County will be centre of the cheese universe – June 1 & 2

Great Canadian Cheese Festival founder Georgs Kolesnikovs

The third annual Great Canadian Cheese Festival will unfold at the Picton Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2 but the joy of cheese will also be shared at various venues in the County this year.

“More than 100 exhibitors and vendors, about 125 different Canadian cheeses to sample and buy, and 3,000-plus consumers make the event the biggest cheese show in Canada – representing producers from coast-to-coast,” says Georgs Kolesnikovs, festival president.

The festival will showcase about three dozen producers who turn the pure milk of Canadian cows, goats, sheep and water buffalo into cheese.
Visitors will also sample tasty artisanal foods made by a bevy of small-batch producers of charcuterie, chutney, savoury shortbread, bread, pasta, jams, chocolates, confections, meats, sauces, preserves, olive oil, condiments and more.

The main event is the Artisan Cheese & Fine Food Fair which runs Saturday and Sunday featuring cheese seminars in the All You Need Is Cheese  Annex, information and special presentations and the festival’s dairy farm.

Special events, such as Gastronomy on the Farm with Jamie Kennedy, have sold out already but additional experiences  are available.

Top Chef Canada finalist Francois Gagnon of Montréal is collaborating with eight of the best cheesemakers in Québec Plaisirs gourmets
to create a memorable evening at The Grange Vineyards & Estate Winery.

If beer is your passion, check out Cheese + Beer = Cheers! Join Beer Sommelier Justin Lamontagne at the The Acoustic Grill in Picton for a guided tasting of finely crafted Creemore Springs and Granville Island Brewing products paired alongside a selection of Canadian artisanal cheeses. Limited to 25 guests. Click here.

If you’re a fan of Ruth Klahsen, of Monforte Dairy, or wish to meet Ontario’s iconic cheesemaker and hear her talk about cheese, check out the stand-out menu Chef Michael Hoy has created for Wine & Dine at Huff Estates Winery. Only a few seats are still available. Click here

Those interested in getting a head start on the cheese festival should sign up for the Cheese Tour of the County Friday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring Fifth Town Artisan Cheese, Black River Cheese, sightseeing and tasting at County Cider, and a history of cheesemaking from museum curator Janice Hubbs. Click here for tickets, and more information and details on a Cheese Tour of Quinte.

Prince Edward County will be the centre of the cheese universe in Canada June 1-2.  Advance tickets for one or two-day passes; combo passes that bundle tutored tastings are available until May 26. Click here