Rolling the Cheese

Each winter the movers and shakers of the cheese world (yes, you heard me right) flock to Sonoma for the Sonoma Valley Cheese Conference, founded by owner Sheana Davis. 

This year, in addition to the lectures and round-tables on the economics and artistry of the food business from industry leaders, thanks to Davis participants of the ninth annual conference will receive a crash course in a new skill: the art of cheese rolling.

"It's just fun, you know, it's goofy. I'm a cheese nerd, what can I say," said Davis.

Using a compartmentalized ramp, participants will roll wheels of cheese in a race to the finish. The ramp, inspired by one used for skateboarding, was built by one of Davis' regular clients and folds down to fit into the back of her Subaru. ("My one requirement," she explains.)

Cheeses will compete by category including Wisconsin vs. California and Sheep's milk vs. Cow's milk.

A host of local "celebrities" and foodie notables will compete, including Sonoma Mayor Laurie Gallian, Sonoma Police Chief Brett Sacket, and, well...me.

That's right Sonoma Patch will be competing in the cheese rolling competition, and I'm hoping some of our readers will join.

Enter our contest two win two free tickets to the Sonoma Valley Cheese Conference's Beer and Cheese Tasting.

Upload your best food-themed shot of Sonoma to our . (Or, you can e-mail it to Alexis.Fitts@Patch.com). If we feature it, you win two tickets, and the chance to compete head-to-head against me. Fair warning, I've got cheese rolling chops.

But, even if you're not a "local celebrity," everyone who attends the conference's kick off "Cheese Beer and Wine Tasting" will have the chance to participate.

Davis started the tasting event as a way of opening up the industry-centric event to the locals, who just want to come by for a taste and a good time.

"Most locals were like: 'Hmm, you're asking me to come and taste beer and cheese? I'm sold.' Our first year we were oversubscribed," she said.

Tickets still sell out quickly, so scoop them up soon.

Cheese rolling winners will take home a hand-curated gift basket of goodies from the Epicurean Connection. (Trust me, you want this box.)

But you better get cracking if you want to win one.

"I've had lots of people come by, wanting to practice. They're taking it seriously," said Davis.

The Gist: The inaugural  cheese rolling competition kicks off at the "Cheese, Beer and Wine Tasting" at the MacArthur Place, Sunday, Feb. 27. Tickets: $25, include lots of tastes from Sonoma's best and brightest foodies. (Or, win them)

The Ninth Sonoma Valley Cheese Conference runs from Feb. 28 to March 3. Tickets: $250. The complete star-studded schedule is posted on the Epicurean Connection's website.