Randy Chandler
Wisconsin is the largest manufacturer of cheese in the United States, producing over a quarter of the country's cheese. However, the best cheese is a matter of opinion and varies from person to person. Wisconsin has been voted the Best in Show at the American Cheese Society award five times in the last seven years. Other states that are known for their cheese include Vermont, Oregon, California, New York, and Idaho.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Top Cheese-Producing States | Wisconsin, California, New York, Idaho, and Texas |
| State with the Highest Cheese Production | Wisconsin |
| State with the Second-Highest Cheese Production | California |
| States with Good Cheese | Vermont, California, Oregon, New York, Indiana, Pennsylvania |
| States with the Best Cheese | Vermont, Wisconsin, New York |
| State with the Best Individual Cheese | Oregon (according to a user on Reddit) |
| State with the Best Cheese Shop | New York (according to a user on Reddit) |
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What You'll Learn
- Wisconsin: the top cheese-producing state, with a range of branded wheels
- Vermont: home to the best cheddar cheese in the country
- Oregon: known for its phenomenal blue cheeses
- New York: the third-largest dairy state, with influential producers
- California: the second-largest producer, with the highest number of milk cows
Wisconsin: the top cheese-producing state, with a range of branded wheels
Wisconsin is America's top cheese-producing state. In 2023, it was the market leader, with around 3.5 billion pounds of cheese produced. Wisconsin's nickname, "America's Dairyland," underscores its prominent position in the dairy industry.
Wisconsin has transformed its cheese industry over the years. Initially a producer of nameless block Cheddar, it now boasts a diverse range of branded wheels. Widmer's and Carr Valley led the way, and today, the state is home to numerous renowned cheesemakers. These include Uplands Cheese, known for its Pleasant Ridge Reserve and Rush Creek Reserve blends, as well as Hidden Springs Creamery, which specialises in sheep cheese, and Bleu Mont Dairy, with its distinctive clothbound Cheddar. Marieke Penterman's Gouda and Roth Käse's Grand Cru are also noteworthy. For extra-aged Cheddars and blues, Hook's is a popular choice, while LaClare Farms and Landmark Creamery stand out for their sheep cheeses.
Wisconsin's cheesemakers have achieved notable successes. Pleasant Ridge Reserve, an Asiago and Parmesan blend from Uplands Cheese, has won the "Best in Show" award at the American Cheese Society four times, a record unmatched by any other state. The state's cheeses have also received recognition from the White House, with Oregon's Rogue River Blue, served by the US President to the President of France, hailed as the world's best cheese.
While Wisconsin is renowned for its cheese production, other states, such as Vermont, Oregon, and California, also have thriving cheese industries, each offering unique varieties and flavours.
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Vermont: home to the best cheddar cheese in the country
Vermont is a small yet mighty state when it comes to cheese production. It leads the nation in the production of cheese per capita, and its cheddar cheese is renowned across the country. From sharp cheddars to milder varieties, Vermont's cheesemakers craft cheeses that are beloved by Americans from all regions.
The state is home to illustrious and historic creameries such as Grafton Village and Cabot Creamery, which continue to produce exceptional cheeses. However, it is the small and mid-size producers that are making waves in the industry. Visionary enterprises like Vermont Creamery, Jasper Hill Farm, and cheesemaking operations at Consider Bardwell, Parish Hill, Spring Brook Farm, Vermont Shepherd, and Von Trapp Farmstead are leading the way with their innovative and artisanal approaches.
Vermont's cheese culture is so celebrated that it has even inspired a dedicated cheese school in San Francisco, the only one of its kind in the country. The state's cheeses are sought after by upscale restaurants and golf courses, with Grafton Village's cheddar being a particular favourite.
While Wisconsin is known for its dairy industry and produces the most cheese in terms of volume, Vermont's cheese stands out for its quality and craftsmanship. Vermont's cheesemakers take pride in their art, and their dedication shines through in the final product. The state's diverse landscape and agricultural traditions also contribute to the unique character of its cheeses.
So, if you're a cheese connoisseur or simply looking for a delicious treat, Vermont is the place to be. Its cheesemakers continue to push the boundaries, ensuring that Vermont remains synonymous with the very best cheddar cheese in the United States.
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Oregon: known for its phenomenal blue cheeses
While Wisconsin is often the first state that comes to mind when discussing cheese, Oregon is known for its phenomenal blue cheeses. In fact, Oregon is home to the world's best cheese, according to some sources.
Rogue Creamery, located in Central Point, Oregon, has been crafting cheese since 1933. Their Rogue River Blue Cheese was named the best cheese in the world at the 2019 World Cheese Awards, becoming the first American cheese to win this honour. The award was a significant achievement, as it beat out 3,800 other cheeses from 42 countries. This blue cheese is made from cow's milk and carefully aged in caves for nine to eleven months. Each wheel is then hand-wrapped in Syrah grape leaves that have been soaked in pear liqueur, resulting in a unique flavour and appearance. The limited-edition cheese is only produced during the fall when the cow's milk is at its peak of quality.
Rogue Creamery continues to impress with its blue cheeses, consistently producing phenomenal products. Their Bluehorn Blue Cheese was awarded a Super Gold medal at the 2022 World Cheese Awards, once again showcasing their expertise in crafting world-class blue cheeses.
In addition to Rogue Creamery, Oregon is also home to other talented cheesemakers. The Tillamook co-op produces solid cheeses, and new cheesemakers like Sarah Marcus at Briar Rose Creamery are making their mark. River's Edge, based in Oregon, also produces noteworthy goat cheeses, although they are on the pricier side.
Overall, Oregon has rightfully earned its reputation for producing phenomenal blue cheeses, with Rogue Creamery leading the way and setting a high standard for cheesemakers across the state.
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New York: the third-largest dairy state, with influential producers
New York is the third-largest dairy state in the US, with a thriving cheese industry. The state boasts nearly 3,000 dairy farms and is the fifth-largest producer of milk. New York is also the largest producer of yogurt and cottage cheese. The state's dairy industry includes both large-scale operations and small, family-run farms, with a focus on promoting local dairy products and supporting dairy farmers.
New York's cheese producers are known for their innovation and influence in the industry. Old Chatham Creamery, for instance, is a pioneer in American sheep cheese, while Coach Farm has made a name for itself in goat cheese. The state is also home to passionate purists like Alan Glustoff of 5 Spoke Creamery, known for exceptional raw-milk farmstead cheeses. Nettle Meadow Farm is another notable producer, crafting cheeses with admiration.
New York's cheese scene is also characterised by its specialty cheese shops and innovative retailers. American artisan-cheese advocate Anne Saxelby is a notable figure, as is the supermarket innovator Wegmans. The affinage crew at Crown Finish Caves and the marketers at Murray's, who partner with Kroger's to bring good cheese to more people, are also worth mentioning.
The state has a dedicated organisation, the Milk Marketing Advisory Council (MMAC), which brings together producers, processors, retailers, and consumers to address the challenges facing the local dairy industry. The Dairy Promotion Order (DPO) is another initiative aimed at promoting the consumption of New York milk and dairy products, advised by a dairy farmer advisory board. These organisations play a crucial role in supporting the state's dairy community and promoting its products.
While opinions vary on which state has the best cheese, New York's dairy industry is undoubtedly a significant contributor to the state's economy and culinary culture. The state's diverse array of cheese producers, from small artisanal makers to large global processors, ensures a wide range of cheese varieties for consumers to enjoy.
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California: the second-largest producer, with the highest number of milk cows
California is the second-largest cheese producer in the United States, after Wisconsin. In 2023, Wisconsin produced around 3.5 billion pounds of cheese, earning it the nickname "America's Dairyland". California is also one of the top cheese-producing states, and it has the highest number of milk cows in the country.
California is known for producing Monterey Jack cheese, and it is home to many dairy farms. The state also boasts the Cheese School of San Francisco, the only dedicated cheese school in the country. California's cheese culture is further enhanced by successful retailers like Market Hall Foods in Berkeley and Oakland, Bi Rite and Cheese Plus in San Francisco, and distributor Tomales Bay Foods, which has helped many creameries reach a wider audience.
California's diverse landscape and climate allow for a variety of dairy farming options, contributing to its high milk cow population. The state's dairy industry is an essential part of its agriculture, and the state has a strong reputation for its cheese and other dairy products.
While Wisconsin may take the top spot in terms of cheese production, California's combination of dairy farming, talented cheesemakers, and dedicated retailers makes it a strong contender for the state with the best cheese. The state's focus on cheese production and education showcases its commitment to elevating the art of cheesemaking and contributing to the diverse and delicious world of cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
While Wisconsin is the largest manufacturer of cheese, producing more than a quarter of all of America's cheese, other states are known for their cheese too. Vermont, Oregon, and California are also popular for their cheese production and quality.
Some of the best cheeses from Wisconsin include Pleasant Ridge Reserve, Rush Creek Reserve, and Marieke Penterman's Goudas.
California is the second-largest producer of cheese in the US and is known for producing Monterey Jack.
Vermont leads the nation in the production of awesome cheese per capita.
