The annual Sonoma Valley Opportunities and Challenges Cheese Conference was established in 2000 by Sheana Davis, president and founder of the Epicurian Connection. Her co-host was Ignazio Vella, CEO and Cheesemaker of the Vella Cheese Company. The Sonoma Valley Cheese Conference was created to offer education to national and international cheesemakers, dairy farmers, retailers, chefs and restaurateurs on the ever evolving cheese industry. Each year the conference is facilitated by a UC Davis professor to add a level of expertise. Guest speakers include artisinal cheesemakers, farmstead cheesemakers, retailers, chefs, dairy farmers and cheese enthusiasts.