Frances von Aesch Cheesemonger/Sommelier

Cheese and Wine Events

Victoria Cheese School will offer cheese tasting classes and wine and cheese pairing events. Frances is a certified Sommelier of over twenty years and is studying to become a Master of Cheese with the Academy of Cheese in the U.K. She brings this depth of knowledge and a passion for the artisans of cheese and wine to each tasting.

We are also happy to offer private or catered events. These can be hosted at The Fort Cafe or we can come to a location of your choice. For more information or to book an event email Frances at victoriacheeseschool@gmail.com

Upcoming Events

Cheese Tasting Classes

Each themed class will include a presentation on the history and artisanal cheesemaking styles of eight cheeses. Frances will also take you through a guided sensory analysis using the Academy of Cheese Structured Approach to Tasting sheet. By the end of the day, you will be able to differentiate between cheese styles, be comfortable with the descriptive language used and have some great stories to tell your friends.

$85 per person.

Artisanal cheesemaking styles. Understanding cheesemaking styles with examples.
French versus Italian cheese. Are there cultural/terroir differences in cheese?
Women Cheesemakers. The female roots of cheesemaking and the woman who inspire us today.

Wine and Cheese Pairing

Join Frances as she brings over two decades as a Sommelier and five years working and studying in the world of cheese to present the history and artisanal practices behind six iconic cheese and wine pairings. She uses her years of wine tasting and the Academy of Cheese's structured approach to tasting to bring a deeper sensory understanding of wine and cheese and how they interact. By the end of this class, you will have confidence in purchasing and putting together your own tastings to enhance your enjoyment and impress your friends.

$110 - $125 per person

Classic Wine and Cheese Pairings. What works and what doesn’t.
Italian Wine and Cheese pairing. Are Regional Pairings Best?
Quebec Cheese and French Wine. From the Old World to the New.

Cheese Themed Events

These events combine a formal cheese tasting with a more casual cheese party. Frances will take you through a guided tasting of four unique cheeses utilizing the Academy of Cheese structured approach to tasting and a PowerPoint presentation. This will be followed by a selection of small bites using some of the cheese presented. These will be served cocktail style.

Cost for these events is $50 - $60 per person. Wine Pairings, other alcohol and non-alcohol beverage options can be added for an additional charge.

Contact Frances for more information or to arrange a personalized Event
victoriacheeseschool@gmail.com

Here is what people have to say about Frances

Frances planned a corporate team-building event for our group of 12 from a Victoria software company. We enjoyed an Italian cheese & wine pairing event that was fun, educational, and very engaging! The event was well-planned, executed, and very interactive! Kudos to Frances, and her colleague Ceri Barlow for hosting us down at Fort on Fort Café in downtown Victoria! Would recommend for a team outing with Workmates! Or even family & friends!

~ Corey S. – Workday Victoria

I really enjoyed the event and immediately went out and bought some of the cheese and wine to share with my husband! I appreciated that Frances shared some affordable and locally accessible products with us!

~ Sachen – Workday Victoria

Frances is a true expert in her field. Her passion for cheese is infectious and her engaging storytelling brought our event to life. She not only educated and entertained our guests but also delighted their taste buds with the cheese she chose. We highly recommend Frances!

~ Megan Landis – Donor and Sponsor Officer, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

She can speak about Abruzzi classical cuisine as easily as obscure Italian varietals. She makes you feel like she is privy to some newly revealed information, not as a recipient of a worn out recording.

~ Eat Magazine