From Syracuse to Spain: Award-Winning Cheesemonger Sarah Simiele Takes on the World Stage with Wisconsin Cheese
October 20, 2026 | 3 min to read
MADISON, Wis. — Award-winning cheesemonger Sarah Simiele of Syracuse, New York, joins an international field of finalists vying for the 2026 Young Cheesemonger of the Year title at the World Cheese Awards in Córdoba, Spain, on Nov. 12. Simiele competes with support from Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin’s (DFW) Cheese State University (CSU), as part of its commitment to advancing cheese education and developing the next generation of industry professionals.
Hosted by the Academy of Cheese, the competition brings together emerging cheese professionals from around the world to demonstrate their knowledge, technical skills and expertise.
Simiele brings an accomplished record to the competition. An American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professional and 2023 Cheesemonger Invitational Champion, she owns The Curd Nerd, an independent cheese and specialty grocery store, and The Wedge, a cheese-centric restaurant focused on artisan cheese, farm-to-table food and education, both in Syracuse.
A 2023 CSU Scholar, Simiele has made education and mentorship central to her career. She currently serves as vice chair of the American Cheese Society Education Committee, contributing to educational programming and professional development opportunities for cheese professionals nationwide. She has also mentored aspiring competitors through Cheese State University’s Prep Lab program, sharing her knowledge and experience with others preparing to compete.
“To compete alongside some of the most talented young cheesemongers from around the world is an incredible opportunity,” said Simiele. “One of the things I love most about this industry is that there’s always something new to discover. Cheese State University has been an important part of my journey, both as a scholar and as a mentor to other cheesemongers. I’m grateful for their support and excited to represent a community that’s constantly learning, sharing knowledge and pushing each other to be better.”
Simiele follows fellow Cheese State University-supported cheesemonger Hanna Lee, who made history in 2025 as the first American to win the Young Cheesemonger of the Year title.
“Exceptional cheese deserves exceptional advocates, and developing that expertise requires a commitment to education at every stage of a professional’s career,” said Molly Browne, Education Director at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and Dean of Mongers at Cheese State University. “Sarah has distinguished herself not only through her accomplishments, but through her dedication to educating consumers and mentoring fellow cheesemongers. We’re proud to support her on the international stage and to see the next generation of cheese professionals bringing such talent and purpose to the industry.”
Through Cheese State University, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is helping shape the future of the cheese industry by advancing professional education and fostering mentorship. Rooted in Wisconsin’s longstanding tradition of cheesemaking excellence, CSU is committed to preserving generations of knowledge while empowering cheese professionals to build upon that legacy and carry the industry forward.
To learn more about the Young Cheesemonger of the Year competition, visit academyofcheese.org. For more information about Cheese State University and its educational programs, professional development opportunities and resources for cheese professionals, visit CheeseStateUniversity.com.
About Academy of Cheese/Young Cheesemonger of the Year:
The Academy of Cheese is an impartial, not for profit organisation, created in 2016 to establish an industry supported, recognised and certified development programme to promote cheese knowledge, cheese education and careers in cheese. Academy courses educate both consumers and professionals through four levels of certification culminating in the highly anticipated accolade of Master of Cheese.
About Cheese State University:
Cheese State University (CSU) is a free online professional educational platform created by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin to advance cheese knowledge and professional development. Through self-paced courses, industry credentials, expert-led programming and mentorship opportunities, CSU equips cheesemongers, retailers and other cheese professionals with the knowledge and skills to grow their careers. The initiative reflects Wisconsin dairy farmers’ commitment to strengthening the cheese industry through education and developing the next generation of cheese professionals. Learn more at CheeseStateUniversity.com.