Frederic Melton
The Blue Heron French Cheese Company is a family-owned business located on the Tillamook Coast in Oregon. The 40-acre farm, originally a Grade A Jersey dairy farm, was purchased by the Pastega family in 1978 and has since become a popular tourist attraction. The farm's deli and gift shop are housed in a 1930s Dutch colonial barn, giving it an Old World feel. Blue Heron has become known for its diverse offerings, including wine and cheese tastings, a petting zoo, and gourmet foods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Blue Heron French Cheese Company |
| Location | Tillamook Coast, Oregon |
| Year Established | 1979 |
| Owner | Pastega Family |
| Area | 40 acres |
| Building | 1930's Dutch Colonial Barn |
| Products | Brie Cheese, Wine, Deli Food, Gifts, Petting Farm |
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What You'll Learn
- The Blue Heron French Cheese Company is family-owned and operated by the Pastega family
- The company has been a Tillamook Coast milestone for over 30 years
- The 40-acre farm was purchased in 1978 and was originally a Grade A Jersey farm
- The farm features a petting zoo with a variety of animals, including goats, donkeys, and chickens
- The company offers daily wine and cheese tastings, with a selection of over 90 wines and a variety of cheeses
The Blue Heron French Cheese Company is family-owned and operated by the Pastega family
The Blue Heron French Cheese Company is a family-owned and operated business, run by the Pastega family. The Pastegas purchased the 40-acre Jersey dairy farm in 1978, and it has been a popular Tillamook Coast landmark ever since. The distinctive Dutch Colonial barn, built in the 1930s, has been remodelled and restored, housing the Blue Heron's vast variety of unique gifts, wines, foods and, of course, cheeses.
The business began as a French brie cheese factory, with wine tastings. Over the years, the Pastega family expanded the offering to include a deli, unique specialty gift items and gift baskets, and a petting farm. The location's history as a dairy farm and its 40-acre size led the Pastegas to acquire a few animals, some of which were rescues. Visitors enjoyed interacting with the animals, so the family continued to add to the collection, which now includes around 25 grazing animals, from llamas to goats, sheep, ponies, and various birds.
The Blue Heron French Cheese Company has experienced annual growth and an ever-expanding business since its opening in August 1979. It has evolved from producing brie and offering samples of a few wines to now providing over 90 wines (and beer), a multitude of cheeses and food tastings, a deli, gifts, and the petting farm. The company is committed to providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all visitors, with its charming vintage farm setting, picturesque scenery, and delightful treats.
The Blue Heron is renowned for its daily wine and cheese tastings, with its cheese famous throughout Oregon. The company also offers a wide range of gourmet foods, including many Blue Heron and locally-made products such as Riverhouse Salad Dressings, jams, mustards, dips, and more. Visitors can enjoy a simple lunch with a glass of wine or a tasty mustard, jam, or jelly. There is also a delightful outdoor area with corn hole games and nice tables for wine tasting.
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The company has been a Tillamook Coast milestone for over 30 years
The Blue Heron French Cheese Company has been a fixture on the Tillamook Coast for over three decades. The company was established in 1979, and for over 40 years, it has been a family-owned business, providing a unique experience for visitors. The site has a rich history, having originally been a Grade A Jersey dairy farm, purchased in 1978 by the Pastega family, who were drawn to the area's cheese connections and climate, ideal for producing brie.
The distinctive Dutch Colonial barn, built in the 1930s, has been carefully remodelled and restored, retaining its Old World charm. It now houses a vast array of specialty gifts, wines, foods and, of course, cheeses. The company began as a French brie cheese factory, with wine tastings, and has since expanded its offerings. The addition of a deli, unique gifts and gift baskets, and a petting farm have transformed Blue Heron into a popular tourist destination.
The 40-acre property boasts picturesque scenery, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience farm life. Outside, old-fashioned farm equipment and tractors from a bygone era sit alongside a petting zoo, where guests can interact with a variety of farm animals, including goats, donkeys, chickens and even ostriches. The petting farm has been a popular addition, with visitors enjoying the chance to get up close with the animals and even feed them.
The company has also diversified its product range over the years. While brie cheese remains a signature offering, Blue Heron now boasts over 90 wines, a variety of beers, and a multitude of cheeses and food items available for tasting. The deli offers daily specials, including cosy soups, hearty sandwiches and fresh salads, with many Blue Heron and locally-made products. The company also hosts family-friendly events throughout the year, including a Fourth of July Celebration and the Old Iron Show in August, attracting visitors fascinated by old iron machinery.
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The 40-acre farm was purchased in 1978 and was originally a Grade A Jersey farm
The Blue Heron French Cheese Company is a family-owned business located on the Tillamook Coast in Oregon. The 40-acre farm was purchased in 1978 by the Pastega family, who converted the historical barn into a wine and cheese tasting room. The farm has a distinct Old World feel, with its 1930s Dutch Colonial barn, antique farm equipment, and historical buildings. Originally a Grade A Jersey farm, Blue Heron has become a renowned destination since 1979, known especially for its exquisite brie cheese.
Over the years, Blue Heron has expanded its offerings to include a diverse selection of Pacific Northwest wines, microbrews, gourmet foods, artisan cheeses, and unique gifts. The deli offers daily specials of cozy soups, hearty sandwiches, and fresh salads. Visitors can also enjoy wine tasting and live music at the fire pit while taking in the picturesque scenery. The farm is also home to a petting zoo, where guests can get up close and personal with various farm animals, including goats, donkeys, chickens, and ostriches.
The Blue Heron French Cheese Company has experienced annual growth and an ever-expanding business since its opening in August 1979. It began as a French brie cheese factory, with wine tastings, and gradually added more food selections, a deli, unique specialty gift items, and a petting farm. The area's cheese connection and climate were perfectly suited to Denny Pastega's vision for producing brie cheese and developing a popular tourist attraction.
The Pastega family has played an active role in the success of the business. Chris Pastega, in particular, has been involved in merchandise buying, ensuring that the company carries only the best quality products. Her daughter, Jessica, recalls tagging along on buying trips and the importance of research that her mother instilled in her. Together, they have helped shape the evolution of the Blue Heron French Cheese Company into the thriving business it is today.
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The farm features a petting zoo with a variety of animals, including goats, donkeys, and chickens
The Blue Heron French Cheese Company is a family-owned business that has been a milestone on the Tillamook Coast for over 30 years. The 40-acre farm was purchased by the Pastega family in 1978, and they have since converted the historical 1930s Dutch Colonial barn into a wine and cheese tasting room, deli, and gift shop. The business has expanded over the years to include a petting zoo with a variety of animals, including goats, donkeys, chickens, ostriches, llamas, sheep, ponies, and geese.
The petting zoo is a popular attraction for guests of all ages, offering a chance to get up close and personal with the animals. Visitors can purchase food from inside the barn to feed the animals themselves. The zoo is home to a diverse range of species, from large grazing animals to winged creatures.
The Pastega family has added to the collection of animals over time, with some arriving as rescues. They recognized how much visitors enjoyed interacting with the animals and continued to expand the farm's menagerie. Today, the petting zoo is an integral part of the Blue Heron experience, providing entertainment and education for guests.
In addition to the petting zoo, Blue Heron offers a variety of other attractions, including daily wine and cheese tastings, a deli with gourmet foods, and a gift shop with unique items. The farm also hosts family-friendly events throughout the year, such as a Fourth of July Celebration and the Old Iron Show in August, attracting visitors from all over the Pacific Northwest.
The Blue Heron French Cheese Company is committed to providing a memorable experience for all who visit. With its charming vintage farm setting, picturesque scenery, and diverse offerings, it has become a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. The petting zoo, in particular, adds to the farm's allure, creating a fun and interactive environment for guests to connect with nature and learn about animal care.
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The company offers daily wine and cheese tastings, with a selection of over 90 wines and a variety of cheeses
The Blue Heron French Cheese Company, located on the Tillamook Coast in Oregon, is a renowned destination for cheese and wine lovers alike. Since its establishment in 1979, the company has been committed to providing a unique and memorable experience for its customers, offering a delightful combination of cheese, wine, and a charming vintage farm setting.
The company's daily wine and cheese tastings are a highlight for many visitors. With a selection of over 90 wines, including a wide range of Oregon and Pacific Northwest varieties, there is something to suit every palate. The wine selection pairs perfectly with the diverse array of cheeses on offer, from creamy brie to bold cheddar and tangy gouda. The knowledgeable staff at Blue Heron are always ready to guide customers in finding the perfect pairings and discovering new favourites.
The cheese produced by Blue Heron is renowned, particularly their brie, which has been a speciality since the company's early days as a French brie cheese factory. The climate and location of the farm are ideally suited to crafting exquisite brie, and their dedication to quality has made their cheese a local favourite. Over the years, Blue Heron has expanded its offerings to include a variety of artisan cheeses, both local and imported, ensuring there is a cheese to satisfy any craving.
In addition to the wine and cheese, Blue Heron also offers a delightful dining experience. Their award-winning delicatessen serves daily specials, including hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, and cozy soups. For those looking to extend their stay, Blue Heron provides a unique camping experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the picturesque farm setting. The 40-acre property boasts a distinct Old World feel, with a 1930s Dutch colonial barn, antique farm equipment, and a delightful petting zoo, making it a popular tourist attraction.
The company, owned and operated by the Pastega family, has experienced annual growth and expansion since its opening. The family's commitment to quality and ingenuity has driven the addition of new offerings, including the deli, gift shop, and petting farm. Today, Blue Heron French Cheese Company stands as a testament to the Pastega family's vision, providing a delightful experience for visitors from all walks of life.
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Frequently asked questions
The Blue Heron French Cheese Company is owned and operated by the Pastega family.
The Pastegas purchased the 40-acre Jersey dairy farm in 1978 and opened for business in 1979.
Blue Heron offers daily wine and cheese tastings, a deli, a gift shop, and a petting farm.
