Experience the ultimate cheese extravaganza at the 19th Annual California Artisan Cheese Festival, scheduled to take place from March 21-23, 2025. This three-day event promises an unforgettable cheese journey filled with tastings, pairings, and exclusive access to cheese producers through farm and producer tours. Attendees are invited to indulge in the exciting Cheese Crawl and conclude the weekend with the grand Artisan Cheese Tasting & Marketplace, where they can savor, learn about, and purchase various artisan products along with selections of beer, wine, cider, and spirits. Note that all sales are final, and events will proceed regardless of weather conditions.
Friday, March 21st, kicks off with Farm & Producer Tours spanning from 9:00 AM to approximately 3:30 PM, offering six distinct itineraries that provide an insider look at cheese production and include a delightful lunch. The festival continues on Saturday, March 22nd, with a range of seminars, workshops, and pairing sessions divided into morning (11:00 AM to Noon) and afternoon slots (1:00 PM to 2:00 PM). As stated in the press release, participants can explore numerous topics, from pairings to hands-on sessions, in various locations. In the evening, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the Cheese Crawl at The Barlow in Sebastopol, CA, allows VIP guests and general admission attendees to navigate through participating businesses, sampling the finest cheeses and local specialties.
The festival culminates on Sunday, March 23rd, at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds and Event Center, starting with Bubbles and Bites from 9:45 AM and early access to the Artisan Cheese Tasting & Marketplace. The morning event, hosted at Saralee & Richard's Barn, features sparkling beverages and cheese bites, providing insights into the latest marketplace offerings. From noon to 4:00 PM, the Artisan Cheese Tasting & Marketplace features over 100 vendors, giving cheese enthusiasts the chance to sample and purchase a diverse range of cheeses and artisan accompaniments, along with beverages and live entertainment.