It was 26 years ago that we started our Workshop Series, inviting people from far and near to join us for a day of cheesemaking - learning techniques and sampling our homemade cheeses and cheese spreads.

There has been a huge renewal of interest in home cheesemaking workshops throughout the United States. With these workshops, we hope to simplify the technicalities of the cheesemaking process and make them understandable. This beginners class is about the art and the fun of producing some of the easier cheeses.

The introductory workshops include:

• A full day of cheesemaking with like minded people. You will become quick friends with many who attend. These 101 classes are quite large, they are in high demand. Please register early to reserve your space.
• Making Farmhouse Cheddar, Fromage Blanc, Creme Fraiche, Queso Blanco, Mascarpone, Ricotta, Mozzarella, whey cheeses and more. Learning the basic principles of cheesemaking, the use and care of your equipment
• Learning what types of milk to use You will make new friends who share similar interest in home dairying and you will learn how to make additive-free cheeses which can be low in cholesterol, calories and salt for a fraction of the cost of store-bought cheeses. The workshop starts at 10:00 am and run through 4:00pm. There is a one hour break for a delicious lunch with a sampling of our tasty cheeses. A FREE copy of Ricki's Cheesemaking 101 DVD is included with class. These classes usually fill up quickly, and sign up is on a first-come-first-served basis. A letter of confirmation will be sent along with directions and a list of local places to stay as soon as payment is received. The 101 workshops are held at our facilities in Ashfield, Massachusetts.
  
  
  Local Accommodations:

  Ashfield
  Glass Porches 413-628-0056
  Bullfrog 413-628-4493

  Buckland
  Bird's Nest 413-625-9523

  Conway
  Peaceable Kingdom 413-625-2151
  The Miriams 413-369-4052
  The House in Pumpkin Hollow 413-369-6007
  The Nestle Inn 413-268-7032
  www.visitnestleinn.com (This host, Martha tells me that our workshop quests are some of the most fun people she meets and she offers a $10.00 a night discount for workshop participants)

  Shelburne Falls
  Dancing Bear Guest House 413-625-9281
  Kenburn Orchards 413-625-6116

  South Deerfield
  Red Roof Inn 413-665-7161

  Greenfield
  Howard Johnson 413-774-2211
  Hampton Inn & Suites 413-773-0057

  Cancellation Policy
  If you need to cancel for any reason and you notify us 2 weeks before your class you will receive a full refund or if space is available you may change the date into another class.
  In the cases of any cancellation closer than 2 weeks prior to a class we can not refund your money unless we can fill your spot from our waiting list.
  Thank you for your understanding, we are looking forward to seeing you here and having a great time! Directions:
  We are located at 292 Main Street (also known as Rt 116) Ashfield, MA.
  This is in Western Massachusetts, the beautiful, picturesque foothills
  of the Berkshires, a magical place.
  
  From the South take 91N to exit 24, right off the ramp and left at the
  3rd light, continue 14 miles into Ashfield. We are a large multi colored
  house with a wrap around porch, on the left just before the convenience
  store.
  
  From the North take 91S to Rt 2W in Greenfield. Follow Rt 2W for 12
  miles. Take a right onto 112S, continue 8 miles and turn left onto 116S.
  We are on the right just past the convenience store.