Juliet Harbutt's Cheese Masterclasses

We've teamed up with cheese guru and all-round expert foodie, Juliet Harbutt, to bring you an opportunity to squish, sniff and slurp your way through some of the
world's finest cheese, wonderful wines and local, seasonal food and drink. Juliet's Cheese Masterclasses are fun, fascinating, informative and a unique experience.

Since 1991 when Juliet sold her share in the wine and cheese shop, Jeroboams, she has been working as a retail consultant, educator, journalist and running the Great British Cheese Festival and British Cheese Awards, which are now in their 15th year.

CHEESE & WINE MASTERCLASSES 2010

This is a chance to learn more about wine, cheese and how they go together and to look at the myths and misconceptions behind the world of cheese. It covers the 7 different types of cheese, a system of categorising cheese that allows even a beginner to reduce the vast array of cheeses now available into some semblance of order.

We're not talking malolactic fermentation or heavy info on viticulture, but about knowing your Pinot Noir from your Merlot, your Chablis from your Chardonnay - so whether you are out for dinner with clients or hosting a party you will have the knowledge to choose with confidence.

Using classic and New World examples and an assortment of cheese we will discover how one wine will literally bring out the best in one cheese, adding to the sensual experience of dining while another will leave the taste-buds diving for cover.

Join fellow wine drinkers in learning to make combinations that will impress your fellow diners and ensure you are never intimidated again by a wine list, a wine waiter or the cheese trolley! It is fun, interactive and inspirational and informative and designed for anyone who loves cheese.

Masterclasses are usually held on a Saturday evening at Juliet's Home in Churchill, Oxfordshire, UK from 1930 - 2300. The cost is £95 per person [£85.50 per person for 3 or more cheeselovers] and the classes are held on the following dates in 2010:

* 14th August
* 11th December

Please contact 01608 658 929 or email The Cheese Web to book your place NOW! Also ask for further details about special, customised classes and events.

JUDGING A CHEESE BY ITS COVER 2010

Unlike wine, the character of a cheese can be judged by a glance at its rind and an occasional squeeze. From just this brief encounter you can predict its texture, taste, strength of flavour and with practice even the stage of maturity. So whether you are in a deli in New York or a restaurant in Richmond, using the 'rind' method you can categorise 90% of all cheeses into one of seven basic types. The system allows even a beginner to reduce the vast array of cheeses now available into some semblance of order.

The reason the rind method works is because the rind is made of mould - the type of mould that grows is determined by the moisture content and this in turn determines the texture of a cheese. You can therefore literally judge a cheese by its cover!

Using classic examples from around the world as benchmarks [along with some excellent wines] Juliet will ensure you leave with sufficient knowledge of cheese to impress friends and family with your expertise.

Masterclasses are usually held on a Saturday evening at Juliet's Home in Churchill, Oxfordshire, UK from 1930 - 2300. The cost is £85 per person [£80 per person for 3 or more cheeselovers] and the classes are held on the following dates in 2010:

* 24th July
* 13th November

Please contact 01608 658 929 or email The Cheese Web to book your place NOW!

Also dont forget that you can meet some of us from Pong Cheese and see Juliet Harbutt giving further Masterclasses at Britain's Biggest Cheese Festival in Cardiff Castle 2010 on 25th & 26th September.