Vermont Cheesemakers Festival (Shelburne, VT)
A Guide to Artisan Cheese Delights
The Vermont Cheese (how long does cheese last?)makers Festival is a hallmark event that showcases the state's deep-rooted cheese (What wine goes well with cheese?) making heritage and culinary expertise. Held annually at the historic Coach Barn on the picturesque grounds of Shelburne Farms, it brings together cheese lovers, artisan producers, and farmers from across the country. With a commitment to celebrating quality and craftsmanship, this festival offers attendees an opportunity to taste a wide array of locally made cheeses and engage directly with the cheesemakers.
Vermont, renowned for its lush landscapes and agricultural prowess, has the highest number of cheesemakers per capita in the United States. This fact underscores the state's standing in the cheese industry and sets the perfect stage for the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival. It is not only a chance to indulge in gourmet cheeses but also a space for learning about the intricate process of cheese making from the experts.
The festival not only highlights the best of Vermont’s dairy production but also brings attention to the fine art of cheesemaking. No ordinary affair, the event is brimming with educational sessions, tastings, and demonstrations that reveal the complexities of turning milk into a myriad of cheese varieties. Cheesemakers take pride in their craft, and through their dedication, they transform the festival into an immersive experience that mirrors Vermont's passion for high-quality, artisanal food.
History of the Festival
The Vermont Cheesemakers Festival is a testament to Vermont's rich dairy heritage and its stature in the artisan cheese industry. It all began in the picturesque state known for its vibrant fall foliage and robust maple syrup production. As the state with the highest number of cheesemakers per capita, Vermont’s festival is a celebration of this unique distinction.
In its inception, the festival was a local effort to showcase the variety and excellence of cheeses from all across the state. From small, family-owned farms to larger agribusinesses, the objective was to create an event where they could present their products and share their craftsmanship with the public. As the years progressed, what started as a modest gathering grew into a highly anticipated summer event, lauded for not only its selection of fine cheeses but also as a platform for promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The festival traditionally takes place during the warm summer season, leveraging Vermont's scenic beauty at the peak of its allure. It provides an immersive experience for attendees who traverse from one cheesemaker's stall to another, exploring the diverse flavors that the state's unique seasonal climate contributes to dairy production.
Each year, the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival attracts visitors not only from within the state but from across the country, cementing its place as a significant event in Vermont's culinary calendar. It continues to evolve, mirroring the innovation and passion that fuel the state's celebrated cheesemaking industry.
Event Highlights and Features
The Vermont Cheesemakers Festival is a celebration of the state's rich cheesemaking heritage, showcasing over 40 artisan cheesemakers. Visitors can indulge in a variety of cheese-related activities and culinary experiences against the scenic backdrop of Shelburne, Vermont, during a vibrant summer day. Each subsection below highlights a different aspect of this deliciously curated event.
Cheese Tasting and Sampling
At the heart of the festival is the cheese tasting and sampling, where attendees can savor a diverse array of artisanal cheeses. From creamy bries to sharp cheddars, the selection represents the best of Vermont's dairy craftsmanship. Festival-goers can not only taste but also learn about the cheese-making process direct from the producers.
Artisan Producers and Makers Showcase
The festival is a haven for artisan producers and makers. Artisanal staples like Vermont Creamery and Blake Hill Preserves grace the event with their presence, providing a unique opportunity to explore and purchase their high-quality products. These local artisans proudly display their crafts, offering a glimpse into the thriving Vermont artisan scene.
Pairing Workshops
Interactive pairing workshops elevate the tasting experience as experts guide attendees through pairing different types of cheese with a selection of fine wines, beers, and spirits. These sessions are aimed at both educating and entertaining, as they enhance attendees’ understanding of flavor complementation.
Gourmet Food Offerings
The festival boasts an impressive lineup of gourmet food offerings, with local food trucks and stands providing a variety of culinary delights. Visitors can enjoy everything from gourmet sandwiches to freshly baked goods, ensuring a well-rounded epicurean adventure alongside the cheese tastings.
Educational Sessions
For the knowledge-thirsty, the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival provides various educational sessions and cooking demos. Experts share insights on the artistry of cheesemaking, the nuances of flavor profiles, and the overall journey from farm to table. These learning experiences underscore the festival's commitment to enhancing visitors' understandings of artisanal food production.
Venue Information
The Vermont Cheesemakers Festival is held at a venue renowned for its picturesque location and comprehensive facilities that ensure a memorable experience for all attendees.
Location and Setting
Shelburne Farms, the festival's venue, is situated in Shelburne, VT, embracing the natural beauty of Lake Champlain. Guests can indulge in the scenery that includes sprawling farmland and historic architecture, providing an idyllic backdrop for the festival. Shelburne Farms operates as a working farm, education center, and National Historic Landmark, encompassing a spectacular sense of place.
Facilities and Accessibility
The festival is designed to accommodate a large number of cheese enthusiasts, with a capacity to host a significant number of visitors in its various spaces, including the Coach Barn and surrounding areas. Accessibility is a key consideration for the event, ensuring that the facilities are available to people with varying needs. Public areas are wheelchair accessible, and there is ample space for parking and movement around the venue. The festival's organization at the Highland Center for the Arts reflects Vermont's commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.
Plan Your Visit
When preparing for the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival, visitors should focus on securing tickets early, arranging suitable lodging, and familiarizing themselves with the event’s schedule to make the most of this delightful summer day experience.
Ticket Purchase and Pricing
Tickets for the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival tend to sell out quickly due to its popularity. It is crucial for anyone interested in attending to monitor the official Vermont Cheesemakers Festival website for ticket release dates and pricing. Early bird rates may apply, so purchasing in advance not only ensures entry but may also provide cost savings.
Accommodation and Travel Tips
Visiting Vermont for the festival requires a bit of planning, especially regarding accommodation. Visitors are advised to book their stay well in advance as local hotels and bed and breakfasts can fill up quickly due to the festival's draw. Options for lodging can be explored through partners like Go Stowe or the Vermont Vacation website for a comprehensive listing.
Travel Tips:
By Car: Ensure your vehicle is prepared for the trip with all necessary service checks.
Public Transport: Research bus and train routes ahead of time for straightforward travel.
Event Schedule and Timing
The festival typically unfolds over a single day in the summer season, packed with activities from cheese sampling to workshops. To maximize the experience, attendees should check the event schedule in advance. This allows for strategic planning to attend favorite demonstrations, networking opportunities with cheesemakers, and participation in tastings and seminars. Keep in mind that event timing is subject to change, so a final check on the day of the event is recommended.
Festival Partners and Sponsorship
The Vermont Cheesemakers Festival is supported by a robust group of partners and sponsors, each playing a pivotal role in the event's success. The sponsorship landscape includes a blend of local businesses and prominent dairy connoisseurs, all united by a passion for artisanal cheese and the Vermont dairy industry.
Platinum Sponsors: Vermont Creamery and Shelburne Farms stand out as the platinum sponsors, providing substantial support and showcasing their commitment to the state's cheese-making community.
Gold Sponsors: The gold-tier sponsors bring together a variety of famous dairy establishments, including:
Cabot Creamery Cooperative: Renowned for their quality dairy products.
Provisions International: A wholesaler specializing in fine foods.
Grafton Village Cheese Company: Makers of handcrafted, aged cheeses.
City Market: Burlington's own community-owned food cooperative.
In addition to these sponsors, the festival features over 45 Vermont cheesemakers, garnering attention from both local and national cheese aficionados.
Organizations from the Northeast Kingdom, a region known for its rich agricultural heritage, also contribute to the festival. They lend their unique flavors and regional specialties to the event, further enriching the festival's diverse selection of cheese and dairy products.
Through these collaborative efforts, the festival not only celebrates Vermont's leading status in cheese production but also bolsters the local economy and supports small-scale producers across the state.
Media and Press
The Vermont Cheesemakers Festival has achieved noticeable media attention, reinforcing its status as a must-attend event for cheese aficionados. Press representatives considering coverage of the festival can expect a full array of topics to feature, from highlighting artisanal practices to profiling the highly skilled cheesemakers.
Yankee Magazine, recognized for its focus on New England culture, has previously showcased the event, providing readers with an immersive narrative of the festival's offerings. The festival garners media spotlight not just for the variety of cheeses, but also for its impact on local agriculture and the economy.
It's advisable for media personnel to arrange their credentials in advance, though the festival's official website does not currently specify contact details. They may reach out through email for potential press passes or interviews with event organizers and participants. More details can be found on the festival's Press + Media page.
Phone Number: Not listed
Email: Available upon direct inquiry to the organizers
Members of the media are invited to document the festival's array of local specialty foods and beverages, in addition to its over 40 showcasing cheesemakers. These opportunities provide ample material for engaging storytelling that reflects Vermont's rich cheese-making heritage.
In conclusion, the festival's accessibility for the press is integral to its outreach and public profile. Media coverage plays a crucial role in celebrating and disseminating the festival’s focus on quality, community, and culinary craftsmanship.
Festival Impact and Community
The Vermont Cheesemakers Festival not only celebrates the rich tradition of cheese making, but also positively influences the local economy and environment. Through proactive engagement in sustainable practices, it supports the livelihoods of cheesemakers and promotes environmental stewardship.
Support for Local Economy
The Vermont Cheesemakers Festival directly stimulates the local economy by drawing attendees to Shelburne, VT, who in turn contribute to local businesses and artisanal producers. The festival's linkage with culinary tourism helps to create a vibrant market for homegrown products. Mansfield Creamery, along with other Vermont cheese businesses, benefits from increased sales and exposure.
Buying Local: Patrons of the festival predominantly purchase from Vermont-based producers, which circulates money in the local community.
Employment: The festival and its participants provide jobs to residents, from event staffing to cheese production.
Environmental Sustainability Practices
Environmental sustainability lies at the core of the festival's ethos. Exhibitors like cheesemakers from Greensboro, VT, and surrounding areas commonly adopt green practices. These practices aim not only to create delicious cheeses but also to minimize the environmental footprint.
Waste management: Thorough recycling and composting systems are in place to handle waste generated during the festival.
Local sourcing: By prioritizing ingredients from local farms, transportation emissions are reduced, and the festival's carbon footprint is minimized.
Through the combined efforts of local artisans and event organizers, the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival serves as a beacon for economic and ecological consciousness within the community.
