Whey cool

The 10th annual Artisan Cheese Festival in Petaluma takes place next weekend, and for the first time, it features events in California’s Central Valley. About time, right? On Friday, March 18, two intimate tour groups will explore farms north and south of Sacramento from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The north tour meets at Nugget Market in Woodland (157 Main Street) and visits Pedrozo Dairy, Orland Farmstead Creamery and Sierra Nevada Cheese Co. up in Orland and Willows. The south tour meets at the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op (1900 Alhambra Boulevard) and heads to Fiscalini Farmstead Cheese, Nicolau Farms and Nutcher Milk Company in the San Joaquin Valley for a mix of amazing cheddar, goat cheese and flavored milks. No matter the tour, you’ll meet farmers, hear stories, learn lots and taste delicious dairy products. Tickets cost $135, which includes transportation and lunch. More at http://artisancheesefestival.com.