Randy Chandler
Vermont is a top cheese destination, with over 45 cheesemakers crafting more than 150 varieties of cheese. The best time for cheese in Vermont is whenever you can get your hands on it! For a true cheese enthusiast, the Vermont Cheese Trail is a must-do, with its 45 dairy farms offering excitement and delicious cheese. Some farms are open for visits, while others sell their products at farm stands or shops. Visitors can sample cheese, meet the makers, tour farms, and learn about the cheese-making process. The Vermont Cheese Council's The Hunt is another great way to explore Vermont's cheese culture, and visitors can also enjoy cheese and beer pairings or try the traditional combination of apple pie with an ounce of cheddar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheesemakers in Vermont | More than 45 |
| Types of milk used | Sheep, goat, cow |
| Number of cheese varieties | More than 150 |
| Styles of cheese | Rustic, bloomy soft, tangy, nutty clothbound cheddars, earthy, creamy soft, hearty cheddars, French-style soft, Colby-style, blue, Gruyere, Alpine-style, smoked |
| Notable cheesemakers | Jasper Hill Farm, Vermont Shepherd, Parish Hill, Champlain Creamery, Barn First Creamery, Stony Pond Farm, Grafton Village Cheese Company, Willow Smart, Shelburne Farms, Three Shepherds, Orb Weaver, Vermont Creamery, Boston Post Dairy |
| Cheeses to try | Invierno, Verano, Winnimere, Harbison, Alpha Tolman, Tom-Tom, Tomme, Sterling, Valencay pyramid, Chèvre, Shelburne Clothbound, Three Year Cheddar, Alderbrook, Autumn Oak, Fernwood, Vermont Brebis, Vermont Blue Cheese, Gore-Dawn-Zola, Brother Laurent, Aurora, Vermont Brabander, Cosmos, Montagne, Kashar |
| Places to buy cheese | Willy's general store in Greensboro, Healthy Living in South Burlington, Two Star Daniel in New York, local farmers markets |
| Cheese-related activities | The Hunt, The Vermont Cheese Trail, tours and tastings at farms and cheesemakers, wine and cheese pairings, cheese and beer pairings |
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What You'll Learn
Vermont Cheese Trail
Vermont is home to over 45 cheesemakers, crafting more than 150 varieties of cheese. The Vermont Cheese Trail is a collection of these cheesemakers, with some farms open for visits, and others selling their produce at farm stands or shops. The trail offers an interactive map to help you plan your trip.
Vermont Shepherd
Vermont Shepherd in Putney makes Invierno and Verano cheeses from sheep's milk. They raise their own sheep and have built a "cave" to create the right conditions for ripening and aging the cheese. Their Verano is a summer sheep's milk cheese, while Invierno blends cow and sheep's milk for a creamy, subtle flavour. You can also buy their sheep's milk soap.
Jasper Hill Farm
Jasper Hill Farm in Greensboro is one of the most prolific cheesemakers in Vermont. Their cheese Harbison won the "Best American Cheese" trophy at the 2023 World Cheese Awards. Their other cheeses include Winnimere, Alpha Tolman, and Harbison's raw milk sibling, Winnimere. Their cheese can be purchased at Willy's, the general store in Greensboro, and other cheese shops and supermarkets across the country.
Parish Hill Creamery
Parish Hill Creamery in Woodstock makes Alpine-style cheeses from cows that graze at a nearby school. Their Cornerstone and two-month-aged smoked Kashar are particularly noteworthy.
Grafton Village Cheese Company
Grafton Village Cheese makes cheddars aged from one to six years, with cheddars aged four to six years having a drier texture and strong flavour. They are available to buy directly from their website and at some national markets.
Shelburne Farms
Shelburne Farms is nearly 400 acres of sustainably managed woodlands on the shores of Lake Champlain. Their herd of cows provides all the milk for about 170,000 pounds of aged raw-milk farmstead cheddar, produced on the farm. They also make a Three Year Cheddar, which is sweet and salty, and a Four Year Cheddar, sold at local farmers' markets.
Big Picture Farm
Big Picture Farm is a 45-minute detour from Woodstock. They specialise in goat-milk products, including caramels and goat cheese.
Boston Post Dairy
This family-run dairy in Enosburgh offers cheese tasting and tours. On warm days, you can meet their goats and chickens.
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Best cheesemakers
Vermont is home to over 45 cheesemakers, crafting more than 150 varieties of cheese. The state's cheesemakers have proven that the industry can be environmentally sustainable and beneficial. Here are some of the best cheesemakers in Vermont:
Vermont Shepherd
Vermont Shepherd in Putney is a farm that raises its own sheep, which they rotationally graze in the summer. They have also built a cave to create the ideal conditions for ripening and aging their cheese. They make two kinds of cheese: Invierno, which blends cow and sheep's milk for a creamy and subtle flavour, and Verano, a summer sheep's milk cheese. They also make sheep's milk gelato.
Shelburne Farms
Shelburne Farms is a 400-acre national historic landmark and education centre on the shores of Lake Champlain. They raise a herd of 125 purebred Brown Swiss cows that produce the milk for some of the best farmhouse cheddar in America. Their cheddars are available in ages ranging from 6 months to 3 years, with older cheeses offering a drier and more robust flavour.
Jasper Hill Farm
Jasper Hill Farm in Greensboro is the most prolific of Vermont cheesemakers. Their soft-ripened cheese, Harbison, won the "Best American Cheese" trophy at the 2023 World Cheese Awards. They also make Winnimere, a seasonal cheese that is similar to Harbison but made with raw milk. Their cheeses can be found at Willy's, the general store in Greensboro, as well as other cheese shops and supermarkets across the country.
Parish Hill Creamery
Parish Hill Creamery in Woodstock makes Alpine-style cheeses from the milk of their four cows, Helga, Abigail, Clothilde, and Sonia. Their offerings include a two-month-aged smoked Kashar.
Vermont Creamery
Vermont Creamery uses milk from over 20 family farms to make both goat and cow dairy products. Their varieties include Chevre, Feta, Creme Fraiche, Mascarpone, Quark, and butter. Their goat cheese (chevre) is particularly noteworthy, with a creamy yet firm texture and an earthy, slightly sharp flavour.
Three Shepherds
Three Shepherds is home to America's youngest cheesemaker, Jackie Faillace. They make their cheese from raw cow's or sheep's milk, ageing it in a unique straw-bale cheese cave. Their varieties include Aurora, Vermont Brabander, Cosmos, and Montagne. Their cheeses are available at the Waitsfield Farmers Market on Saturdays from May to October and at the Inn at the Round Barn Farm market in November.
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Cheese and wine/beer
Vermont is a haven for cheese lovers, with over 45 cheesemakers crafting more than 150 varieties of cheese using milk from sheep, goats, and cows. The state's cheese offerings range from rustic, bloomy soft cheeses to tangy, nutty clothbound cheddars, with each variety boasting distinct flavours and textures.
For those eager to delve into the world of Vermont cheese, the Vermont Cheese Trail offers an opportunity to sample cheeses from various award-winning cheesemakers. Along the trail, visitors can meet the makers, tour farms, and gain insight into the art of cheesemaking. The Vermont Cheesemakers Festival, organised by the Vermont Cheese Council, is another highlight for cheese enthusiasts. This annual festival, held during the high summer, invites attendees to savour exceptional cheeses, interact with artisans, and indulge in local foods and beverages.
When it comes to cheese and wine/beer, Vermont offers a unique experience. The state's agricultural landscape sets the perfect stage for pairing local wines and cheeses, allowing visitors to explore the synergy between the two. Additionally, cheese and beer are a match made in Vermont, with the state's beer selection complementing the diverse range of cheeses available.
For those eager to explore the best times for cheese in Vermont, here are some key considerations:
- Seasonality: Some cheeses, like Winnimere, are seasonal and only available during certain times of the year. Planning a visit during the production season will allow you to sample these special offerings.
- Festivals and Events: The Vermont Cheesemakers Festival, held during high summer, is an ideal time to celebrate and indulge in all things cheese. It offers a chance to connect with vendors, artisans, and fellow cheese enthusiasts.
- Farm Tours: Visiting cheesemakers and taking tours can provide insight into the cheesemaking process and allow you to sample cheeses straight from the source. The Plymouth Cheese factory, for instance, offers samples of America's oldest cheddar from May to October.
- Cheese Pairings: Vermont's wine and beer offerings enhance the cheese experience. Attending cheese and wine/beer pairing sessions can guide visitors in finding their favourite combinations.
- Cheese Trails and Maps: The Vermont Cheese Trail and interactive maps can guide visitors on a cheesy adventure, allowing them to discover new favourites and meet the makers behind the cheese.
In conclusion, the best time for cheese in Vermont is whenever you, as a cheese enthusiast, get to explore the state's diverse offerings. From seasonal cheeses to festivals, farm tours, and pairings, Vermont offers a year-round cheese experience that is sure to delight and satisfy any cheese craving. So, grab your cooler and head out on a cheesy adventure to discover your new favourite Vermont cheese!
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Environmental sustainability
Vermont is a hotspot for artisanal cheesemaking in the US, with over 45 cheesemakers crafting more than 150 varieties of cheese. The state's cheese industry is known not only for its quality and taste but also for its commitment to environmental sustainability. Here are some ways in which Vermont cheesemakers are embracing sustainability and contributing to the fight against climate change:
Soil Enrichment and Carbon Sequestration:
Vermont cheesemakers understand the importance of soil health and carbon management. By implementing sustainable farming practices, they enrich the soil and enhance its ability to sequester carbon. This process, known as carbon sequestration, involves storing carbon in the soil instead of releasing it into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Shelburne Farms, for instance, aims to become carbon neutral or negative by 2028 through various initiatives, including waste diversion and the use of cheesemaking byproducts as pasture fertilizer.
Support for Sustainable Farming Practices:
Vermont cheesemakers recognize the benefits of pasture-raised dairy and sustainable farming. They work closely with farmers who practice rotational grazing and regenerative land management, contributing to soil regeneration and ecosystem health. This partnership between cheesemakers and farmers promotes environmentally sustainable dairy production.
Emphasis on Environmental Sustainability:
Vermont Creamery, a certified B corporation, stands out for its strong commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. They focus on using the highest quality ingredients while minimizing their environmental impact. This approach aligns with the state's broader efforts to foster sustainable agriculture and reduce the carbon footprint of dairy production.
Education and Innovation:
Vermont cheesemakers are dedicated to education and innovation in sustainable cheesemaking. Parish Hill Creamery, for instance, advocates for the transformation of raw milk into natural cheese. They emphasize tradition, sustainability, legacy, and community in their practices, consulting with farmers and cheesemakers to improve milk processing and promote sustainable choices throughout the industry.
Collaboration and Adaptability:
Vermont's small artisanal cheesemakers play a crucial role in driving sustainability across the sector. Their creativity, adaptability, and field-tested experiences provide valuable baseline data for larger cheesemakers. This collaboration and knowledge-sharing contribute to the industry's overall commitment to environmental stewardship.
While the cheese industry faces challenges in reducing its environmental impact, Vermont cheesemakers are leading the way by embracing sustainable practices, supporting regenerative farming, and educating consumers about the benefits of environmentally conscious choices. These efforts contribute to a more sustainable future for the state's beloved cheese industry.
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Cheese and apple pie
Vermont is a haven for cheese lovers, with over 45 cheesemakers crafting more than 150 varieties of cheese. The state is known for its delicious cheddars, with Cabot's cheddar winning the title of world's best cheddar on multiple occasions. Vermont Shepherd in Putney is also a popular destination for cheese enthusiasts, known for its seasonal sheep and cow's milk cheeses.
When it comes to cheese and apple pie, Vermont has a unique take on this classic combination. In 1999, Vermont passed a law declaring apple pie as the official state pie. The law also states that a "good faith effort" should be made to serve the apple pie with either a glass of cold milk, a 1/2 ounce slice of sharp cheddar cheese, or a large scoop of vanilla ice cream. The sharp, salty cheddar is said to perfectly complement the sweet, mellow apples and brown sugar of the pie. This combination is so revered in Vermont that it is considered acceptable to enjoy a slice of apple pie and cheese for breakfast, as long as you plan to "do a day's work."
The Vermont apple pie itself is a double-crusted delight, with a flaky crust and a thick slice of warm (but not melted) cheddar cheese on top. This combination of sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy, has made the Vermont apple pie a beloved regional specialty.
For those eager to sample the cheese and apple pie delights of Vermont, the Vermont Cheese Trail offers a smorgasbord of options. This trail includes over 45 dairy farms, some of which are open for visits while others sell their products at farm stands or shops. Along the trail, you can meet cheesemakers, tour facilities, and taste the unique flavors of Vermont's Green Mountain farms and fields.
So, if you're planning a trip to Vermont or simply looking to indulge in a delicious cheese and apple pie experience, Vermont's cheese and pie culture is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you enjoy a slice of sharp cheddar with your apple pie or indulge in a classic Vermont breakfast, the cheese and apple pie combination is a tasty tradition in this dairy-rich state.
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Frequently asked questions
Any time is a good time for cheese in Vermont, but if you're looking for a specific time, consider visiting during the spring, summer, or fall months when more farms and shops are open to the public. The Vermont Cheese Trail, a collection of over 45 dairy farms, is a great resource for planning your trip.
The Vermont Cheese Trail is a year-round attraction, but some farms may be closed during the winter months. It's always a good idea to check the websites or call ahead before planning your visit.
Yes, some cheeses are seasonal and may only be available at certain times of the year. For example, Winnimere is a seasonal cheese that is usually only available for a few weeks each year. It's important to check with the individual cheesemakers or farms to see what varieties they are offering during your visit.
