Unveiling Oregon’s Best Artisan Cheesemakers and Where to Experience Their Craft

Oregon is a place of abundant natural beauty, a vibrant cultural scene, and, of course, delectable cuisine. You may already be aware of Oregon’s fame for organic produce, trailblazing craft beer, and award-winning wines. However, for the devoted cheese enthusiast, Oregon serves up an understated bounty of exquisite, handcrafted cheeses. So, let’s embark on this dairy-fueled journey to discover some of Oregon’s best artisan cheesemakers.

1. Tillamook Creamery

An iconic trailblazer in the Oregon dairy scene, Tillamook Creamery, located in Tillamook County, is a must-visit. Their age-old cheddar has addicted generations with its sharp, robust flavors; however, don’t overlook their rich ice cream and sumptuous yogurt. Tillamook’s recently remodelled visitor center offers informative exhibits, tasting rooms, and even gives a behind-the-scenes peek at the cheesemaking process. A pro tip: Try their squeaky cheese curds and pair it with a local brew.

2. Bandon Cheese Factory

Bandon Cheese Factory, now under the Tillamook brand, carries a rich legacy of more than a century. This South Coast establishment in Bandon is famous for its cheddar cheese praised for its full-bodied taste. While it’s not as big it was before Tillamook took over, a wide variety of cheeses and the scenic setting amid wind-battered cliffs make it very much worth the visit.

3. Rogue Creamery

Nestled in the heart of historic Central Point, Rogue Creamery’s world-class blue cheeses have found international acclaim. Their “Rogue River Blue Cheese” was named the world’s best at the 2019 World Cheese Awards. An absolute must-do for the cheese zealot is the yearly festival “The Oregon Cheese Festival” that takes place in March.

4. Face Rock Creamery

This newcomer in Bandon offers a unique coastal cheesemaking experience. Face Rock Creamery’s Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar is an absolute indulgence. And while you’re there, don’t skip experiencing the traditional coastal cheese curds known as “squeaky cheese.” Wander around the artisanal store, pair the cheese curd with cranberry sweets for a perfect souvenir of the authentic Oregon flavor profile.

5. Briar Rose Creamery

Situated among the scenic beauty of Dundee Hills in the Willamette Valley, Briar Rose Creamery is a small-scale goat cheese artisan. The creamery’s ‘Fata Morgana’ stands out with floral and peppery notes that provide a refreshing burst of flavor. With their commitment to raising dairy goats sustainably, their tastings feel like a cozy, pastoral retreat.

6. Portland Creamery

While mostly supplying to local restaurants and vendors, Portland Creamery in Molalla still welcomes visitors to its farm. It specializes in fresh goat cheese or ‘chèvre’ and the creamy, tangy notes of flavors like ‘Sweet Fire’, with habanero and apricot, are entirely worth the trip. Try their cheese at popular Portland joints like Salt & Straw or Laurelhurst Market.

7. Pholia Farm

Pholia Farm, located in the off-the-beaten-track Elkton, is a fully off-grid goat cheese artisan. They specialize in aged, raw milk cheeses. Their cheeses are available only select times of the year, hence, remember to check their availability online and plan your trip accordingly.

8. Fern’s Edge Goat Dairy

This small-scale Mt. Vernon creamery offers a unique High Desert cheesemaking experience, Fern’s Edge Goat Dairy. Known for their delicious chèvre, the creamery’s idyllic setting adds to the charm of the visit making it a memorable culinary adventure.

9. Willamette Valley Cheese Co.

Salem’s Willamette Valley Cheese Co., nestled in the picturesque surroundings of the valley, offers an excellent selection of cow and sheep milk cheeses. A family-run affair, their Brindisi, an aged Fontina, has won several awards. The beautiful location also makes it perfect for a picnic.

10. Blue Heron French Cheese Company

Concluding our list is Tilamook’s Blue Heron French Cheese Company. They offer a delightful array of Brie. Blue Heron, apart from being a cheese store, doubles as a petting zoo, making it an ideal outing for families. You can try their Brie in various flavors, and the delightfully creamy texture is to die for.

Just like that, our fromage-tastic tour of Oregon concludes. Embark on the Oregon cheese trail and indulge in these creamy, flavorful experiences. These artisan cheesemakers are an embodiment of the love Oregon natives have for their land and its bountiful produce. Remember to savor the craft, heritage, and most importantly, enjoy every bite. Safe travels and happy cheese tasting!