Events To Celebrate National Cheese Lover's Day
By Brandon Smith
National Cheese Lover's Day is January 20th, a day dedicated to celebrating one of the world’s most beloved foods—cheese! Did you know the average American eats about 34 pounds of cheese annually? At Officewell, we’re all about helping you find unique experiences to celebrate with your team, and this cheesy holiday is the perfect excuse to bond over brie or laugh over gouda. Whether you're a hardcore cheese enthusiast or someone who simply appreciates a good charcuterie board, we’ve got ideas for how to make this day as indulgent and fun as possible.
Looking to plan an event for your office or team? Officewell’s Experience Marketplace is packed with activities, including some cheesy options we think you’ll love. From interactive classes to wine pairings, there’s something for every type of cheese lover.
But before we dive into how to celebrate, let’s talk about how cheese came to be. Spoiler alert: it’s not just a story of dairy but also of happy accidents and ancient innovation.
A Brief History of Cheese
Cheese is as old as civilization itself. Though no one knows exactly how it was discovered, legend suggests it began thousands of years ago when milk was stored in sheep’s stomachs—ancient containers that acted as natural fermenters. After a few days, the milk proteins would separate into curds and whey, and the solids were preserved with salt. What began as a necessity quickly evolved into an art form, as humans discovered ways to refine flavors and textures.
The oldest record of cheesemaking dates back to 5,500 BCE in what is now Poland. Fast forward to today, and there are over 1,400 varieties of cheese worldwide. From sharp and tangy cheddars to creamy mascarpone, every cheese tells a story about its region, climate, and culture.
Want to dive deeper into the science of cheese? This Smithsonian article explains the fascinating chemical process behind every wheel of cheese.
Why Celebrate National Cheese Lover's Day?
Beyond being delicious, cheese has a way of bringing people together. It’s the star of charcuterie boards at gatherings, the perfect companion to wine, and an essential ingredient in countless recipes. National Cheese Lover's Day gives you the opportunity to savor, learn about, and appreciate this versatile food. Plus, for workplaces, celebrating together can be a fun way to boost morale and foster team spirit.
Whether you’re planning an office event or just want a reason to indulge, celebrating cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The Best Ways to Celebrate National Cheese Lover's Day
Looking for ideas to make January 20th unforgettable? Here’s how you can celebrate the day in style.
1. Charcuterie Board Class
Elevate your cheese knowledge with a hands-on charcuterie board class. Learn the art of assembling meats, cheeses, fruits, and crackers into Instagram-worthy spreads. These classes teach you how to pair flavors and textures, all while enjoying your favorite types of cheese. Perfect for teams, this is a great way to eat and learn together.
Book Now to schedule a charcuterie board workshop for your office!
2. Wine & Cheese Tasting
Pairing wine and cheese is an age-old tradition that never gets old. Join a guided wine and cheese tasting to discover why certain flavors work so well together. Whether you're into bold reds or crisp whites, there's a cheese to match. This experience is ideal for cheese aficionados and wine lovers alike.
Book Now for a wine and cheese-tasting event your team will love!
3. Cheese Making Class
Why just eat cheese when you can learn to make it yourself? Cheesemaking classes are a hands-on way to connect with this ancient craft. From mozzarella to ricotta, you’ll discover the science and art behind cheesemaking, all while creating something you can enjoy at the end.
Ready to give it a try? Book Now for a cheesemaking experience that’s perfect for your team.
4. DIY Charcuterie Board Competition
Turn your love of cheese into a friendly competition! Host a DIY charcuterie board contest where participants create their own unique boards. You can even bring in a professional to judge and award prizes for creativity, presentation, and taste combinations. It’s a fun, interactive way to celebrate cheese while sparking creativity.
5. Take a Class at Murray’s Cheese
For those in the NYC area, Murray’s Cheese is an institution. They offer everything from cheese-pairing workshops to cheesemaking classes. If you’re not local, you can check out their virtual options, which include tastings and how-to sessions.
Learn more about Murray's Cheese classes here.
6. Plan a Cheese & Movie Night
Combine two great loves—cheese and movies—into one cozy evening. Pick a movie that features cheese (like Ratatouille or Wallace & Gromit) and set up a buffet with different cheeses to sample. Encourage your guests to try new varieties they’ve never tasted before.
For a team setting, you can easily host this as a virtual event by sending cheese kits in advance! Check out Officewell’s virtual experiences for ideas.
FAQs About National Cheese Lover’s Day
Q: Why is National Cheese Lover’s Day celebrated on January 20th?
A: There’s no specific historical reason for the date, but it’s a great time to highlight cheese’s versatility during the cozy winter months.
Q: How can I learn more about pairing cheese with food and drinks?
A: Many wine and cheese shops, like Murray’s Cheese, offer classes and guides on pairings. You can also join a tasting experience via Officewell.
Q: What’s the most popular type of cheese in America?
A: Cheddar consistently ranks as a favorite, but mozzarella is the most consumed thanks to its use in pizza.
Q: Are there healthy cheese options?
A: Absolutely! Cottage cheese and part-skim mozzarella are lower in fat and calories, making them great options for those watching their diet.
Q: Can I celebrate National Cheese Lover's Day virtually?
A: Yes! Many virtual experiences, like cheese tastings and charcuterie workshops, can be done remotely. Check out Officewell for options.
Let National Cheese Lover’s Day Be an Experience to Remember
Cheese lovers, rejoice! January 20th is your day to shine. Whether you’re building a charcuterie board, sampling wine pairings, or learning to make your own mozzarella, there are endless ways to celebrate. And if you’re planning an event for your team, Officewell can help you book an experience that’s as unforgettable as your favorite cheese.
Give us a shout—contact us today to start planning your next cheesy celebration!