22 November 2016

On Tuesday November 22nd 2016 we held our fifth annual Cheese and Wine Matching Workshop at Allansford Cheese World.

Our special guest cheese makers for the evening were Roger and Sue Haldane from Shaw River Buffalo Cheese. The beginnings of the Australian Buffalo milking and cheese industry started in Camperdown when the Haldanes imported buffalo from Italy and Bulgaria in the mid 1990’s. Roger and Sue started their buffalo cheese making venture under the Purrumbete label. When they outgrew the factory in Camperdown they built a factory in Yambuk and, in 2000, they shifted the family, buffalo herd and processing to the banks of the Shaw River. These creative cheese makers have developed their own truly unique buffalo milk cheeses and yogurts.

To contrast, Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Cheese Grader, David Mellor, showcased the Warrnambool Cheddar cheese varieties produced using state of the art computerised technology in one of Australia's most modern and largest cheese production plants. The majority of cheese produced at Warrnambool Cheese & Butter is of the standard cheddar variety, low fat cheddar, skim milk, gouda and Emmental cheeses.

Koonara Wines were in attendance to expertly match their wines with the cheese. Koonara is the name of Dru and Nicole Reschke’s property in Coonawarra which has been in the family for over 100 years. They practice organic viticulture and believe quality is paramount in creating a wine which is not only good, but consistent and age worthy.

Over 60 guests attended and each were presented with individual platters of 6 cheese samples that were expertly matched with 6 wines. The makers shared their knowledge as each sample was tasted and much discussion was shared between them and the participants.

Our guests commented on the excellent opportunity to learn more about the products from paddock to plate through the sample tasting and by hearing directly from the makers.

Some even made it an extra special night by travelling by Limo to the event.

Regards,

Kim Kavanagh
Allansford Cheese World
Marketing and Promotions Coordinator
55653190