Neil Willman, renowned international cheese guru says cheese runs in his veins. He was intrigued to discover a fascinating link with the past. In 1829 his great great grandfather James was convicted for theft of a cheese and sentenced to 7 years in the colony of Australia. “Thank goodness there was no processed cheese in those days” he says.

Willman, now the Master Judge of the New Zealand Cheese Awards will be sharing his cheese knowledge and passion in a series of courses in Christchurch. You can make your own cheese in a one day hands on course where you will turn 2 litres of milk into delicious Brie and or Blue vein under Neil’s instruction and yes you take it home to nurture and watch over until it’s ready to eat! Two dates available August 8th (Brie, Ricotta and Quarg) and August 9th (Blue vein, Ricotta and Mascarpone).

Another course on offer is Cheese Discovery, an evening of tutoring and tantalising your tastebuds on 7th August.

During Cheese Discovery Willman, who recently accepted the position of Honorary Principal of the New Zealand Cheese School, will be sharing some fascinating and little known facts about cheese. He will debunk common misconceptions such as cheese and lactose (he says most cheese contains none) and even surprise you with some great health stories and myths about cheese. He will explain how to select and prepare a cheeseboard for social occasions, tips for storing cheeses, how to choose a good one, know when cheese is at its best and what to match with it.

Wherever Willman goes good cheese is never far away and he will present some of the great cheeses of New Zealand and from around the world for tasting.

Willman is not only an international judge, but now trains cheese judges and cheesemakers, and in between he’s touring the world tasting cheese.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity. For further details or bookings visit The New Zealand Cheese School website at http://www.newzealandcheeseschool.co.nz/ or phone 07-8868238.