Cheese the Day: A Celebration of New York Cheese
New York has long been known for its dairy heritage. Across the state, farmers, cheesemakers, affineurs, and mongers are shaping a culture rooted in craft, collaboration, and a deep respect for the land and animals behind every wheel and wedge of cheese.
That spirit will be front and center on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Rosendale, when Meeting of the Milkmaids and the New York State Cheese Council come together to host Cheese the Day: A Celebration of New York Cheese, an event that brings the state’s artisan cheese community into one shared space.
New York Cheese Tasting
Cheese the Day is designed as more than a walk-around sampling. It’s an opportunity to connect directly with the people shaping New York cheese today. These are the professionals tending herds, perfecting recipes, aging cheeses, and building businesses rooted in local dairy.
Guests will experience a curated tasting of New York artisan cheese while engaging with the farmers, makers, affineurs, and mongers responsible for these products. These conversations will center around the stories behind why a cheese exists, how it’s made, and what makes it uniquely New York.
In addition to the tasting experience, the day features a screening of the documentary Shelf Life and a moderated panel discussion led by the New York State Cheese Council and the Meeting of the Milkmaids.
Supporting Women in the Cheese Industry
At the heart of the event is a shared commitment to strengthening the industry from within. Proceeds from Cheese the Day will support programming from both the Meeting of the Milkmaids and the New York State Cheese Council, helping fund training, marketing support, professional development, and scholarships for those working in the cheese industry across the state.
The Meeting of the Milkmaids was founded to foster connection and community among women in the cheese industry, honoring both the historic and modern roles women play in dairy. Through mentorship, gatherings, and support, the organization creates space for women to learn from one another and grow their careers within a demanding and highly skilled field.
Partnering with the New York State Cheese Council allows those efforts to reach even further. The Council supports a diverse network of cheese professionals statewide, from farm to retail, with a focus on education, outreach, and industry advancement.
Strengthening New York’s Cheese Community
New York dairy thrives when its people are connected. Events like Cheese the Day create opportunities to build relationships, share knowledge, and invest directly in the future of local cheese. New York cheese isn’t defined by a single style or region, but by a community committed to craft and collaboration.
For consumers, it’s a chance to support local dairy in a tangible way. For industry professionals, it’s an opportunity to gather, learn, and celebrate the work being done across the state.
Event Details
What: Cheese the Day: A Celebration of New York Cheese
When: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Where: Rosendale, New York
Tickets: shelflifeatrosendale.eventbrite.com
Whether you work in the New York dairy industry or simply appreciate great cheese, Cheese the Day offers a meaningful way to support New York artisan cheese and the people behind it.