Some journeys are all about the miles. Others are about the moments that remind you why you set off in the first place. Our recent trip to America ticked both boxes.

It was a chance to catch up with friends, dive back into one of the world’s liveliest cheese scenes and take a moment to think about just how far this unexpected passion has brought me.

For those of you who don’t know, America is where my cheese journey really began. Over ten years ago, Ali and I shared a cheeseboard in Washington, D.C., and it ended up changing our lives forever. That was the night I proposed, so cheese and one of my happiest memories have been linked ever since.

New York

New York was the perfect place for our trip to start. The city’s energy is like nowhere else. Every street has something new to try, whether it’s a brilliant restaurant or a food shop you just have to pop into. For someone who lives and breathes food, it’s impossible not to get swept up in it all. American food has changed so much in the last twenty years. It used to get a bad rap for being all about fast food, but now there are artisan producers, independent shops and passionate makers everywhere you look. Cheese is right at the heart of it. We happened to be there for Independence Day, which was an unexpected bonus. Watching the Red Arrows fly up the Hudson from the top of a skyscraper is something I’ll never forget. Seeing them from above felt completely surreal.

Louisville

After New York, we headed to Louisville, Kentucky, for the American Cheese Society Conference. Apart from the Kentucky Derby and more bourbon distilleries than you can count, there’s not a huge amount to do in Louisville – unless you’re into cheese, of course!

For anyone involved in artisan cheese, the American Cheese Society Conference is far more than just a conference. It’s where the global cheese community comes together. Hundreds of cheesemakers, affineurs, retailers, distributors, educators and writers spend four days talking, tasting, debating and learning from one another. It’s an industry built on generosity, collaboration and a genuine willingness to share knowledge.

Whilst at the conference, I was reminded why the cheese world is so special. You start off talking about cheese and before you know it, you’ve made a new friend. I got chatting to a microbiologist about the gut microbiome before meeting up with some Cheese State University friends – it was just so nice to catch up with people. One of my conference highlights was a talk about different types of sea salt. Who knew that different parts of the ocean contain different microbial populations that can subtly influence sea salt? Perhaps rather bizarrely, we also went to a lecture about British Cheddar – but it was absolutely fascinating. Learning that one small tweak in the make process can change the whole flavour profile of a cheese completely changed the way I think about Cheddar.

The conference was also a good reminder that the cheese world never stands still. There’s always new research into microbiology, animal welfare, sustainability, traditional methods and what customers want – all of it keeps us on our toes. There’s innovation everywhere, but also a huge respect for tradition. That mix is something I find endlessly interesting, and I could write essays on the subject.

Chicago

Chicago is famous for its stunning architecture, rich history and brilliant food scene – it was totally and utterly different from New York or Louisville.

Strolling through Millennium Park to visit a food fair before heading up the river on a cruise was a nice change of pace after the buzz of the conference. It gave us a chance to slow down and just enjoy being there. On our last day, we popped into the art museum, and I was especially keen to see Grant Wood’s American Gothic. We sell an American Cabernet Sauvignon in the shop, which has the same image on the label. Seeing the original artwork was one of those wonderfully unexpected moments that connected my travels with life back at the shop.

And Home

Busy trips like this are never about just one moment. They’re a combination of chats, meals, discoveries and shared experiences that all blend together. The cheese world has given me friends all over the globe. Every meeting feels less like networking and more like catching up with people who really care about making cheese better, helping each other out and sharing what they know. It’s an industry that loves curiosity, and I feel very lucky to be part of it.

Travel also gives you a bit of perspective – running an independent cheese business can take over your life if you let it (and I fear I have!). There’s always something to do, and it’s easy to forget to step back and look at the bigger picture. Spending time with colleagues from other countries is a good reminder that we all face similar ups and downs, and that sharing ideas helps everyone.

As the trip wrapped up and we boarded the flight home to London, I found myself thinking back to that first American cheeseboard all those years ago.

If you’d told me back then that one evening would lead to a whole new career in cheese, I’d never have believed you.

But here I am.

This trip reminded me of something I’ve come to appreciate more and more: cheese is never just about cheese. It’s about history, craftsmanship, science and community. It’s about the people who make it, mature it, sell it and, ultimately, gather around a table to enjoy it together.

America gave me my first glimpse of that world over a decade ago. This visit reminded me just how grateful I am that I chose to make it my life.

My all time favourite American cheese is Mt Tam. It’s made in California by the Cowgirl Creamery. It is similar to one of our local favourites – Bix. Trying it this year took me right back to Washington, 2013 and the most special evening. Cheese does that, it provokes all sorts of memories!