Cheesemaking 101
The art of cheesemaking is an ancient one - one that goes back to the beginnings of civilization. Throughout history, this art has been passed down from generation to generation, and it is only in recent years that this family craft has almost disappeared.
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.
Now there has been a 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
- 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. Our cancellation policy is: with notification up to 2 weeks in advance you will receive a full refund or if space is available you may change dates. We are sorry that with a cancelation closer than 2 weeks before a class we can not refund your money unless there is a waiting list and we can fill your spot. The workshops are held at our facilities in Ashfield, Massachusetts.
Directions and Accommodations:
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.
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!