California Artisan Cheese Festival| An Insider's Guide with Keith Adams of Wm. Cofield Cheese & the California Artisan Cheese Guild
California Artisan Cheese Festival returns to Sonoma County on March 20–22, bringing together cheesemakers, farms, restaurants, and artisan food producers for three days of tastings and cheese experiences across the region.
In this episode we preview one of the most delicious weekends of the year with two conversations from inside the artisan cheese world.
First, we talk with Keith Adams of Wm. Cofield Cheese in Sebastopol about his journey to becoming a cheesemaker and what to expect at the sold-out Cheese Crawl at The Barlow on March 21.
Then we’re joined by Jane Holt and Luciana Villanueva of the California Artisan Cheese Guild, who explain how the festival works, why Sonoma County became one of America’s most exciting artisan cheese regions, and how the guild supports cheesemakers across California.
If you love cheese, food festivals, and Sonoma County agriculture, this episode is your ultimate guide to the California Artisan Cheese Festival.
Interview 1: Keith Adams — Wm. Cofield Cheese (Sebastopol)
Keith Adams
Cheesemaker, Wm. Cofield Cheese in Sebastopol
Certified Cheese Professional Keith Adams shares his journey from baking and working in food to launching Alemar Cheese Company in Minnesota before returning to Sonoma County.
Along the way he trained with legendary cheesemakers including Sue Conley of Cowgirl Creamery and Margaret Morris, and spent time in France and England learning traditional European cheesemaking techniques.
We discuss:
• The difference between Alemar Cheese and Wm. Cofield Cheese
• Why Sonoma County milk and dairy farms are essential to great cheese
• His philosophy around terroir and traditional cheesemaking
• The cheeses that define his work — including his celebrated cheddar
Keith also previews The Barlow Cheese Crawl in Sebastopol, a three-hour tasting experience where 12 cheesemakers pair their cheeses with local food and beverage producers.
Jane Holt
Secretary, California Artisan Cheese Guild
Interview 2: California Artisan Cheese Guild
In the second half of the episode, Jane Holt and Luciana Villanueva of the California Artisan Cheese Guild walk us through everything happening during the festival.
We talk about:
Luciana Villanueva
President, California Artisan Cheese Guild
• What makes the California Artisan Cheese Festival a standout
• How the guild supports small creameries and dairy farms
• Why Sonoma County became a major artisan cheese region
• Current trends shaping California’s cheese industry
• The future of artisan cheesemaking in the state
They also help design the ultimate first-timer itinerary for festival weekend.
Festival Events Mentioned
🧀 Cheese Crawl – The Barlow (Sebastopol)
A passport-style tasting event featuring cheesemakers paired with local food and beverage producers.
🧀 Artisan Cheese Tasting & Marketplace
Held at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, this event brings together 25+ cheesemakers and artisan producers for one massive tasting experience.
🧀 Three Days of Cheese Experiences
Farm tours, tastings, pairings, and special events take place across Sonoma County throughout the weekend.
Why Sonoma County Became a Cheese Destination
From historic dairy farms to innovative creameries, Sonoma County has become one of the leading regions for artisan cheese in the United States. The California Artisan Cheese Festival celebrates the farmers, cheesemakers, and food producers who make that possible.
🍺 Crack One Open
Beer: Sonoma Springs Brewing — Bock The Walk
Style: German Bock Lager (6.8% ABV)
Location: Sonoma County, California
Nothing says spring in Sonoma County better than the tasty “Bock The Walk” from Sonoma Springs Brewing. This classic German-style bock pours deep amber with aromas of caramel, toasted bread, and toffee, followed by smooth malt sweetness and subtle dark fruit notes. It’s also a great beer and cheese pairing — especially with aged gouda, where the cheese’s nutty crystals mirror the beer’s caramel malt character. A perfect beer for a rainy Sonoma County afternoon, whether you grab it at Sonoma Springs Brewing or locally at Oliver’s Market.
Sonoma County beer, bock beer, Sonoma Springs Brewing, beer and cheese pairing, and Oliver’s Market finds — featured in this week’s California Artisan Cheese Festival episode.
