The only complaint I have is that I was blissfully unaware that you can pick up your tickets at the show once booked – I drive all the way to my nearest Checkers store to pick up my tickets – something that I could of avoided had I known.

As for my experience, well my first impression was that it is way too commercialized. Checkers signs absolutely everywhere and in the checkers tent playing disco tech fast beat music? Not exactly what I had in mind when attending a cheese festival. Furthermore, the interaction with the cheese makers – those who have a passion and love for the divine delicates they produce – was sadly minimal.

One thing that astonished me was the sheer greed of people. Shocking! I actually saw a gentleman stuff a hand full of tasters in the pockets of his jacket. Is this really what South Africans deem appropriate at a cheese festival? To me cheese and wine has a romantic sophisticated atmosphere, a cheese festival should be an event where one can appreciate fine cuisine and wine – not where an event where people stuff their face with as much free cheese as you can possibly fit into your belly.

On the positive side, the selection of wine was superb and I did find a cheese that relates to my all time favourite soft creamy French chèvre.

Hoping next years event will have a bit more class.