How to organise a cheese tasting

A successful cheese tasting depends on a clear sequence, not a crowded table of random cheeses. Start by confirming the venue, guest list and dietary requirements, then build the cheese selection and tasting order around the number of guests. Leave enough time to chill drinks, prepare labels and set up separate tasting stations. The details people often leave too late are registration numbers, allergy information, scorecards and enough bread, water and glasses between rounds.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Reserve venue
2
Send invitations
3
Process registrations
4
Collect dietary requirements
5
Create final guest list
6
Put together a cheese assortment
2 people
7
Order supplies
8
Determine the tasting order
2 people
9
Prepare name badges
10
Print test forms
11
Do the shopping
2 people
12
Chill cheese and drinks
2 people
13
Prepare snacks
3 people
14
Clean the venue
2 people
15
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
16
Set the tables
2 people
17
Arrange cheese platters
3 people
18
Set up tasting stations
2 people
19
Chill drinks
2 people
20
Lay out name badges
21
Set up the reception table
2 people

Event

22
Welcome guests
2 people
23
Explain the tasting rules
24
Serve cheese rounds
3 people
25
Refill bread and garnishes
2 people
26
Refill drinks
2 people
27
Collect used dishes
2 people
28
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
29
Pack leftovers safely
2 people

Aftercare

30
Clear tables
3 people
31
Wash dishes
2 people
32
Clean the venue
3 people
33
Sort and take out waste
2 people
34
Check materials
2 people
35
Return borrowed items
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 45
Buffet tableqty 2
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Cheese plattersqty 8
Cheese knivesqty 12
Platesqty 50
Dessert platesqty 50
Water glassesqty 50
Wine glassesqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 45
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving tongsqty 8
Pitcherqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knifeqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2
Kitchen scale
Serving plattersqty 12

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee maker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Cheese labelsqty 40
Menusqty 8
Name badgesqty 50
Test formsqty 50

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Washing-up tubsqty 2
Cleaning cart

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the guest deadline before ordering cheese. Once registrations close, create the final guest list and check dietary requirements before calculating quantities or printing name badges.
Choose the tasting order before arranging the platters: start with the mildest cheese and move towards stronger flavours. Put cheese labels and menus in place so guests can follow each round without interrupting the explanation.
Set up one tasting station per small group, with plates, cheese knives, water glasses, wine glasses and test forms. Print a few extra forms and prepare spare name badges for late changes.
Chill cheese and drinks in advance, but do not cut every cheese hours ahead. Bring the cheese out shortly before serving so it can reach a suitable tasting temperature without drying out.
Plan the gaps between rounds for refilling bread, garnishes and water. Keep a pitcher, serving tongs and backup platters ready at the buffet table so replenishing does not stop the tasting.

Frequently asked questions

How many cheeses do I need for a cheese tasting?: Plan for about 5 to 7 cheeses for a focused tasting, with roughly 50 to 75 grams of cheese per guest in total. Increase the amount if the tasting is also serving as a full meal.
How long does a cheese tasting take?: Allow around 90 minutes for five to seven cheeses, including introductions and short breaks between rounds. Add at least 30 minutes beforehand for table setup, labels, drinks and tasting forms.
When should I order the cheese for a tasting?: Order specialty cheeses about 7 to 14 days ahead, especially if the selection depends on a supplier. Confirm the final guest count and dietary requirements before placing the final order.
What should I serve with cheese at a tasting?: Provide bread or crackers, water and simple garnishes for each round, then add drinks that suit the planned cheese order. Prepare enough bread for every guest plus about 20 percent extra, because it is commonly used up before the cheese.

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