In exciting news, I am embarking on a new adventure this week, as I roll out a new organization called Wisconsin Cheese Originals. Think Slow Food for people who like cheese, and you’ll get the picture – a member-based organization sponsoring year-round educational seminars, tastings, cheesemaker receptions, all celebrating Wisconsin cheesemakers for people who love cheese.

I’ve been writing exclusively about cheese for a living for nearly two years now — yes, I know it’s hard to believe that someone can actually just write about cheese — and it amazes me that 1) I never run out of things to report on and 2) more and more people are emailing me questions about cheesemakers, cheese types and what kinds of cheese they should be buying.
So I figured, hey – why not start an organization dedicated to cheese? Lots of states have cheese guilds where cheese enthusiasts can network with people who love cheese. Wisconsin has lots of organizations dedicated to helping cheesemakers and promoting cheese — kudos to the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, Dairy Business Innovation Center, Wisconsin Specialty Cheese Institute, the list goes on. However, none of these organizations are dedicated to just EATING cheese. 
So that’s where Wisconsin Cheese Originals comes in. If you’re interesting in trying new Wisconsin artisan cheeses before they hit the market, meeting Wisconisn cheesemakers in person, and learning more about the differences between goat, sheep, water buffalo and cow’s milk cheeses, than feel free to join us. 
And be sure to save the dates of November 6-7 on your calendar now. Wisconsin Cheese Originals will sponsor Madison’s first Wisconsin Original Cheese Festival, to be held at the Monona Terrace on the Capitol square in downtown Madison, Wis. You’ll get to meet dozens of cheesemakers, take tours of cheese plants, attend educational seminars, and participate in a dine-around at fine restaurants all over town. It’s going to be awesome. I’ll see you there.

Published by cheeseunderground

3 thoughts on “Wisconsin Cheese Originals”

  1. Sounds like a great idea. I will consider membership, however will this orginization be Madison based or will there be events through out the state? I only ask since I am in Kenosha, and know the difficulty in getting the cheesemakers or the Dairy Board to be involved down here. The local Boys and Girls club run a Wisconsin Beer and Cheese festival in the spring and have not been too lucky getting any cheesemakers to be involved.

  2. I plan to host events around the state – I’d like to have at least one event a year in the Milwaukee/eastern half of the state, for example. A lot of it will depend on the cheesemakers and who is innovating new products. I’d still encourage you to join, as members will get first chance for tickets to events at the November cheese festival.

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