Educational Tasting Experiences to Celebrate Empire State’s Artisan Cheese

Little Falls, NY — Visitors to the Little Falls Cheese Festival will have the opportunity to experience New York cheese in a whole new way during Taste New York Cheese, a series of three guided tasting sessions taking place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Rock City Centre (690 East Main Street, Little Falls, NY 13365), located at the end of the festival route.

“The Little Falls Cheese Fest Planning Committee is very excited to welcome The Cheese Traveler and this carefully curated lineup of educational tastings. The classes are a wonderful opportunity for interested participants to take a break from the excitement of the festival AND take a deep dive into the fascinating world of cheese!” -Suzie Jones, Little Falls Cheese Festival Committee Volunteer.

Hosted by The Cheese Traveler of Albany, each 60-minute session is led by proprietor and head cheesemonger Mary Rizzo, one of New York’s most respected cheese educators. Through guided tastings and engaging storytelling, Mary makes artisan cheese approachable while sharing the craftsmanship and traditions behind every bite.

Designed specifically for cheese enthusiasts, not industry professionals, each session will feature a unique selection of cheeses generously donated by New York cheesemakers. Guests will enjoy guided tastings while learning about the science, history, craftsmanship, and techniques that make every style of cheese unique. A portion of the proceeds from Taste New York Cheese will benefit the New York State Cheese Council (NYSCC) and The Meeting of the Milkmaids.

Founded by Rachel Banks, Recipe Development Specialist and Caves Manager at Eden Valley Creamery, the New York State Cheese Council works to strengthen New York’s cheese community through education, outreach, and awareness. The Meeting of the Milkmaids, founded by Rebecca Collins Brooks, farmer and farmstead cheesemaker, connects, supports and empowers women in the cheese world by building collaboration, mentorship, and community.

By attending Taste New York Cheese, guests are not only enjoying exceptional artisan cheeses, they are helping to support educational programming, outreach and critically important initiatives that strengthen New York’s cheese community while fostering the next generation of cheese enthusiasts and professionals. Every ticket purchased helps advance the missions of both the New York State Cheese Council and The Meeting of the Milkmaids, ensuring that New York’s rich cheesemaking tradition continues to grow and thrive.

The tours include these topics and stops:

• New York Cheese: The Basics
• Look at Those Rinds!
• New York Is More Than Cheddar…But It’s Where We Began

Whether you’re attending your first cheese festival or have long appreciated New York’s exceptional cheesemakers, Taste New York Cheese offers a memorable opportunity to learn, taste, and celebrate the incredible diversity of cheeses produced across the Empire State.

Register here.

Read more about the event here.