Introductory Cheese Course - Online, Certified, Practical
Learn to understand, evaluate, describe, and present cheese with confidence in a structured course, even if you are starting from zero.
Next session: Autumn, 2026 - stay tuned.
Format: Online, 2 live Zoom sessions, approximately 3h each
Price: €239
Is this course for you?
This course is ideal for:
- Cheese lovers who want real knowledge, not just casual tasting
- Chefs, waiters, sommeliers, and HoReCa professionals
- Specialty retail and gourmet shop professionals
- Food writers and bloggers
- Marketers and communicators working with producers
- Producers seeking a shared international cheese language
You do not need prior experience. If you are curious, motivated, and ready to study in a structured way, this course gives you a strong foundation.
What you'll walk away with
After this course, you will be able to:
- Understand the fundamentals of how cheese is made
- Recognise the role of milk type, production methods, and maturation
- Evaluate cheese using a clearer professional framework
- Speak about cheese with more confidence and precision
- Approach tasting in a more structured way
- Prepare for the Academy of Cheese Level 1 exam
- Take the first step toward an internationally recognised cheese certification
Our promise
I help cheese lovers and food professionals build a solid foundation in cheese knowledge and prepare for Academy of Cheese Level 1 certification through a guided online course, without needing previous industry experience.
How the course works
Step 1: Join the live online sessions
You attend two live Zoom sessions (aprox. 3h each) where we cover the core concepts and guide you through the course structure.
Step 2: Taste and evaluate 12 cheeses
During the second session, you take part in a guided tasting of 12 international cheeses and work with tasting sheets and practical evaluation tools.
Step 3: Study at your own pace
You continue with the Academy of Cheese learning platform in English, supported by Romanian-language materials and guidance.
Step 4: Take the online exam
When you feel ready, you take the Level 1 exam online. You have up to 12 months to complete it.
What you will learn
The course covers the 9 core modules of Academy of Cheese Level 1:
Maturation and affinage
Qualitative evaluation
Purchasing and distribution
You will learn both the technical foundations and the language of cheese, so you can better understand, evaluate, present, and talk about cheese in a personal or professional context.
What is included in the price
Your €239 includes:
- 2 live Zoom sessions (aprox. 3h each)
- Guided tasting framework for 12 cheeses
- Support materials
- Academy of Cheese tasting sheets
- Academy of Cheese cheese flavour wheel and practical tools
- full access to the Academy of Cheese platform
- Cheese Library access with over 400 cheeses
- Exam preparation support
- Online examination fee
- Feedback and support throughout your study
- WhatsApp group support during the study period
Bonus included
Complete Guide to Selecting, Cutting, and Pairing Cheeses
Created especially for consumers, this exclusive resource helps you apply what you learn beyond the course itself.
It is included free for students enrolled in this program.
Why this course is different
There are many food courses that give information. This one gives you:
- A structured framework for evaluating cheese.
- A deeper understanding of production and maturation.
- Greater confidence when presenting and describing cheese.
- A foundation aligned with internationally recognised cheese education.
This makes it a strong first step for both passionate enthusiasts and professionals.
Learn with Andreea
Cheese became much more interesting to me the moment I started understanding what shapes flavour, texture and character.
Today, through Cheese Orbit, I help others approach cheese with more confidence, curiosity and clarity.
Studying with me you will gain:
- Clear explanations.
- Structured tasting and sensory guidance.
- A welcoming learning environment for all experience levels.
- Ongoing support throughout your studies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Academy of Cheese?
The Academy of Cheese is an international cheese education and certification system developed in the UK. Its curriculum is standardised and recognised across parts of the cheese, retail and hospitality industries.
I do not have specialised knowledge. Can I participate?
Yes. No previous experience is required. This course is designed as an accessible first step.
What do I need before signing up?
You need interest, willingness to study, and availability for the live sessions. Before the tasting session, you will receive the cheese list with the 12 cheeses selected for the guided tasting session and purchase recommendations.
How do I obtain the certification
You attend the course, complete the online Learning Road individual study, available on the Academy of Cheese website and pass the online exam.
Are the tasting cheeses included?
No. They must be purchased separately. You will receive guidance before the class.
What happens if I cannot attend the live session?
If you are unable to attend a live session, you can join the same session on a future course date.