There’s no doubt about it: our state knows a thing or two about cheese! And, it’s all thanks to the dairy farmers and cheesemakers, who dedicate their lives to creating the award-winning products that make Wisconsin famous!
From requiring all of our cheesemakers to have a license, to offering them education at the Center for Dairy Research with the Master Cheesemaker Program, it’s no wonder our cheesemakers are continually the cream of the crop when it comes to winning awards.
Wisconsin wins more awards for its cheese than any other state or nation, and if you love cheese and cheesemakers, there are several venues where you can show your pride and cheer them on!
The United States Championship Cheese Contest
Held biannually, every odd year, the Lambeau Field Atrium hosts the United States Championship Cheese Contest. For two days, you can hang out in the atrium watching expert judges’ critique over 1,800 cheeses from around the United States. On the final evening, attend a ticketed event to see who wins top prize and sample cheese until you’re stuffed! Interested in attending this event? Check it out by logging on to www.uschampioncheese.org.
The World Championship Cheese Contest
Held biannually, every even year, at the Monona Terrace in Madison, this contest features cheeses from all across the globe. Attend the first two days of judging to see who makes the top twenty, and then final judging happens at a ticketed event the third evening with the winner being announced! Interested in attending this event? Check it out by logging on to www.worldchampioncheese.org.
The American Cheese Society Conference and Competition
Known as the contest for artisan and farmstead cheesemakers, the American Cheese Society competition, travels to a different state every year and offers workshops for cheese industry professionals. With a spotlight on education, the competition also focuses on the aesthetics and technical aspects of small batch artisan cheeses and dairy products. Interested in attending this event? Check it out by logging on to www.cheesesociety.org.
Amy Wallace is a member of the Discover Wisconsin crew. Stream Discover Wisconsin on Roku, Apple TV, Smart TV, Amazon Fire, Chromecast or discoverwisconsin.com. Or tune in Saturdays at 10 a.m. on Fox Sports Wisconsin.
