I just had the honor of being one of the 265 judges at the World Cheese Awards last week!
It was such an incredible experience being surrounded by so much cheese and people from all over the world who are passionate about it.
I will be making a full video about this in a few days, but here are just some snapshots from this fantastic experience that I will remember for the rest of my life!
The World Cheese Awards is renowned as the largest and most prestigious cheese competition worldwide, attracting cheese makers, cheesemongers, and enthusiasts from every corner of the globe. Held in Bern, Switzerland for the 2025-26 event, the competition offers a unique window into the diversity and craftsmanship of cheese production. Being one of the 265 judges entrusted with evaluating hundreds of cheese varieties is both an honor and a thrilling challenge. Judges undergo a rigorous process to assess cheeses based on texture, aroma, appearance, and flavor balance. The event’s competitive spirit is matched by the passion for quality and innovation, with entries coming from traditional cheese producers to avant-garde dairies. The atmosphere at the awards is electric—imagine rooms filled with wheels and blocks of cheese representing cultures and techniques worldwide. This immersive experience fosters a deep appreciation for the art of cheesemaking, encouraging exchanges between judges and producers that help push the craft forward. The snapshots and glimpses shared so far only begin to capture the scale and excitement of the event. For anyone interested in cheese culture, gourmet food festivals, or culinary competitions, the World Cheese Awards exemplify excellence and diversity across the spectrum. Stay tuned for the full video that will dive deeper into this remarkable event, providing firsthand stories, tasting notes, and the joyous moments that make the World Cheese Awards a life-lasting memory for its judges and participants alike. Keywords integrated: World Cheese Awards, 2025-26, Switzerland Bern, largest cheese competition, cheese judging, cheesemonger, cheese passion.
