Oregon’s Best Artisan Cheesemakers: Unravel the Cheesy Love Affair
Nestled in our picturesque landscapes and rugged coastlines, Oregon boasts a vibrant and passionate community of artisan cheesemakers. Each one reflects Oregonian dedication to quality and an enduring love for our local produce. From creamy bries to hard, aged cheddars, here’s a flavorful journey through Oregon’s best artisanal cheese destinations that shouldn’t be missed.1. Tillamook Cheese Factory
No cheese lover’s visit to Oregon would be complete without a pilgrimage to Tillamook, fondly known as Cheese Town, USA. The Tillamook Cheese Factory tours offer a peek into the traditional cheesemaking process, further livened up with mouth-watering samples. Don’t miss the squeaky cheese curds, a local favorite.2. Face Rock Creamery
Heading along the Southern Oregon Coast, you’ll find the family-owned Face Rock Creamery in Bandon. Their signature Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar has quite the bite and pairs beautifully with a lush Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley, another iconic Oregon gem.3. Rogue Creamery
Over in the amiable town of Central Point, folks simply rave about Rogue Creamery’s award-winning blue cheese. Their public tours are well worth your time, and for a truly enhanced tasting, pop into one of the local farmers’ markets that commonly showcase this delicacy.
4. Briar Rose Creamery
In a charming woodland setting in Dundee, Briar Rose Creamery impresses with its artisan goat cheeses. Their attention to traditional, hands-on techniques results in some of the finest chevre and feta in Oregon. They host seasonal tastings, so plan your trip accordingly to enjoy the best.5. Ancient Heritage Dairy
Located smack in the heart of Portland, Ancient Heritage Dairy has been serving unforgettable sheep milk cheese since 2005. A visit here combines beautifully with a trip to Portland’s famous Powell’s Books, making for a thoroughly Oregonian experience.6. Rivers Edge Chevre
On the banks of the Marys River, Rivers Edge Chevre is one of the only Oregon creameries specializing exclusively in goat cheese. Visits are by appointment only, so take the scenic drive through the valley and book in advance to sample their varied range.7. Pendleton’s Country Market
For those exploring the Eastern Oregon trails, the Pendleton’s Country Market in Milton-Freewater offers an opportunistic break for cheese lovers, known for locally sourced goat cheese. Bring along a loaf of bread from one of our local Oregon bakeries such as Sparrow Bakery in Bend for a quick but memorable picnic.8. Fern’s Edge Goat Dairy
Known not just for their back-to-nature approach but also for their scrumptious raw milk goat cheeses, Fern’s Edge Goat Dairy in Lowell is another must-visit for cheese aficionados. Try the Mt. Zion, which pairs excellently with local Oregon Rieslings.9. Portland Creamery
A favorite of the city’s restaurant scene, Portland Creamery has been creating delightful goat cheeses since 2011. Their weekly markets in the city’s vibrant neighborhoods are each punctuated with their lush offerings, so do explore these for some real, fresh-from-the-farm goodness.10. Willamette Valley Cheese Company
Ending this cheese journey in the fertile plains of Salem, the Willamette Valley Cheese Company is renowned for its organically-grown, award-winning cow’s milk cheeses. A relaxing afternoon here, with a cheeseboard and local wines, is everything an Oregon food lover could want.So there you have it, a taste-packed journey through Oregon’s artisan cheese scene. Whether it’s drizzling honey over crumbly cheddar or pairing tangy chevre with a crisp local cider, Oregon offers a myriad of cheese experiences to cherish. Happy tasting!