Queso Diego

Queso Diego is a San Diego–based cheesemaking club that brings together amateur and professional cheesemakers for educational meetings, tastings, and public events.

History

Origins (2010–2011)

The origins of Queso Diego trace back to August 2010, when cheesemaker Horace “Bix” Bixby presented a free introductory cheesemaking class to members of the QUAFF (Quality Ale and Fermentation Fraternity) homebrew club in San Diego. Approximately fifteen attendees participated in the class, which introduced the fundamentals of home cheesemaking.

Prior to the class, Bixby coordinated a discounted group purchase of cheesemaking kits through New England Cheesemaking Supply, providing participants access to equipment that was not readily available locally at the time.

On November 11, 2010, Curds and Wine, a San Diego retail shop specializing in cheesemaking and winemaking supplies founded by Gisela Claassen, opened and began offering local access to supplies and educational classes. The business later became an ongoing sponsor of the club.

Inspired by the class, attendee Chris Banker began producing cheese at home and sought a way for local cheesemakers to exchange knowledge and troubleshooting advice. On January 12, 2011, Banker created a Google Groups mailing list called The San Diego Cheesemakers Group. Membership grew rapidly, reaching more than 40 participants within several days, many of whom were affiliated with local homebrewing organizations including QUAFF and the Society of Barley Engineers.

Formation and first meeting

As participation increased, members expressed interest in meeting in person. Peter Zien, owner of AleSmith Brewing Company and later founder of CheeseSmith Artisan Creamery, offered the brewery’s tasting room as a meeting venue.

The first in-person meeting took place on August 17, 2011, at AleSmith Brewing Company in San Diego, with approximately 35 attendees and numerous homemade cheeses shared among participants. During the meeting, members agreed to hold monthly gatherings, elected Chris Banker as the club’s first president, and decided not to charge membership dues initially. The group also discussed long-term goals, including educational programming and establishing a homemade cheese competition at the San Diego County Fair.

Naming of the organization

Following the inaugural meeting, members proposed renaming the group to replace the original working title. Suggestions were collected and voted upon by members. The selected name, Queso Diego: The San Diego Cheese Club, was proposed by a reader of a blog written by Ringo Firefly.

Early activities and growth

During its early years, Queso Diego held meetings at various venues throughout the San Diego area while membership expanded. Educational programming became central to meetings, often combining instructional presentations with cheese tastings. The club also worked toward participation in home and hobby competitions associated with the San Diego County Fair.

In January 2012, the club celebrated its first anniversary with a cheese pairing event. The event proved popular and evolved into an annual “Bubbly and Cheese Pairing” tradition.

Events and collaborations

Over time, Queso Diego organized recurring events and collaborative activities, including participation in the San Diego Fermentation Festival, collaborations with local homebrewing organizations such as QUAFF, development of a homemade cheese competition associated with the San Diego County Fair, educational workshops, themed tasting events, annual grilled cheese gatherings, and group travel events focused on cheesemaking and food culture, including trips to Mexico.

Queso Diego has collaborated with local cheesemakers and organizations to promote amateur cheesemaking in the region. In 2024, the club partnered with CheeseSmith Artisan Creamery on a local competition highlighting home cheesemakers.

The club has also been featured in Edible San Diego for its community cheesemaking events.