Winnimere from Cellars at Jasper Hill in Vermont was named “Best of Show” among 1,794 entries at the American Cheese Society’s (ACS) 2013 Judging & Competition. The results were announced in a ceremony on Friday, Aug. 2 at the 30th Anniversary ACS Conference in Madison, Wis. Grafton Village Cheese, also in Vermont, was awarded 2nd place overall for Bear Hill. Bleu Mont Dairy in Wisconsin tied itself for 3rd place overall for Bandaged Cheddar and Big Sky Grana.

The 2013 ACS Judging & Competition was record-setting, with the largest number of entries in ACS history: 257 companies entered 1,794 different products. Entering companies represented 34 U.S. states and 4 Canadian provinces, along with Mexico and Colombia. 315 ribbons were awarded: 81 first place ribbons, 114 second place ribbons, and 120 third place ribbons. See the attached media kit for a complete breakdown of awards by product, dairy location, and milk source, as well as for producers’ contact information.

For a printable list of this year’s winners and judges’ bios, visit www.cheesesociety.org.

The 31st Annual ACS Conference & Competition will take place July 29 – Aug. 1, 2014 in Sacramento, Calif.