Vermont Cheesemakers Festival Held At Shelburne Farms

The 14th annual festival showcased over 50 local vendors to highlight state farmers and their artisanal products.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Food and Drink

Gouache-painted illustration of artisanal cheese wedges on a rustic wooden board, evoking the craft of Vermont cheesemaking.
The 14th annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival brought together over 50 local vendors at Shelburne Farms this weekend to showcase artisanal dairy products. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Vermont Cheese Council hosted its 14th annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival at Shelburne Farms this weekend. The event concluded Vermont Cheese Week by bringing together over 26 cheesemakers and 30 additional local food and wine producers.

Why it matters

This festival serves as a primary platform to promote local Vermont farmers and highlight the quality of artisanal products produced within the state. It provides a direct venue for small-scale operations to connect with a broader consumer base.

The festival featured over 26 cheese vendors and more than 30 food, wine, and jam producers. Tickets for the 14th annual event were priced at approximately $69.50 per person.

The players

Vermont Cheese Council

This organization works to promote the interests of cheesemakers across the state through events and education.

Shelburne Farms

This historic venue serves as a working farm and non-profit educational organization in Vermont.

The details

Attendees at Shelburne Farms explored a variety of offerings from Vermont-based cheesemakers through free samples provided in the main barn. Organizers also featured small-scale agricultural operations on the main stage to spotlight local farmers.

Timeline

  1. Vermont Cheese Week concluded on September 21, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

The festival aligns with the broader push to support regional artisan food economies over mass-produced alternatives. This event mirrors a growing national interest in hyper-local agricultural tourism and direct-to-consumer food marketing.

The festival provided an opportunity for visitors to sample and purchase goods directly from more than 50 local producers. Future events are planned by the council for next year, offering more chances for consumers to engage with Vermont artisans.

The takeaway

Supporting local cheesemakers directly impacts the sustainability of small-scale agricultural operations. Consumers interested in artisanal food should look for local events that bridge the gap between farmers and the public.

Further reading

For more information on regional culinary events, visit Food and Drink.

Source note: This article includes information reported by My NBC5.

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