress Grove cheese at the festival(Courtesy of California Artisan Cheese Festival)
California Artisan Cheese Festival Highlights
The festival includes farm and producer tours, seminars, a cheese crawl at The Barlow in Sebastopol, “Bubbles + Bites,” and the Tasting and Marketplace. This year, says Alyssa Gilbert, executive director of the California Artisan Cheese Festival and California Artisan Cheese Guild (and owner of Ollie’s American Cheese + Provisions in downtown Oakland), they are welcoming some new artisans.
“We’re excited to have The Caviar Co., Just Creamery, and Effie’s Homemade all joining us for the first time. We love bringing in producers who align with our mission, and it keeps the Marketplace feeling dynamic. The Caviar Co. is also joining us for an educational seminar; their CEO and founder, Petra Higby, will present alongside cheese expert Laura Werlin for a truly special pairing seminar. It is already on track to sell out soon, which tells me people are ready for some extra-indulgent learning."
The farm tours, which take place on Friday, March 20th, are a good reason to play hooky. As Birdsall points out, "They allow you to see things that aren't usually open to the public."
Meeting goats on a farm tour at the festival(Courtesy of California Artisan Cheese Festival)
"We have four wonderful tours this year, and honestly, I expect all of them to sell out—they’re such a special way to see where and how cheese is made and to meet the people behind it,” adds Gilbert. “On the seminar side, we added two new offerings I’m really excited about: a raclette experience and a cheese and caviar pairing."
The signature event is always the Tasting and Marketplace, designed to give cheesemakers the chance to sell their cheeses directly to the public. For attendees, it's a chance to meet the makers, sample and buy cheese, and enjoy the other delicious things that go with it, including beer, wine, honey, chocolate, charcuterie, jam, and more.
There is usually some fun cheese-related swag and live entertainment, and though I don't want to give away too many surprises, producers like Cypress Grove will sell their cheeses well below retail prices but at the Tasting and Marketplace. Look for Humboldt Fog, Midnight Moon, Purple Haze, and their newest flavored fresh goat cheeses. Point Reyes Farmstead will be sampling and selling its new classic brie; Laura Chenel will offer a sneak peek of new flavors launching later this year; and family-owned producers like Fiscalini often have two generations on hand to share samples and sell cheese.
Wine at the cheese crawl at The Barlow, one of the most beloved events at the festival(Courtesy of California Artisan Cheese Festival)
Insider Tips for the California Artisan Cheese Festival
Farm tours, seminars, and workshops do sell out, so plan ahead and purchase tickets early to avoid disappointment. There are many options, so choose what appeals to you and pace yourself. Tickets cost between $40 and $185, and be forewarned, cheese experiences—like cheese—are best savored in moderation.
The energy and vibe of the festival are what keep me coming back year after year. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the experience, consider staying in the area over the weekend so you can enjoy a seminar on Saturday, the cheese crawl at the Barlow on Saturday night, and the Tasting and Marketplace on Sunday. At the crawl, you'll receive a map to various businesses where cheesemakers will offer samples, accompanied by featured food or beverages. The festival’s hotel partners, including the Flamingo Resort and Spa and The Sandman Santa Rosa, offer discounted rates.
Be prepared for crowds at the Tasting and Marketplace. The best bet? Splurge on the Bubbles & Bites event beforehand. The casual brunch with sparkling wine is terrific and concludes with VIP early entry for the Tasting and Marketplace. Whichever experiences you choose, wear comfy shoes, bring a water bottle and cash, and don't hesitate on purchases because cheeses do sell out. Coolers and some frozen gel packs are usually available, but bringing your own is not a bad idea.
I completely agree with Gilbert, who advises, "Talk to the producers; they love sharing their stories. Stay hydrated, take breaks, and don’t try to rush through everything. The best experiences happen when you slow down and savor them. And if you discover a cheese you love, be sure to bring some home with you." 
Grated cheese cocktail at the cheese crawl at The Barlow(Courtesy of California Artisan Cheese Festival)
