Frederic Melton
Wisconsin is often referred to as America's Dairyland and is the largest cheese-producing state in the US, contributing significantly to the country's cheese market. In 2023, Wisconsin produced around 3.5 billion pounds of cheese, solidifying its reputation as the country's cheese capital. However, other states such as California, Oregon, Vermont, and New York are also known for their high-quality cheeses and unique offerings. The award for the Best in Show at the American Cheese Society goes to a different cheese each year, with Pleasant Ridge Reserve from Wisconsin taking the top honor four times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| State with the best cheese | Vermont, Wisconsin, Oregon, New York, California |
| Official world's best cheese | Oregon |
| Best cheese in America | Pleasant Ridge Reserve |
| Top cheese-producing state | Wisconsin |
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What You'll Learn
Wisconsin: America's Dairyland
Wisconsin is widely known as "America's Dairyland" due to its leading position in the U.S. dairy industry. In 2023, Wisconsin was the top cheese-producing state in the country, with around 3.5 billion pounds of cheese made. The state is particularly renowned for its cheddar, Colby, and brick cheeses, which are found on grocery store shelves across the nation. Wisconsin has earned its reputation for cheese through a combination of high-quality products and significant production levels.
Wisconsin's prominence in the dairy industry can be attributed to its history and dedication to cheese-making. The state has pivoted from being a commodity producer of block Cheddar to crafting branded wheels of renowned cheese. Wisconsin is home to influential cheesemakers such as Uplands Cheese, known for its Pleasant Ridge Reserve, which has won the "Best in Show" award at the American Cheese Society four times—a feat unmatched by any other state. Other notable cheesemakers include Hidden Springs Creamery, Bleu Mont Dairy, Marieke Penterman, and Roth Käse.
The state's cheese culture extends beyond its producers, with passionate purists and innovative sellers contributing to Wisconsin's dairy landscape. Wisconsinites themselves are often associated with cheese, and the state's football team, the GB Packers, and their fans, the Cheese Heads, further reinforce this connection. Wisconsin's dedication to cheese is evident in its production levels, with the state contributing significantly to the U.S. cheese market and helping the country become a major player in the global cheese industry.
While Wisconsin may be nicknamed "America's Dairyland," other states also contribute to the country's cheese culture and production. California, New York, Idaho, and Texas are among the top milk-producing states, and each has its own specialty cheeses. Vermont, despite its small size, leads the nation in per-capita production and is known for its small and mid-size producers. Oregon is also gaining recognition for its cheese, with Rogue Creamery setting the pace for the state's dairy industry.
Wisconsin, however, remains synonymous with cheese in the minds of many Americans. The state's combination of quality and quantity in cheese production solidifies its reputation as "America's Dairyland." Wisconsin's cheesemakers continue to innovate and uphold the state's legacy in the dairy industry, ensuring that Wisconsin cheese remains a staple in refrigerators across the nation.
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Vermont: small but mighty
While Wisconsin is the largest cheese-producing state in the US, Vermont has been described as "small but mighty" when it comes to cheese. In fact, Vermont leads the nation in the production of awesome cheese per capita. The state's small and mid-size producers are making waves in the industry, with visionary enterprises like Vermont Creamery, Jasper Hill Farm, Consider Bardwell, and more.
Vermont Creamery, for example, has been recognized for its innovative and sustainable practices, as well as its commitment to high-quality, delicious cheese. The company sources milk from local farms and uses renewable energy to produce a variety of award-winning cheeses, including butterkäse, crème fraîche, and cultured butter.
Jasper Hill Farm, located in the northeast kingdom of Vermont, is another standout. This cheese producer is known for its commitment to the land and the art of cheesemaking. With a focus on sustainability and the well-being of their animals, Jasper Hill Farm creates a range of award-winning, raw-milk cheeses, such as Winnimere, a creamy, washed-rind cheese with a spruce bark belt.
Consider Bardwell, located in southwestern Vermont, is also making a name for itself. This farmstead creamery is one of the oldest cheesemakers in the state, with a history dating back to 1864. Today, they continue to produce small-batch, artisanal cheeses, including Rupert, a raw cow's milk cheese aged for 60 days, and Pawlet, a tomme-style cheese with a natural rind.
Vermont's cheese scene also includes other notable producers, such as Grafton Village and Cabot Creamery, which have long histories of crafting excellent cheeses. The state's diverse landscape and dairy industry provide the perfect backdrop for these cheesemakers to thrive, contributing to Vermont's reputation as a top cheese-producing state in the US.
While Wisconsin may take the crown for overall cheese production, Vermont's focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability solidifies its position as a small but mighty force in the world of cheese. The state's cheesemakers continue to push the boundaries, ensuring that Vermont remains a top destination for cheese lovers and connoisseurs alike.
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New York: nation's third-largest dairy state
While Wisconsin is the top cheese-producing state in the US, New York is the nation's third-largest dairy state. The dairy industry is the largest single segment of New York's agricultural industry, with the state boasting nearly 3,000 dairy farms. New York is the fifth-largest producer of milk and the largest producer of yogurt and cottage cheese. The state's dairy community includes both large dairy operations and small, family-run farms, with processing facilities ranging from major global processing companies to small artisanal dairy product makers.
New York's Department of Agriculture and Markets plays a crucial role in the state's dairy industry. The department's Division of Milk Control and Dairy Services is responsible for various aspects, including licensing dairy facilities, inspecting processing plants, and sampling milk and milk products to ensure food safety. Additionally, the department promotes the consumption of New York dairy products through initiatives like the Dairy Promotion Order (DPO) and the Milk Marketing Advisory Council (MMAC).
New York's diverse dairy industry offers a wide range of career opportunities, from production and processing to distribution. These careers come with competitive salaries and benefits, and specialised dairy skills are in high demand. The state's dairy sector also contributes to economic development and agricultural growth.
While New York may not be as renowned for its cheese as Wisconsin, it still has a significant presence in the dairy industry, with a focus on milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese production. The state's dedication to quality and safety, along with its mix of large-scale and artisanal producers, contributes to its reputation as the nation's third-largest dairy state.
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California: home of the Cheese School of San Francisco
While Wisconsin is widely known for its cheese, California is also a top cheese-producing state. In fact, California is home to the Cheese School of San Francisco, the only independently owned and operated institution in the nation dedicated entirely to helping people maximise their enjoyment and appreciation of cheese.
The Cheese School of San Francisco was established in 2008 and moved to the city's historic Ghirardelli Square in 2018. The school offers a full cafe menu for lunch and dinner, seven days a week, as well as cheese and wine tasting. Visitors can order custom cheese and wine platters, with food delivered to their table. The venue also offers private dining and professional event catering services, as well as team-building classes.
The school's philosophy is "eating is learning", and it offers a variety of classes, from cheese and wine to pizza-making. Visitors can also take a three-day intensive course. The school is located in the Dogpatch neighbourhood within Daily Driver and features San Francisco's only cheesemaking creamery.
California also has several notable creameries, including Cowgirl, Cacique, Cypress Grove, Laura Chenel, Marin, Pacific Gold, and Point Reyes.
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Oregon: the official world's best cheese
While Wisconsin is widely regarded as the top cheese-producing state in the US, known as "America's Dairyland", Oregon has been recognised for producing the world's best cheese. Oregon's cheese was served by the US President to the President of France at the White House, a true testament to its quality.
Oregon is home to renowned creameries such as Rogue Creamery, which sets the standard for the state with its consistently exceptional blue cheeses. Rogue has also been a leader in green business practices, showcasing its commitment to sustainability. Other notable cheesemakers in Oregon include Tillamook, Briar Rose Creamery, River's Edge, and Face Rock Creamery. These artisans contribute to the state's thriving cheese culture, offering a range of unique and delicious cheeses.
While Oregon may not be the largest cheese producer in terms of volume, it has earned its reputation for excellence. The state's cheesemakers are dedicated to their craft, utilising the abundant dairy resources of the region to create distinctive and acclaimed cheeses. Oregon's win at the White House is a testament to the state's cheese-making prowess, putting it on the map as a destination for connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.
Oregon's cheese culture is an integral part of its culinary landscape, and its recognition as the producer of the world's best cheese is a significant achievement. The state's cheesemakers continue to innovate and refine their craft, ensuring that Oregon remains a leading force in the world of cheese. Whether it's the award-winning blue cheeses or the diverse range of offerings from its many creameries, Oregon has solidified its place as a top cheese destination.
Oregon's distinction as the producer of the world's best cheese is a testament to the state's dairy industry and the artisans who dedicate themselves to their craft. While Wisconsin may lead in overall production, Oregon's focus on quality and unique offerings has propelled it into the spotlight. The state's cheese culture continues to evolve, fostering a community of cheesemakers who are passionate about their trade and committed to delivering exceptional products.
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Frequently asked questions
Wisconsin is often referred to as "America's Dairyland" and is the largest cheese-producing state in the US. It is famous for its cheddar, Colby, and brick cheeses.
While Wisconsin produces the most cheese, Vermont leads the nation in the production of awesome cheese per capita. However, some people consider Oregon to produce the world's best cheese.
Pleasant Ridge Reserve from Wisconsin has won the "Best in Show" award at the American Cheese Society four times. It is a superb Parmesan/Asiago blend, rubbed with coarse ground black peppercorns and aged for one year.
California, New York, Oregon, Idaho, and Texas are also known for their high-quality cheese.
