Exploring the Palate: Oregon’s Best Artisan Cheesemakers and Where to Try Them
Ah, the verdant hills of Oregon, where the salty kiss of Pacific breezes spurs the grasses that feed our state’s finest dairy herds. The Cheese State has nothing on us when it comes to crafting some of the country’s most distinctive artisan fromages. Get those taste buds ready as we embark on a delicious dairy tour of Oregon’s top ten artisan cheesemakers.1. Tillamook Creamery
This is probably the one you’ve heard of. Tillamook, known nationwide, still maintains a heritage dating to1889. Head over to their flagship facility in the coastal town of Tillamook to see the in-house cheese-making process and enjoy scoops of their legendary, creamy ice cream. Locals recommend the Squeaky Cheese curds and vintage extra sharp cheddar.2. Face Rock Creamery
Located in Bandon, Face Rock is an award-winning creamery that specializes in delicious, old-world style cheddar. A local secret from this creamery is their Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar, perfect for keeping your camping trip in the Siskiyou Forest vampire-free.3. Rogue Creamery
No Oregonian dairy list would be complete without this gem. In Central Point, the creamery’s organic, cave-aged blue cheeses are a must-try. They’ve even won international awards! Drop by after hiking the Rogue River for a cheesy pick-me-up.
4. Briar Rose Creamery
This sweet little creamery located in Dundee follows traditional cheesemaking techniques using milk from their own jolly-goat herd. Try their Maia cheese, paired perfectly with a glass of Oregon Pinot right from one of Dundee’s many vineyards.5. Pholia Farm
Hidden away in the Rogue Valley, Pholia, a family-owned goat farm, produces some seriously scrumptious cheeses. Their initial cheese, Hillis Peak, named after a local landmark, is a community and family favorite.6. Portland Creamery
For something edgy as Portland itself, the Portland Creamery in Clackamas transforms single-source goat milk into divine chevre. Try their soft-cheese trifecta with some local honey and a Stumptown coffee.7. Goldin Artisan Goat Cheese
Head north from Tillamook to Molalla and discover Goldin Artisan, a true farmstead operation. Their complex, aged and bloomy-rind cheeses are the epitome of perfection in cheesemaking. Pair these with locally-brewed cider for a sublime tasting experience.8. Rivers Edge Chevre
Nestled in the Siletz River Valley, Rivers Edge produces some of the most creative, French-influenced goat cheeses around. Their Up in Smoke cheese, wrapped in smoked maple leaves, is a seriously tasty addition to any campfire dinner.9. Ochoa’s Queseria
While not traditional “fine” cheese, Ochoa’s Queseria in Albany is a must-visit for their authentic Oaxaca-style cheeses and quesadillas. Their Mexican cuisine complements the state’s overall eclectic and international cheese scene.10. Fern’s Edge Goat Dairy
Lost Creek Valley is home to Fern’s Edge Goat Diary, a creamery that dabbles in both fresh and aged cheeses. The buzz here is their Monte Cristo, an homage to the savory greatness of its sandwich namesake, and it’s only found in select marketplaces.Rich in flavor and regional lore, our indulgent Oregon cheeses are best experienced firsthand. So why not play a cheese-themed road trip around the state and make some your own lactose-loaded memories? Our artisan creameries are ready to welcome you with gusto – and gouda. Enjoy the journey and your deliciously dairy-filled detours!