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11th Annual Sonoma Valley Cheese ConferencePosted on 12/10/2014
The 11th annual Sonoma Valley Cheese Conference (SVCC) is set to take place from February 21st through 25th in the beautiful and historic town of Sonoma. The SVCC is an annual gathering of American artisan cheesemakers, retailers, distributors and food writers, showcasing the many talented cheesemakers, retailers and restaurants who are leading the artisan and farmstead cheese movement. Sheana Davis, Sonoma cheesemaker, chef, and owner of the Epicurean Connection, hosts the event that officially kicks off Saturday, February 21st with the Winter Artisan Cheese Fair from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Cheese Plus in San Francisco (free event, open to the public). The Winter Artisan Cheese Fair continues on Sunday at Ramekins Culinary School in Sonoma from 1 to 4 pm where there will be a Mac & Cheese Cookoff, plus cheese, beer, wine and cider tastings with guests and live local music. Tickets for this event are $50 each and are available at http://theepicureanconnection.com/sonoma-valley-cheese-conference/. The main conference takes place on Monday, February 23rd and Tuesday, February 24th, at the Sonoma Valley Inn, in downtown Sonoma, featuring sessions on sustainable business practices, protecting your business identity, cheese terroir, start-up advice, cheese pairings with beer and wine, and best practices on working with the media.
The 2015 event will also feature a tour of Laura Chenel Chevre in Sonoma, CA, as well as private meetings with cheese analysis with Dr. Moshe Rosenberg (both require advanced registration). Tickets are available for one day, or two day passes at $150.00 or $250.00, at http://theepicureanconnection.com/sonoma-valley-cheese-conference.
The conference wraps up with two special one-day ZingTrain sessions, led by Ari Weinzweig of Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The session on Wednesday, February 25th is open to the public. Thursday’s session, open to professionals only, is sold out but there is talk of adding another session. To register, please email Maggie Bayless mbayless@zingermans.com.
The main conference will include tastings and panel discussions. The speakers scheduled to appear include Denise Jones of Napa Cask Brewing, Anna Connor of Pug's Leap, Sheana Davis, Jonathan Bowne, Gordon Edgar, Anna Wolfe, Food Writer Heather Irwin, Tracey Shepos, Chef Kendall Jackson, Jacquelyn Buchannan of Laura Chenel Chèvre, and many more.
Guest Wineries: Eric Ross Winery, Matanzas Creek Winery, Durell Vineyards, Estate Wines, Kendall Jackson Estates, Bartholomew Park Winery, Dane Cellars, Gundlach Bundschu, Hanzell Vineyards, Idell Family Vineyards
Guest Brewers and Cider Producers: Napa Smith Brewery, Tilted Shed, Applesauced, Uncommon Brewing Company, Napa Point Brewing, Abita Brewing, Rogue Ales
Guest Cheesemakers: Weirauch Farm & Creamery, Gypsy Cheese Company, Pug's Leap Cheese Company, Roelli Cheese Company, Carr Valley Cheese Company, Laura Chenel Cheese Company, Ewetopia, Zingerman's Creamery
The Details: Saturday: February 21st, Winter Artisan Cheese Fair 1:00-4:00 Hosted at Cheese Plus SF, no charge to attend Sunday: February 22, Sonoma Winter Artisan Cheese Fair, 1:00-4:00 Hosted at Ramekins Culinary School $50.00 per person, register on line Monday: February 23, Cheese Conference 9-5 at Sonoma Valley Inn $150.00 per day, $250.00 for two days or two guests per company. Register on line Tuesday: February 24, Cheese Conference 9-5 at Sonoma Valley Inn $150.00 per day, $250.00 for two days or two guests per company. Register on line Wednesday: February 25, Zingtrain, open to the public 8:00-4:00 Thursday: February 26, Zingtrain for Proprietors only, sold out. For Zingtrain Registration, please email Maggie Bayless at Zingerman’s mbayless@zingermans.com
Website: http://theepicureanconnection.com/sonoma-valley-cheese-conference/ Schedule: http://bit.ly/1zjhl7K Phone: 707-935-7960 Email: sheana@vom.com |
