Plans Underway for SF Cheese Fest

California Artisan Cheese Guild (CACG), the 10-year-old non-profit dedicated to education, support and preservation of California’s artisan cheesemaking community, will conduct its second annual SF Cheese Fest Sept. 17 at the historic Social Hall SF in San Francisco.

This year’s theme, “Preservation: Salt, Sugar, Culture and Tradition,” unites local makers dedicated to keeping the tradition of cultured foods alive. Twenty-four Guild member cheese companies will sample dozens of California’s finest cheeses alongside local makers of cured meats, pickles, jams, sauces, craft beer and wine. 

Pioneering cheese companies Redwood Hill, Cowgirl Creamery, Laura Chenel’s, Marin French Cheese, Point Reyes Farmstead and Sierra Cheese are joined by artisan makers such as Bleating Heart, Nicasio Valley Cheese, Orland Farmstead and Tomales Farmstead, along with newcomers on the cheese scene such as Chevoo and Pazzo Marco, among others. Beverages will be provided by local partners in preservation Magnolia Brewing, Fort Point Brewing and CACG member Herb Lamb Vineyards; and sweet and salty treats from Mission Cheese, Creminelli charcuterie, Mimi’s Confiture, CC Made and Friend In Cheeses will provide an array of texture and flavor pairings to complement the cheeses.

“The mission of SF Cheese Fest is to celebrate the hard work, craftsmanship and unique character of California cheese and cheesemakers,” says CACG Executive Director Anthea Stolz. “Guests are invited to participate in preservation by rubbing elbows with real cheesemakers, jam and charcuterie crafters and meet cheesemongers, goat wranglers, cow milkers and sheep breeders. The evening will overflow with flavor and handmade foods that preserve a tradition rooted in Bay Area culture,” says Stolz.