It's that time of year again, when thousands of people descend on Seattle's Pike Place Market to eat and learn about cheese. The Seattle Cheese Festival on May 16, 17 and 18 showcases more than 250 cheeses, chef demonstrations, wine tastings and educational classes.

Seattle Cheese Festival

Last year I took a class about pairing Northwest wine and cheeses, and found it to be educational, entertaining and delicious. The line-up of speakers is top-notch, and many classes sell out, so sign up before this weekend.

The cheese concourse offers the opportunity to taste cheese from around the world, but be warned, it gets crowded fast. Soon, you'll want to head into the wine garden, where a taste of Pacific Northwest wine and a cheese plate ease the pain of battling crowds.

Northwest Wines and Cheeses

© photos 2008 Jennifer Meier licensed to About.com, Inc.