California’s premier cheese event, the California Artisan Cheese Festival, is celebrating its 11th year, March 24-26, 2017, in and around the Sheraton Sonoma County in Petaluma.

Celebrating 11 years of cheese education and appreciation, this year’s Festival brings together artisan cheesemakers, farmers, educators, authors, chefs, brewers, winemakers and enthusiastic guests for three days of cheese tasting, education and celebration. Many new festival elements are being introduced this year, from educational sessions and tastings which will be included with every Friday tour; to a Friday night Ultimate Best Bite featuring local cheesemongers, chefs and cheesemakers; to a swanky Saturday night Cheese & Cocktail party; and two high-end Cheesemaker Dinners in Sonoma.

We are very proud of California’s artisan cheesemaking community which has grown exponentially over the last 11 years,” said Festival Founder and President Tom Birdsall. “We love supporting and showcasing the incredible array of talented artisan cheese producers we have in California, and offering fun, delicious and interactive ways for attendees to experience the food they love.”

Throughout the weekend, guests will have the opportunity to experience new, limited- production and rare artisan cheeses while supporting California farmers and cheesemakers in their ongoing effort to advance sustainability.