MARCH 15 - OREGON CHEESE FESTIVAL

Left: Siletz River Drum by Rivers Edge Chevre; Right: Hillis Peak by Pholia Farms

Oregon Cheese Festival
Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Rogue Creamery, 311 North Front St, Central Point, OR
$5 entry fee includes tastings and demonstrations
Contact: Rogue Creamery, 541-665-1155 x163

Thousands of visitors will attend this festival, gathered under a giant tent to sample cow, sheep and goat cheese from Oregon creameries.

"The farmers' 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. "It's a way to truly be connected with the source of the cheese being presented."

MARCH 19 - D.I.Y. CHEESEMAKER ROUNDTABLE

Foster & Dobbs Authentic Foods
Wednesday, March 19, 7:15 p.m.
2518 NE 15th Ave., Portland, OR
Free
Contact: Foster & Dobbs, 503-284-1157

Foster & Dobbs found that a sizeable group of D.I.Y. cheesemakers are in the Portland area. Why not meet each other? In January, a group of 18 home cheesemakers - of all different experience levels - showed up to Foster & Dobbs to exchange ideas, experiences and resources. The group is meeting again and is open to newcomers.

Come with your questions and ideas, and bring some of your homemade cheese to share!

VIDEO: SHEEP CHEESE BY ANCIENT HERITAGE DAIRY

So, how do the professionals do it? This video by Cooking Up A Story explains the ways Ancient Heritage Dairy in Scio, Oregon.

Sheep cheese tastes distinctive, characteristically strong, and very different from cow or goat cheese. On this family sheep farm, the making of cheese reflects a slower pace of life along with a direct connection to the land.