With over 40 cheesemakers per capita, dairy is one thing that Vermont does best. The annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival brings over 30 cheese producers together one summer day to create a veritable smorgasbord of cheese, wine, beer and any food that goes well with them. Sample cheddars and goudas while listening to vendors share its “sun-to-cheese” origins. Artisan producers such as Fairy Tale Farm and Cabot Creamery will be present at this year’s festival, along with many other vendors — dairy and otherwise — to create every possible cheese pairing you could dream up, from infused honey to handcrafted marshmallows.
The Vermont Cheesemakers Festival 2023 runs from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a bonus 9 a.m. admission for industry professionals. Skip lunch the day of, and maybe breakfast, too. A veteran of the festival recommended that attendees, for the sake of their own stomach, limit their intake to one bite per vendor. A feat easier said than done.
Aside from eating, and there is plenty of it, the festival has numerous hands-on and informational workshops about the history, origins and process of cheesemaking. Although the schedule for this year has yet to be released, past workshops have included live cheesemaking and demo kitchens. An article from The New York Times, published in 2014, recounts educational workshops on cheese curds, conversations about beer pairings and real-time cooking with chocolate and cheese.
The Specs
- Although recent attendance numbers aren’t available, around 1,750 to 2,000 people attended in 2016 and 2017.
- General tickets cost $69.50. Industry tickets, granting early access only to industry professionals like retailers and restaurants, cost $90.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to Vermont here.
FAQs
Where is the festival held?
The Highland Center for the Arts on Hardwick Street in Greensboro, Vermont, and is produced by the Vermont Cheese Council.
What is the exact address of Highland Center of the Arts?
If you need an address for Google Map try this: 2875 Hardwick St, Greensboro, VT 05841
How far is Greensboro from Burlington, Vermont?
It’s 69 miles between the two cities. Greensboro is northeast from Burlington.
Is this a cash-only festival?
Yes.
Are children allowed?
Children are allowed, but the festival’s website notes that the event is “adult-oriented.” Attendees consuming alcohol must bring proof of age.
It’s our first time attending, what should we expect?
This cheesemakers festival is meant to be the best of Vermont cheese, craft beer and wine, charcuterie, chocolate and more. The day of the event you will find award-winning cheesemakers, artisan food, artisanal cheeses, specialty foods, food trucks, craft beers and more.
When are the gates opening at the festival?
The Vermont Cheesemakers Festival has two schedules the day of the event. Industry admission will run 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. and then general admission for the fest is 11:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Is this the same Vermont cheese festival that’s been held at Shelburne Farms?
Yes, this festival has been held at Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, Vermont.
What’s the contact info for the festival?
Contact info can be found a the top right of this page (in the yellow box), unless you’re looking at this on mobile, then it’s way at the bottom of this page (also in the same yellow box). For your convenience, the contact info — which if for the Vermont Cheese Council — is below.
Address: PO Box 714 Waitsfield, VT 05673
Phone: (866) 261 8595, Email: [email protected], Web: vtcheese.com