Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa’s (GV) upcoming premier fall event is an exclusive culinary experience, A Cheese Lover’s Weekend, hosted by Canada’s premier cheese expert, Afrim Pristine, Maître Fromager. He is the co-owner of Cheese Boutique, a best-selling cookbook author, Food Network host, and well-known Cheese Master.
Three different events will be held at The Villa Grande on November 12 — A Cheese Lover’s Masterclass, November 13 — A Cheese Lovers’ Feast, and November 14 — For the Love of Cheese Pairing.
“We expect all three experiences to sell out, so if you know you’d like to attend, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as possible,” Marketing Director Andrea Hartman said. “Afrim Pristine continues to gain recognition in the culinary world and has an exciting new book releasing this year. This is truly a unique opportunity to experience an event led by one of the industry’s most celebrated cheese experts.”
Maître Fromager (Cheese Master), Afrim Pristine is Canada’s premier cheese expert with over 25 years of experience in the art of cheese making. Afrim’s passion for cheese stems from his hands-on training from his father, the world’s most renowned dairy farms, and his family’s 54-year-old business, Cheese Boutique, that he currently co-owns alongside his brother, Agim.
Cheese Boutique, a 10,000-square-foot gourmet food store in Etobicoke, Toronto, is a family-operated business. Founded by Fatos Pristine, the store has become a cornerstone of Toronto’s culinary community, offering an unparalleled selection of gourmet ingredients, including 500 cheese varieties, artisanal breads, and cured meats. Cheese Boutique is one of the original retailers who double as “affineurs,” curing some of the oldest cheese wheels in North America inside their Cheese Vault.
After studying with some of the world’s greatest cheesemakers, Afrim earned the prestigious Maître Fromager designation on February 19, 2013, from the France-based Guilde Internationale des Fromagers.
Experience three Cheese Lover’s Events at Gervasi
Guests from last year’s events were exceptionally positive and provided some insight into what happens at Afrim’s events. Below are three quotes from last year’s event.
“We really enjoyed this event. The food and wine were great, and Afrim Pristine was so interesting,” Linda Mancini.
“I came with a friend just to spend some quality time together, and we had an absolutely wonderful time! Afrim was very engaging and entertaining, and of course the food and drinks were delicious. Great event,” Lauren Phelps.
“I’ve been to several Gervasi events, and Afrim made this the best yet. Very knowledgeable, of course, and his storytelling made it an elevated experience,” Timothy Arvay.
CEO and General Manager of Gervasi, Scott Swaldo, offered his recommendation of the exceptional experience: “A Cheese Lover’s Weekend is about creating the kind of experience our guests can’t find anywhere else. Having Afrim Pristine at Gervasi gives guests the opportunity to learn from and dine with one of the world’s most respected cheese experts in a very personal and memorable setting. From the masterclass to the five-course dinner and wine and cheese pairings, each event offers something different and showcases Afrim’s incredible knowledge and passion for his craft. We’re excited to welcome him back to Gervasi and give our guests another truly special culinary experience.”
Below are the three Cheese Lover’s events scheduled for November, 2026.
Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 6:30 pm
Cooking Demonstration Dinner presented by Afrim Pristine
The evening will feature a multi-course dinner, each dish crafted and presented by Afrim himself, showcasing unique cheeses expertly paired with complementary ingredients. As you savor each course, gain insights into the techniques and secrets behind creating show-stopping dishes that highlight cheese’s unique flavors and textures.
What’s Included:
- Demonstration Dinner:
- Whipped Ricotta – Pumpkin Purée, Crispy Sage, Hot Honey, Crostini
- French Charcuterie – Pâté, Cornichons, Jambon de Bayonne, Comté
- Bufala Mozzarella – Roasted Delicata Squash, Apple Cider Vinaigrette, Crushed Pistachios
- Aged Gouda-Crusted Beef Tenderloin – Balsamic-Braised Cipollini Onions, Hasselback Potato
- Bleu d’Auvergne – Dark Chocolate, Walnut-Grilled Sourdough, Honeycomb
- Choice of a glass of white wine or Gervasi Vineyard’s newest addition, Rubino, a premium Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Recipe booklet with step-by-step instructions on how to master this decadent meal at home
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from one of North America’s foremost cheese experts and elevate your love for cheese into an unforgettable dining experience! Purchase your tickets today>
Friday, November 13, 2026 at 6:30 pm
An Exclusive Five-Course Dinner with Cheese Master Afrim Pristine.
Indulge in an evening of gourmet delight at Gervasi Vineyard’s “Cheese Master’s Feast,” a high-end five-course dinner crafted and presented by the renowned Cheese Master Afrim Pristine. This elegant dining experience is designed for true cheese lovers and culinary enthusiasts, featuring a thoughtfully curated menu where each course highlights exceptional cheeses paired seamlessly with Gervasi’s premium wines.
As Afrim guides you through each course, he’ll share his expert knowledge of the flavors, textures, and origins of these remarkable cheeses, revealing what makes each selection so unique. Prepare to be captivated by exquisite dishes that balance innovation with tradition, showcasing cheese as the star of every course in unexpected and delightful ways.
What’s Included:
- Five-Course Dinner paired with Gervasi’s Award-Winning Wines, featuring Gervasi’s newest addition, Rubino, a premium Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Roasted Pumpkin and Burrata Salad with Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Red Wine Vinaigrette, Crushed Marcona Almonds
- Mushroom and Brie Tart, Fresh Thyme and Balsamic Glaze
- Pan-Seared Scallop with Brown Butter
- Pomegranate and Orange Glazed Seared Duck Breast, Gorgonzola Risotto
- Tiramisu
- Afrim Pristine guiding the dining experience
For the Love of Cheese
Two dates available for this event including Saturday, November 14, at 11am or Saturday, November 14 at 1:30 pm.
An Exquisite Wine and Cheese Pairing with Cheese Master Afrim Pristine
Indulge in a curated culinary experience that brings together the finest wines and cheeses, led by Cheese Master Afrim Pristine. Join us at Gervasi Vineyard for “For the Love of Cheese,” an unforgettable pairing event where wine and cheese aficionados can savor expertly selected combinations. Afrim will guide guests through an array of handpicked artisanal cheeses, each thoughtfully paired with Gervasi’s award-winning wines.
What’s Included:
- Five expertly selected artisanal cheeses paired with five of Gervasi’s award-winning wines, including first access to Gervasi’s newest addition, Rubino, a premium Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.
- 3-Year PEI Cheddar
- Blue Velvet Beemster
- Brillat Savarin
- Blue Elizabeth
- Chabichou Goat
- Afrim Pristine guiding the pairing experience
Tickets for A Cheese Lover’s Weekend are limited and are expected to sell out quickly. Highlights for each of the events are listed below. For more information and to secure your spot, visit https://gervasivineyard.com/cheese-weekend/.
More About the Cheese Lover’s events
Hartman said, “This year’s menus are inspired by the flavors of the fall season, featuring hearty, comforting dishes such as whipped ricotta with pumpkin purée, crispy sage and hot honey, as well as Bufala mozzarella with roasted delicata squash, apple cider vinaigrette and crushed pistachios.
“Afrim has personally selected each cheese featured in the pairings to complement the season and enhance the overall experience. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy Gervasi’s newest wine, Rubino, a premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.”
Get ready to experience Cheese Lover’s Weekend
Register and attend one of the events or all of the events. Guests are encouraged to ask questions at any point during the presentation. You will be able to interact with Afrim as he approaches each table and do touchpoints during the event, but there is no meet-and-greet opportunity.
Hartman said, “We are very excited to welcome Afrim back to Gervasi. He is a huge fan of Gervasi, so this partnership is a natural fit and something we truly enjoy bringing to our guests. This year is especially exciting as attendees will be among the first to experience Rubino, our newest wine and a premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, adding another special element to the weekend.