Oregon’s Unmissable Artisan Cheesemakers and Where to Delight In Their Craft

Ah, there’s a certain magic to a well-aged wheel of cheese, and as fellow Oregonians, we’re fortunate enough to share our beautiful state with some of America’s finest artisan cheesemakers. If you’re as enthusiastic about fromage as we are here in Oregon, join us on this cheesemonger tour de force, as we delve into our local cheesemaking scene.

1. Tillamook Cheese Factory

No list of Oregon cheesemakers would be complete without Tillamook. This stalwart of the Oregon cheese scene has been making mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing cheddars for over a century. The factory store on the Oregon Coast Highway is a paradise for cheese lovers. Don’t miss the cheese sampling station, where you can taste test their wildly popular squeaky cheese curds.

2. Face Rock Creamery

Nestled in the coastal town of Bandon, Face Rock Creamery concocts award-winning fromage that captures the flavors of our extraordinary region. Their famous Vampire Slayer is a must-try – a garlicky smack of sharp cheddar that’ll keep Dracula at bay. Visit their creamery to indulge in free tastings and view the cheese-making process through their viewing windows.

3. Rogue Creamery

Southern Oregon’s Rogue Creamery in Central Point is famed for its blue cheese – they’ve even bagged an international award for it! It’s the ideal pit stop midway on an I-5 road trip, where you can select your perfect blue from their on-site cheese shop. Don’t forget to try Rogue River Blue, layered with complexity and richness.

4. Briar Rose Creamery

Away from Oregon’s coastline and in the heart of wine country lies Briar Rose Creamery. This cheese boutique specializes in small-batch, handmade goat cheese. A visit to Dundee, where the creamery is located, gives you the chance to sample their award-winning creations like the decadent Maia, laced with floral notes and creamy dreams.

5. River’s Edge Chèvre

Tucked away in the lush woods of the Oregon Coast Range, River’s Edge Chèvre is a haven for fans of goat cheese. This family-run farm produces exceptional chevres worth dropping everything for like their Up in Smoke – a cheese delicately wrapped in bourbon-infused leaves. Attending their annual Farm Open House Day is a treat for any dedicated cheese enthusiast.

6. Fern’s Edge Goat Dairy Mt. Zion

Fern’s Edge Goat Dairy, stationed at the base of Mt. Zion, is known for its smooth and soft chevres. This charming dairy farm offers an immersive farm-to-table experience where one can witness cheese crafting firsthand. In summer months, do reserve a spot at their farm-to-table brunches, where omelets are star-studded with their own fresh chevre.

7. Goldin Artisan Goat Cheese

Expertly crafting French-inspired, farmstead goat cheese, Goldin Artisan whispers of old-world charm while embracing the joy of seasonal flavors. Visit this Molalla gem to get your goat cheese fix and to meet their friendly goats. Their crumbly feta is perfect for tangy bites, ideal for that afternoon picnic at nearby Molalla River State Park.

8. Pholia Farm Creamery

Revolutionizing the way we perceive aged goat milk cheese, Pholia Farm Creamery, located near Elkton, has a unique approach to their craft. The creamery is off-grid, with its energy needs met by solar power, as it maintains an intimate, sustainable relationship with goats and environment. Be sure to call ahead for a tasting of their carefully cultivated artisan cheeses like Hillis Peak.

9. Juniper Grove Farm

A visit to Juniper Grove Farm in Redmond is a must for any cheese lover. Famed for its chevre, fresh curds and matured delicacies inspired by French artisan techniques, this farm doesn’t disappoint. Pop by during spring or early summer, when the baby goats (kids) can be seen gamboling around, adding that extra slice of pastoral delight to your visit.

10. Willamette Valley Cheese Company

Rounding off this cheese-laden journey of ours, we end up in the fertile heart of the Willamette Valley. The region’s fertile soils produce the lush pasture on which the Jersey cows feed, attributing to the delightful creaminess of the cheeses. Try their signature gouda or the distinctively sharp Boerenkaas for a taste of why they’re so beloved.

As we wind down our journey through the affinages and aging rooms of Oregon’s best, one can truly appreciate the deep, passionate craft that goes into each wheel and block that graces our market stands and dinner tables. Whether you’re a blue cheese fan or a chèvre devotee, our state’s artisan cheesemakers have something for everyone. Because, in Oregon, love and artisan cheese go hand in hand.