The Grand Gourmand

03/10/2026

The October booking deadline is fast approaching 🧀

Our 14th - 15th October, Academy of Cheese Level 1: Associate Certification course is almost here. If this course has been sitting on your “I’d love to do that” list, this is your reminder to turn that thought into a booking!

Two online evening sessions. Expert guidance. An internationally recognised introduction to cheese 📚

Don’t miss your opportunity to join this intake!

https://academyofcheese.org/course/the-grand-gourmand-associate-certification-level-one/

24/09/2026

Make October the month you get serious about cheese. 🧀

The Grand Gourmand’s next Academy of Cheese Level 1: Associate Certification course takes place online on 14th - 15th October.

Over two evening sessions, you’ll develop a stronger foundation in cheese knowledge and learn to approach tasting with greater understanding and confidence.

No travel required, just bring your curiosity and get ready to explore the fascinating world behind the cheese we eat.

https://academyofcheese.org/course/the-grand-gourmand-associate-certification-level-one/

08/09/2026

September’s cheese classroom is coming to you. 🧀💻

Join The Grand Gourmand online on 23rd & 24th September for the Academy of Cheese Level 1 course.

Across two evening sessions, you’ll begin building a stronger understanding of cheese and develop skills that can change the way you taste, describe and appreciate it.

Whether cheese is part of your profession or simply one of your favourite subjects, this is a chance to learn in a structured and internationally recognised programme.

Bookings open now! So don’t leave it too late to secure your place.

https://academyofcheese.org/course/the-grand-gourmand-associate-certification-level-one/

07/09/2026

26/08/2026

I heard this box has something special in it, I am lookin forward to receiving mine!

Last call for September orders.

Thursday 27 August is the cutoff for the next dispatch. Four hand-selected NZ artisan cheeses, maker stories, and pairing notes, shipped the first Wednesday of every month.

If Father's Day is still on your list, this is the moment.

Order before Thursday: thecheesewheel.co.nz

Ordering as a gift? Pop the recipient's name and shipping details in the notes at checkout and we'll make sure it reaches them.

25/08/2026

The Grand Gourmand, brings 23 years of experience in New Zealand’s speciality cheese industry to this Academy of Cheese training - With experience spanning cheesemaking, sales, education and the promotion of speciality cheese.

Our Level 1 courses are designed to make the world of cheese more understandable, giving participants a strong foundation on which to build their knowledge.

Join me, Franco - online for one of our upcoming courses:

📅 23rd - 24th September
📅 14th - 15th October
📅 11th -12th November

https://academyofcheese.org/course/the-grand-gourmand-associate-certification-level-one/

13/08/2026

There’s a lot more to tasting cheese than “I like it” or “I don’t.” 🧀

Learning to taste cheese properly opens up a whole new world of flavour, aroma, texture and craftsmanship.

The Academy of Cheese Level 1: Associate Certification, gives you a structured introduction to cheese and helps you build the vocabulary and knowledge to talk about it with confidence. Whether you work with cheese or simply want to understand it better, this is a chance to turn curiosity into genuine knowledge.

Upcoming online courses are available in September, October and November.

https://academyofcheese.org/course/the-grand-gourmand-associate-certification-level-one/

04/08/2026

Our next Academy of Cheese courses are now live!

If you’ve ever wanted to understand cheese beyond simply knowing what you like, this is your opportunity to learn how to taste, describe and appreciate it with greater confidence.

The Grand Gourmand’s Academy of Cheese Level 1: Associate Certification is an internationally recognised introduction to the world of cheese, suitable for industry professionals and enthusiastic cheese lovers alike.

Upcoming online course dates:

🧀 23rd - 24th September
🧀 14th - 15th October
🧀 11th - 12th November

Secure your place now through Academy of Cheese!

https://academyofcheese.org/course/the-grand-gourmand-associate-certification-level-one/

29/07/2026

Something a little different from us today, and a small confession.

Our Business Manager Franco, who many of you will know has spent almost 30 years in the New Zealand specialty cheese industry, was one of five judges at this year's NZ Vegan Cheese Awards, run by the Vegan Society of Aotearoa. He came home talking about what he tasted for quite some time.

The Supreme Winner was Savour Vegan Creamery's "Cashbert," a cashew-based Camembert complete with a proper mould-ripened rind. Judges described it as "unctuous and tasty, a perfect addition to any cheeseboard." Other strong performers included Let Them Eat Vegan, who picked up multiple Gold medals across categories, Epic Foods taking Gold for their Peri Peri Chilli and Feta, Zenzo winning Gold for Mozzarella, and One Love Planet earning medals for everything from a Bohemian Blue to a Cumin Chilli Garlic Havarti.

Whether you follow us for dairy or dairy-free, this is New Zealand food innovation doing something worth noticing. Congratulations to all the 2026 winners.

26/07/2026

This year's New Zealand Vegan Cheese Awards showcased the passion, creativity and innovation driving the industry forward. From traditional styles to exciting new creations, the quality on display made judging a rewarding experience.

Congratulations to the makers of the supreme award-winning Cashbert Creamy Camembert and to every producer who entered. It's fantastic to see plant-based cheese continuing to evolve and gain well-deserved recognition.

Read more about Savour, the supreme winner, here:
�https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/food/a-camembert-made-from-cashews-is-new-zealand-s-top-vegan-cheese

The "unctuous and tasty" cheese stood out among a growing array of plant-based options.