What’s better than a bit of Oregon cheese? How about all of it in one place? The Oregon Cheese Festival will take place Saturday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rogue Creamery in Central Point. Get a taste of goat, cow and sheep cheese from more than 20 creameries, sip on Southern Oregon wine and beer and taste gourmet foods from 100 different vendors. “You’ll be able to sample cheese from cheesemakers across the state,” says Vern Caldwell, president of the Oregon Cheese Guild.

Wineries and breweries bring beverages chosen to partner with the cheeses. At one demonstration, Cheese Bar owner Steve Jones and food writer Janet Fletcher will evaluate significant cheese and beer pairings, “cheese and beers that have a relationship,” Caldwell says. “Cheesemakers and brewmasters who developed a product with the other in mind.”

Entry is $15 and includes sampling and demonstrations. Wine tasting costs an additional $5. For a meal built entirely around Oregon cheese, pull up to the table on Friday, March 15, at the Ashland Springs Hotel for a special meal created by Los Angeles cheese monger and chef Chester Hastings ($95).

Save the date: With Oregon brewers and cheesemakers getting all friendly, it was bound to happen; this fall will see the inaugural Double EE Festival in Corvallis, a big cheesy, sudsy party brought to you by the Oregon Cheese Guild and the Oregon Brewers Guild. Stay tuned for details.