Cheese lovers, mark your calendars! CheeseFest, Australia’s biggest and original cheese festival, is returning to Rundle Park, on the 19th and 20th of October 2024. This year’s event promises a delightful weekend of South Australian cheeses, local food producers, top-notch chefs, and a selection of beverages to enjoy.
Over two days, festival-goers can dive into a curated mix of local and interstate cheeses, indulge in artisanal delights, and learn from the best in culinary demonstrations and masterclasses. With a strong focus on deepening your knowledge of cheese and wine, there’s plenty to discover.
Kris Lloyd AM, the festival’s director, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “CheeseFest 2024 is all about celebrating good local produce and drinks. Our community is eager to learn, and we’ve created the perfect platform with many of the producers themselves attending, along with experts leading our masterclasses. It’s a chance to uncover new aspects of cheese, wine, and the incredible local producers we’re showcasing while supporting the South Australian community.”
This year’s festival, in partnership with Foodland and the Great Wine Capitals of the World, will feature expert-led sessions in the RAA Masterclass pavilion, focusing on the perfect pairings of cheese and wine. Expect a nod to international wine regions as well.
Reflecting on the festival’s journey, Kris shared, “CheeseFest began as a simple cheese competition in 2005. This year, we’re sticking to our cheesy roots with over 20 cheese stalls—so come hungry!”
New to CheeseFest 2024 are sessions like “Cheese – Good, Bad & Ugly,” where cheesemakers Kris and Mitch Lloyd will delve into the quirks of cheese quality with a touch of humour. For wine lovers, experts from the Australian Wine Research Institute will lead a similar session on spotting the best bottles on the shelf, accompanied by a top-notch South Aussie red.
The ever-popular Foodland Cooking Demonstrations are also back, with Matt Preston headlining a star-studded lineup. Franklin Dos Santos, CEO of Foodland Supermarkets, highlighted the importance of these demonstrations, saying, “The Demo Stage is a great way for us to celebrate South Australia’s finest produce. Supporting our local brands is at the heart of what we do.”
With over 80 stalls offering a variety of cheeses, wines, and treats, there’s something for everyone—including a debut vegan cheese producer. Familiar names like Beerenberg, Barossa Valley Cheese Company, and Udder Delights will be present, alongside pizza from Anchovy Bandit and cocktails from 23rd St Distillery.
So, bring your appetite and enjoy a relaxed weekend filled with great food, drinks, and live music. CheeseFest 2024 is a family-friendly event, with plenty on offer for the kids too. Kris Lloyd summed it up nicely: “We hope everyone leaves with new ideas for their next cheese board, wine picks, and a happy cheese-filled belly!”
CheeseFest 2024 will take place at Rundle Park/Kadlitpina, Adelaide, on Saturday, 19th of October from 11 am to 8 pm, and Sunday, 20th of October from 11 am to 6 pm. Tickets are limited, so be sure to grab yours soon!
