Oregon’s Best Artisan Cheesemakers and Unforgettable Tasting Experiences

Oregon’s lush pastures, natural beauty, and spirit of innovation provide the perfect canvas for a thriving artisan cheese culture. Prepare your senses for a memorable journey exploring the state’s best cheesemakers and their heavenly creations.

1. Face Rock Creamery

Founded in Bandon, a postcard-perfect coastal town, Face Rock Creamery creates award-winning, handcrafted cheeses. “Fromage blanc” is their standout, while nothing screams Oregon quite like their squeaky cheese curds. Plan a self-guided tour, indulge in a tasting, and don’t miss the chance to buy some of their clothbound cheddar.

2. Rogue Creamery

This Central Point gem boasts the title of ‘Maker of The World’s Best Cheese’, thanks to their Rogue River Blue. Boasting organic raw milk, local ingredients like syrah leaves soaked in pear spirits, this cheese is a testament to Oregon’s bounty. Schedule a guided walking tour to make the most of your visit.

3. Tillamook Creamery

A staple of the Oregon Coast, Tillamook Creamery provides an immersive, family-friendly experience with guided tours. Known globally for their sharp cheddar, the visitor center also boasts an eatery for sampling other artisan cheeses, along with house-made ice cream.

4. Briar Rose Creamery

Situated in Dundee, in the heart of Oregon’s wine country, Briar Rose Creamery specializes in small-batch cheeses. Try their deliciously velvety classics like chevre and feta. A visit to their creamery requires an appointment, but it’s worth it for an intimate and informative tour.

5. Pholia Farm Creamery

Located off the beaten path in Rogue River, Pholia Farm Creamery offers an authentic farmstead experience. Specializing in aged goat cheeses, they truly shine with their unique, rustic varieties. Remember, visiting hours can be sporadic, so call ahead!

6. Ancient Heritage Dairy

At the heart of Portland’s urban jungle is Ancient Heritage Dairy. While a city might be an unconventional location, their sheep and cow milk cheeses are made with traditional, old-world methods. Stop by their public creamery and wine bar for unforgettable pairings.

7. Ochoa’s Queseria

Down in Albany, Ochoa’s Queseria gives you an unmatched taste of Mexican-style fresh cheese. Their rich and tangy queso fresco is the star of the show. Make sure to swing by their storefront to purchase directly.

8. Rivers Edge Chevre

Nestled in the Siletz River Valley, Rivers Edge Chevre is all about the goat cheese. Savour their mold-ripened Humboldt Fog-eque “Up in Smoke.” They offer tastings and sales at their farmstead, but it’s a good idea to arrange in advance, as their farm is working and bustling.

9. Portland Creamery

Simple ingredients and meticulous craft go into Portland Creamery’s acclaimed goat cheese. Folklore has it that their goats get a smorgasbord of spent brewing grains from local breweries, adding an Oregonian twist. Find their cheeses at the Portland Farmers Market or local stores.

10. Fern’s Edge Goat Dairy

Located in the backcountry of Lowell, Fern’s Edge Goat Dairy holds a reputation for their raved about fresh chevre and Greek-style feta. Note though, they don’t usually entertain tourists. But their cheeses are readily available in local farmers markets.

There you have it, a grand tour of Oregon’s artisan cheesemakers, from the coast to the Portland cityscape to the serene valleys. These creameries offer a slice (or wedge!) of the state’s local delicacies and perfectly encapsulate the farmer-to-table ethos Oregonians proudly uphold. The cheese journey doesn’t stop here, of course—there’s so many flavors, textures, and stories to discover beyond this list. So go on, follow your cheese cravings, and delight in the bounty of Oregon’s artisan craft. Happy tasting!