Master Classes

Saturday

Cheese and Drinks – Steve Jones

Cheese and wine are a classic combination, but many cheeses taste even better with beer or cider. Steve Jones, proprietor of the Portland- based Cheese Bar and Chizu (cheese served sushi- style), has been successfully matching cheeses with alcoholic beverages for more than two decades. In this Master Class you’ll taste some of his favorite cheeses, pairing each with the beverage that brings out the best in both. Jones provides a treasure trove of delectable, often surprising pairings, as well as simple steps for successful experimentation.

Riesling: Cheese’s Perfect Mate – Melissa Hotchkiss and Sheri Allen

2:00 – 3:00

Riesling expert Melissa Hotchkiss and cheese expert Sheri Allen join forces to share their passion for the magic that happens when cheese and one of the world’s most misunderstood grape varieties come together. Guests will taste through six Oregon cheeses of different styles paired with six local Rieslings.

Sunday

Taste and Judge Cheese Like a Pro – Michael Landis

12:00 – 1:00

Oregon is home to many award-winning cheeses but what does an award-winning cheese taste like? How do cheeses win awards and who decides? As a past judge of the International Cheese Awards, the World Cheese Awards, and the Global Cheese Awards, Michael Landis ACS CCP, CCSE knows a thing or two about tasting and scoring cheese. Join him for a behind-the-scenes course on the professional cheese judging process. Play like a pro for the day (and maximize cheese enjoyment at home) as Michael guides attendees through the tasting and evaluation of five different styles of cheese, helping them to understand the technical characteristics and flavor profiles of each type of cheese. Guests will leave with an understanding of why it takes more than just exceptional flavor to be an award-winning cheese and a deeper appreciation for the hard work of award-winning cheesemakers.