The visit I have planned to DC this weekend will pale in comparision to the Oregon Cheese Festival, March 17 & 18 in Central Point, Ore. The event sounds like a great alternative to the typical Saint Patrick’s day festivities – and a wonderal opportunity for the state’s cheesemakers to showcase and market their product.
Oregon-inspired culinary events, including a Meet the Winemakers and Cheesemakers Dinner, a farmer’s market-style artisan food and wine festival, and a chocolate, wine and fruit fair will kick off with the Oregon Cheese Festival.
“The farmer’s market format will present an interactive experience between makers and visitors, giving everyone an opportunity to talk about the product, the process and learn each individual cheesemaker’s story,” says David Gremmels, owner with Cary Bryant of Rogue Creamery, which is hosting the event. “It’s a way to truly be connected with the source of the cheese being presented.”
At the festival, visitors will be able to shake hands with the cheesemakers and sample cow, sheep and goat cheese from Oregon and northern California creameries, including Fraga Farms, Juniper Grove, Pholia Farms, Tumalo Farms, Tillamook Cheese Co., Willamette Valley Cheese Co., Fern’s Edge Dairy, Rivers Edge Chevre, Ancient Heritage Farmstead, Vella Cheese and Rogue Creamery.