Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa’s (GV) newest event is an exclusive culinary experience, A Cheese Lover’s Weekend, hosted by Canada’s premier cheese expert, Afrim Pristine, Maître Fromager.

From March 6 to March 9, 2025, cheese enthusiasts will indulge in a weekend of unforgettable flavors, masterful pairings, and expert insights into the art of cheese.

It will be a weekend to remember where guests who love amazing foods get an unforgettable experience prepared by Arim Pristine and paired with the award-winning wines from Gervasi.

“We are honored to welcome Afrim Pristine to Gervasi Vineyard for A Cheese Lover’s Weekend,” said Scott Swaldo, CEO at Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa. “Afrim’s expertise and passion for cheese align perfectly with our commitment to offering extraordinary culinary experiences. This weekend promises to be a one-of-a-kind event that will delight food and wine enthusiasts alike.”

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 with a legacy of over 54 years. 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. Afrim is the only Canadian to receive this title, awarded to those who demonstrate exceptional cheese knowledge and recognition within their community.

Afrim is the host of Food Network Canada’s first-ever docu-series, Cheese: A Love Story, which premiered in 2021 and is now available on Hulu in the US. His first cookbook, For the Love of Cheese, released in October 2018, is a bestseller, and he is currently working on his second book.

Afrim said in his Hulu docu-series Cheese: A Love Story, “Cheese is my life, it’s in my DNA. Cheese is my business and my passion.”

Great way to wrap up a Great Weekend

On the last day of the Cheese Lover’s Weekend, local cheesemonger Nicole Dietz, owner of Fromage du Monde, will host a demonstration on crafting the ultimate grazing tray.  There will be cheese, wine and many ideas for making your guests on how to make a grazing tray for your next party.  Whether you’re a seasoned cheese lover or new to the world of gourmet grazing, this event will inspire your next gathering with friends and family.

Sign up for one or for all the events of the Cheese Lover’s Weekend. Following are all the details for each event:

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 touch points during the event, but there is no meet-and-great opportunity, but Agrim will sign a copy of his cookbook for anyone who brings it along.

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.

Thursday, March 6 – Cheese Lover’s Masterclass Cooking Demonstration Dinner. Afrim Pristine will kick off the weekend with a cooking demonstration dinner. Guests will enjoy a curated menu featuring signature cheese-centric dishes paired with Gervasi’s award-winning wines. Learn the secrets behind crafting gourmet cheese dishes from the master himself.

Friday, March 7 – Cheese Master’s Feast. Experience a decadent five-course dinner, each course meticulously paired with Gervasi’s award-winning wines. Afrim will share his expertise, guiding guests through the nuances of cheese and wine pairings in this exclusive dining event.

Saturday, March 8 – For the Love of Cheese. Cheese lovers can savor expertly paired cheese flights with Gervasi’s wines in an intimate setting. Afrim will provide insights into selecting and pairing cheeses to elevate any culinary experience.

Sunday, March 9 – Sip + Graze: A Grazing Tray Masterclass. Conclude the weekend with a grazing workshop led by Nicole Dietz, Canton’s local cheesemonger and owner of Fromage du Monde. Nicole will demonstrate her expertise in crafting the perfect grazing tray, showcasing a variety of cheeses, charcuterie, and accompaniments. Guests will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere filled with wine, cheese, and creative inspiration.

Celebrate Live — Fall in Love with Cheese at GV

Fall in love with cheese at Gervasi. Afrim is personable, talented, smart, and worldly. He clearly loves cheese and life.  Nicole Dietz  has amazing ideas for everyone to sip and graze in style.

GV has the perfect way to celebrate life, wine and cheese by combining guests with events highlighting Afrim’s cooking talents and showmanship and cheese expertise and Nicole’s talents with the Cheese Lover’s Weekend.

The weekend is set to be entertaining and inspiring for all who attend.