Alleluia, a cheese festival is returning to Prince Edward County!

The Ontario Cheese Festival will take place September 28 in Picton, Ontario, showcasing delicious cheese and tasty artisan foods from leading producers across the province.

Taste and buy the best in cheese made from cow, sheep, goat and water buffalo milk, plus wine, cider, craft beer and spirits, and jams, honey, charcuterie, pickles and more.

Learn about artisan cheese at tutored tastings conducted by outstanding cheese educators. Discover what pairs best with which cheese.

Ontario Cheese Festival is the brainchild of Patricia McDermott, owner of Agrarian Market in Picton since 2012 and operator of farmers markets in the County for the last 15 years.

“After starting my cheese shop in Bloomfield in the County over 10 years ago, and attending The Great Canadian Cheese Festival, I knew I wanted to bring my love of cheese to more people. I’ve supported the local food movement for over a decade and this event is the next logical step.  With the support of the Dairy Farmers of Ontario, we are excited to bring you the Ontario Cheese Festival, a celebration of Ontario cheese and dairy.”

The festival will unfold at The Cape, a meticulously restored landmark a short walk from Picton’s Main Street. The sprawling Georgian manor was built in 1863 as a private residence. While it was owned by an American railway tycoon, the residence greeted Prime Ministers and dignitaries. Today, The Cape, with its stunning façade, spacious grounds, reception rooms, veranda, ballroom and extensive garden, serves as a magnificent event space.

More than 50 exhibitors and vendors are expected for the festival, including many of Ontario’s leading cheese producers. Among the first to sign up:

—Stonetown Artisan Cheese of St. Marys, makers of handcrafted Alpine-style cheeses;

—Mountainoak Cheese of New Hamburg, makers of award-winning Gouda and other European-style cheeses;

—Empire Cheese & Butter Co-operative of Campbellford, makers of award-winning cheddars since the 1876;

—Upper Canada Cheese Company of Jordan Station, makers of small-batch artisan cheese made exclusively with the milk of Guernsey cows;

—Bushgarden Farmstead Cheese of Elgin, where Nigel Smith uses raw milk from his own herd of cows to make cheese;

—Golspie Dairy of Oxford County near Woodstock, dairy farming since 1874, making fresh milk British-style cheese since 2022.

You’ll be able to sample wine and purchase it, if 19+, from some of the best wineries in Ontario, such as Case Dea Winery of Wellington and Tawse Winery of Vineland.

For something totally different try vodka or a cream liquor made from milk at Vodkow Dairy Distillery of Mississippi Mills.

Deepen your knowledge and appreciation of cheese at three different cheese tastings and pairings. In each seminar, you’ll taste and learn about up to eight fabulous artisan cheeses, selected artisan condiments, plus offerings of wine, craft beer, cider or spirits, all from our exhibitors. You’ll learn the story of the coveted cheeses and the passionate people who make them, plus tips on how to present, pair and appreciate the culinary treasures.

Seminars will be led and cheeses selected by acclaimed cheese sommelier Vanessa Simmons of Ottawa and cheese educator Roxanne Renwick of Toronto.

Sponsorship for the festival is being provided by Ontario Dairy Farmers, the marketing organization and regulatory body representing more than 4,000 dairy farmers in Ontario. Additional support comes from Longo’s, the supermarket chain.

Admission to the festival and all exhibitors and vendors is $75.00 per person which includes an insulated souvenir tote bag for your purchases, a tasting glass for sampling wine, beer, cider and spirits (19+) and free parking.

There will be live music to entertain you.

Children 10 years and younger admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Admission to tutored tastings is $30.00 per person per tasting which covers up to eight artisan cheeses, selected artisan condiments, plus offerings of wine, craft beer, cider or spirits (19+).

• Ontario Cheese Festival
• September 28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Cape, 347 Main Street, Picton
• Information: https://ontariocheesefestival.com/
• Tickets: https://ontariocheesefestival.com/product/ontario-cheese-festival-ticket/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oncheesefest?igsh=ZXJ1bXVpa3g5cDJi
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/WtX6VxTenor8E1xy/?mibextid=9VsGKo

Personally, I cannot wait. From my experience as founder and director of The Great Canadian Cheese Festival in Picton from 2011 to 2017, there is nothing quite like gathering with kindred spirits to try and buy the best of artisan cheese and sample other artisan foods in the ambiance of Prince Edward County.

I’m planning to make a weekend of it. I hope you will, too. See you there!

—Georgs Kolesnikovs