Instead of giving you the whole run-down tonight of my picks for top cheeses, top wines, new producers, and more, let me first give you an overview of what the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival is and tomorrow you will get the behind the scenes picks, tips, pics, and more.
So what's the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival?
It is a festival planned by the fantastic team behind Vermont Butter and Cheese and Shelburne Farms hosted for the third year in a row at Coach Barn at Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, Vermont.
Who participates?
Over forty different creameries mostly from Vermont with one or two from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York. Close to thirty artisanal food purveyors spanning the gamut from Vermont Soy to Castleton Crackers to Vermont Pickle to Laughing Moon Chocolates and more. Approximately twenty different local Vermont wineries and breweries. As one of them said to me, "Within five years, you will see people coming up to Vermont for wine tasting weekends just like they do for the Finger Lakes."
What's available?
Samples of cheeses, wines, beers, food, and more. New cheeses, new producers, new developments abound. Discover your love of wasabi infused chevre or smoked bacon infused cheddars and more!
How many people attend?
Close to 1700 plus volunteers, press, and retail/trade people.
It is the highlight of the summer -- a great way to learn about cheese if you don't know that much about American artisanal cheese; to acquaint oneself with the producers if you're looking to know more; to just have a day in the country tasting local and regional delicacies; or whatever you may want it to be.
Although it is a lot of driving from New York City in the span of 36 hours, it is most certainly worth it. So stay tuned tomorrow for the full run down on hits, misses, surprises, disappointments, and news!
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