Discovering Oregon’s Best Artisan Cheesemakers: A Delectable Journey

Oregon – known for its stunning coastline, vast forests, and the majestic Cascade Range, has another surprising allure – cheese. The state prides itself on high-quality, homemade, and aged-to-perfection cheeses. The following list showcases the best artisan cheesemakers that Oregon has on offer. Grab your map, it’s time to go cheesy!

1. Tillamook Creamery

Located in its namesake town, Tillamook, this creamery is an Oregon institution. Their cheeses are celebrated throughout the Pacific Northwest. Don’t miss a chance to witness the cheesemaking process through their glass-windowed production room and taste a variety of their classic and limited edition cheeses at their Sampling Counter.

2. Face Rock Creamery

Situated in coastal Bandon, this creamery is loved for its Clothbound Cheddar. If that’s not your style, their Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar will surely satiate your taste buds. Catch a glimpse of cheese production in their production observation area, then head to their creamery store to pick some for the road.

3. Rogue Creamery

Nestled in Central Point, Rogue Creamery was the first American cheese company to win the prestigious World Cheese Award. One of their must-try cheeses is the celebrated Caveman Blue, an artisanal wonder. Try visiting during the Pear Blossom Festival when Central Point comes alive with festivities.

4. Briar Rose Creamery

Located in Dundee’s wine country, this creamery offers an array of goat milk cheeses. Their staple, the Classic Chevre, is a must-try. But make your visit extra special by tasting their seasonal selection that includes the Maia Bloom and Serafina.

5. Oregon Blue Vein Cheese

Produced by the Rogue Creamery in the Rogue Valley, this popular and internationally recognized cheese has a signature taste. To fully appreciate its flavor, pair this blue-veined beauty with a local Pinot Noir from one of the many wineries in the region.

6. Willamette Valley Cheese Company

Situated in Salem, this creamery produces handcrafted, organic cheese of extraordinary taste and texture. Their Brindisi, an aged fontina, is a must-try. Also, on a beautiful day, enjoy a picnic in the creamery’s lawn – with a cheese platter, of course!

7. Central Coast Creamery

Located just north of Newport, this creamery continues to satisfy cheese lovers with their famously creamy Holey Cow. Their Sea Stack, a complex layered cheese, adds a unique touch to the flavors of the coast.

8. Portland Creamery

Straight out of the heart of creative Portland, this creamery focuses on ‘one thing done well’ – their chèvre, a rich and creamy goat cheese. You can find their offerings at most Portland Farmers Markets, where you can taste them alongside other local produce and goods.

9. Ancient Heritage Dairy

This creamery, nestled within the bustling Central Eastside of Portland, curates unique flavor pairings like the Valentine, a blend of sheep and cow’s milk with an edible ash layer, a delight to all cheese enthusiasts.

10. Rivers Edge Chevre

Just north of the Siuslaw National Forest in Logsden, their notable Sunset Bay cheese is a delight infused with smoked Spanish paprika. Be sure to plan your visit between May and October when you can also enjoy sightings of newborn goats.

Oregon’s landscape bound in verdant forests and caressed by pristine water bodies nurtures these craft cheesemakers, making this state quite the mecca for cheese enthusiasts. So whether you’re a local Oregonian, a gastronome, or a casual tourist looking for quality cheese, dive into this cheesy paradise to experience these artisanal wonders!