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Oregon-inspired culinary events, including a farmer’s market-style artisan food and wine festival, will kick off with the Meet the Cheesemakers and Winemakers Dinner at the Oregon Cheese Festival in Central Point, Ore., on March 18.

Starting March 19, thousands of visitors will sample cow, sheep and goat cheese from Oregon creameries, including Fraga Farm, Juniper Grove Farm, Pholia Farm, La Mariposa Creamery, Mama Terra Microcreamery, Ochoa Creamery, Tumalo Farms, Tillamook County Creamery, Willamette Valley Cheese Co., Fern’s Edge Goat Dairy, Rivers Edge Chevre, Ancient Heritage Dairy, Fairview Farm Goat Dairy, Goldin Artisan Goat Cheese, Briar Rose Creamery, Oak Leaf Creamery and Rogue Creamery.

Held under three tents at Rogue Creamery's Central Point, Ore., facility, the seventh annual festival will invite guests to shake hands with cheesemakers and other artisans. Activities will be provided for children including games, activity sheets and giveaways (limited quantities).

"The farmer's 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."

Southern Oregon and other local culinary artisans and beverage providers that are expected to participate include: Lillie Belle Farms, Rogue BBQ, Oregon Crepes, 34 Degrees Crackers, Gary West Meats, Rising Sun Farms, Applegate Valley Artisan Breads, Butte Creek Mill, Slagle Creek Vineyards, Paschal Winery & Vineyard, Madrone Mountain Vineyard, Troon Vineyard ,Valley View Winery, Daisy Creek Vineyard, Rosellas Vineyard, Quady North, Longsword Vineyard, Devitt Winery, Dry Soda, Hot Lips Soda, Oakshire Brewing and Rogue Ales. Samples and sales will be offered at each booth.

Limited seating is available at a dinner introducing guests to participating artisans at the Ashland Springs Hotel in Ashland March 18 from 6:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the nonprofit 501-c6 Oregon Cheesemaker Guild. Each course will spotlight a cheese made by one of the festival's artisans paired with a local wine. Throughout the meal, noted cheese expert Janet Fletcher will act as emcee and join the winemakers and cheesemakers in discussing the showcase dishes. The author of seven books about food and cheese, Fletcher will lead festival-goers through Oregon cheese and wine sensory experiences. Laura Werlin, award-winning author of 5 books on cheese, will conduct a class on grilled cheese during March 19 event.

The Oregon Cheese Festival will be open to the public on March 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rogue Creamery, 311 North Front St., Central Point. A $15 entry fee includes tastings and demonstrations. A $5 wine tasting fee includes a commemorative wine glass with the Oregon Cheese Guild logo. Tickets to the dinner are $85 per person and are available by calling 866 -396-4704.

Source: Oregon Cheese Festival