Foundations of Professional Cheesemaking

Whether you're aspiring to become a professional cheesemaker or looking to refine your skills, this immersive 5-day course is your gateway to mastering the foundations of artisan cheesemaking.

Led by world-renowned cheesemaker and educator Ivan Larcher, this hands-on course offers a rare opportunity to learn from one of the industry's most respected experts. With limited places available, you'll benefit from focused, practical training in our purpose-built cheese facility.

What You’ll Learn

This course takes a whole-system approach to artisan cheesemaking, starting at the source and guiding you through every stage of the process:

• Milk & Animals: Understand the link between farm animals, milk quality, and how to assess it effectively.
• Cheesemaking Science & Technique: Dive into raw and pasteurised milk theory, microbiology, biochemistry, starters, coagulants, curdling mechanisms, and moulding techniques.
• Food Safety & Quality Control: Learn how to use pH meters and titratable acidity measurements correctly, and apply techniques to ensure consistent quality.
• Hands-On Production: Make lactic, soft, and hard cheeses under Ivan’s expert supervision.
• Affinage Introduction: Explore ripening cultures, climate control, rind treatment, and ageing techniques.
• Facility Design: Gain insights into designing and equipping your own artisan cheese production space.
• Expert Guidance: Ask questions and receive tailored advice from Ivan throughout the course.
• Cheese Tasting: Enjoy a dégustation of artisan cheeses and dairy products.

What’s Included

• All ingredients, equipment, and recipes provided
• Refreshments throughout the day
• Delicious lunches prepared by our in-house catering team

No formal prerequisites are required, though prior experience in cheesemaking or food science is highly recommended.

Please Note:

Whilst we make every effort to adhere to best practices regarding allergen control and cross-contamination at The School of Artisan Food, we sincerely regret that we are unable to cater for severe food allergies or coeliac disease. This is due to the continuous and varied use of our teaching spaces, common areas and food preparation areas.

If in any doubt, please contact us to discuss prior to making a booking.

The School of Artisan Food is nestled in the heart of Sherwood Forest on The Welbeck Estate, Nottinghamshire, just a few minutes from the A1 and M1.