Judy Creighton ACS, CCP

So what exactly is an ACS, CCP? American Cheese Society – Certified Cheese Professional, which is the equivalent of a Sommelier Certification, but all about cheese instead of wines. The certification is no small thing, it requires 6000 hours of education and a grueling test, which I’m certainly glad is in the past.

I’ve been in a food retail environment for most of my career. My husband Charlie and I owned three successful cheese businesses in San Francisco for over 25 years, a cheese shop with over 300 cheeses, a specialty cheese & wine shop plus cafe and an artisan bakery-cafe. Then I’ve continued another 15 years at a local winery In Murphys as their cheese market director.

I have traveled extensively educate myself, to continue to explore the culinary scene, keep learning and finding new and unique artisan cheeses and wines in California as well as all over the world. I work closely with cheese and wine makers and importers to source these products with care for my clients as well as my private events.

I served on the board of the California Artisan Cheese Guild, consulted with wineries and event venues all over California on their cheese programs. I have served as a judge at two American Cheese Society competitions and once at a California State Fair competition. While writing a cheese column for our local newspaper I was inspired to start my career as an author. I was the startup Core Instructor at the Cheese School of San Francisco where I taught a variety of cheese topics. Teaching about cheese to budding artisan cheesemakers at an cheesemaking course at College of Marin was a thrill. I’ve always been a great supporter of artisan cheeses so I also provide educational programs for retailers and present private wine and cheese pairing events at local wineries. I consider myself a dedicated cheesemonger at heart and love teaching about the wonders of cheese.

I was also the Cheesemonger and now Cheese Program Consultant at Lavender Ridge Vineyard in Murphys ,California, in the Sierra Foothills near Yosemite Valley, where I live with my husband and Bedlington Terrier, Sadie.

My passion is exploring specialty artisan cheese and wine and sharing my knowledge with others. I would love to have the opportunity to work with you at your small private event (drop festival) or retail venue! Please let me know how I can be of assistance.

Note: More details about Judy’s experience and valued role in the American Artisan Cheese Community are available in her book: “Cheese Loves Wine.”