
12PM Tutored Tasting: Cheesing Outside The Box
Overview
The Great Canadian Cheese Festival's 12PM Tutored Tasting—Strange Bedfellows: Cheesing Outside The Box—offers an expert-led exploration of unconventional cheese pairings and innovative flavor combinations. This guided tasting experience brings together Canada's most celebrated cheesemakers and artisans, allowing participants to discover bold, unexpected cheese selections directly from the producers who craft them.
The Great Canadian Cheese Festival, relaunched last year to overwhelming response, has established itself as Canada's premier celebration of artisan cheese and culinary excellence. Held at Peterborough Memorial Centre, a community gathering space in Ontario's charming cultural hub, this two-day festival draws thousands of food enthusiasts eager to connect with makers and explore Canada's finest small-batch cheeses, chocolates, ciders, wines, and specialty foods.
Highlights
Expert-Led Tasting: This tutored tasting guides participants through unconventional cheese pairings and innovative flavor discoveries with knowledgeable instructors. Learn insider secrets about pairing strategies and cheese craftsmanship directly from industry experts.
Meet Canadian Makers: Connect face-to-face with the cheesemakers and artisans behind Canada's most celebrated cheeses. This intimate setting allows guests to ask questions, learn production stories, and discover new favorite producers.
Curated Marketplace: Browse over 80 vendors including cheesemakers, bakers, chocolatiers, cideries, and wineries all in one location. Shop directly from producers offering exclusive products and special festival pricing.
Elevated Festival Experience: The 2026 festival marks an exciting expansion with newly added vendors and returning favorites. General admission includes unlimited sampling, exclusive swag bags, and tasting glasses to enhance the experience.
Premium Admission Perks: Premium Guest Admission includes an insulated cooler bag and tasting glasses, perfect for sampling and transporting purchases. Day passes offer flexibility while weekend passes maximize value for multi-day exploration.
Community Celebration: The festival creates a welcoming space for Canadians passionate about artisan food and culinary culture. Experience camaraderie with fellow food enthusiasts and celebrate the craftsmanship behind Canada's cheese traditions.
Sentiment Analysis
Direct access to passionate cheesemakers and artisan producers
Exceptional quality and variety of Canadian artisan cheeses
Knowledgeable, guided tasting experiences with expert commentary
Vibrant community atmosphere celebrating Canadian food culture
High demand means popular sessions and vendors can sell out quickly
Limited venue capacity may result in crowded conditions during peak hours
Know Before You Go
The tutored tasting takes place at Peterborough Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne Street West, Peterborough, Ontario. Premium Guest Admission ($50 for day pass, $65 for weekend pass) includes access to all vendors, unlimited sampling, a swag bag with insulated cooler, and tasting glasses. General admission is available for a lower rate and includes vendor access and sampling privileges. The festival celebrates Canadian artisan cheese, so attendees should arrive prepared to taste, explore, and potentially purchase specialty food items. Advance ticket purchase is recommended, as popular sessions and high-demand vendors frequently sell out.
Hot Tip
Arrive early to the tutored tasting session to secure premium positioning and speak one-on-one with featured cheesemakers before the group tasting begins—vendors often share exclusive insights and may offer first pick of specialty items with early arrivals.
Location
Meeting Point
Peterborough Memorial Centre Peterborough ON CA

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