Experience the Craftsmanship of Oregon’s Best Artisan Cheesemakers
The majestic state of Oregon, with its lush green landscapes, is not just a Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, it’s also a food lover’s paradise. A special treat that often gets overlooked is the craft of artisan cheesemaking, a tradition that requires patience, skill, and an impeccable sense of timing. The Beaver State boasts some of the best local cheese producers, creating their own unique, handmade cheeses inspired by the rich, bountiful land around them.1. Tillamook Creamery
The name Tillamook rings a bell for most cheese aficionados. Known for their high-quality dairy products, visiting their creamery on Hwy 101 is nothing short of an adventure. A walk through their cheese factory, witnessing the cheesemaking process firsthand, and sampling their wide variety of cheeses, is a must-do. Don’t forget to explore the Tillamook Cheese Factory’s onsite market for a take-home treat.2. Rogue Creamery
Nestled in the heart of southern Oregon in Central Point, Rogue Creamery is a gourmet cheese lover’s paradise. They’re notorious for their award-winning blue cheeses. Take a leisurely drive down the scenic Rogue River corridor to taste and appreciate their world-renowned, savory offerings.3. Willamette Valley Cheese Company
Situated in the scenic Willamette Valley, this cheese company offers organic, handcrafted treats. Their artisan cheeses pair wonderfully with the local wines, making a cheese and wine picnic in the rolling vineyards an idyllic afternoon outing.
4. Mt. Townsend Creamery
Though a slightly longer distance up north across the Columbia River, you’ll find Mt. Townsend Creamery in Washington state, but their Campfire cheese has got a loyal Oregonian following. This smoked, jack-style cheese is a campfire in the mouth, and well worth a detour in your Pacific Northwest travels.5. Briar Rose Creamery
Tucked away in the hills of Dundee, Briar Rose Creamery offers a variety of small-batch cheeses. A visit here could be combined with some wine tasting in the surrounding wineries. They’re particularly known for their tangy feta and silky goat cheese – artisanal cheesemaking at its finest.6. Portland Creamery
Delicious goat cheese is the star of Portland Creamery. Urbanites in search of local cheese should make a beeline for their stall at the popular Portland Farmers Market, where they can sample coffee-infused chevre and other innovative offerings.7. Fern’s Edge Goat Dairy
This cute dairy and creamery is located in idyllic Lowell and specializes in raw goat milk cheeses. Their products are typically found at local farmers’ markets. Make a day out of it and visit neighboring vineyards after you’ve enjoyed their creamy, robust cheeses.8. Face Rock Creamery
Face Rock Creamery in the charming town of Bandon at the southern Oregon coast is best-known for its premium aged cheddar. Come for the cheese, but stay for the scenic coastal views.9. Ochoa’s Queseria
For a different spin on cheesemaking, venture out to Albany and visit Ochoa’s Queseria. This specialty cheesemaking company offers the best quesos frescos in the region. Their genuine Mexican cheese, Oaxaca, is a cheese lover’s delight.10. Cheese Bar in Portland
While not a cheesemaker itself, Cheese Bar is the go-to for a panorama of Oregon’s artisan cheeses. You can find amazingly diverse offerings on their menu, from several Oregon creameries under one quaint roof on Southeast Belmont.As they say in Oregon, “Every day is a Gouda day!” Savor the rich and diverse flavors of the Oregonian cheese scene! From the moist coastal pastures that feed Tillamook’s cows, to the haughty goats of the Willamette Valley, these curds and whey are brimming with the taste of Oregon. Whenever you’re planning your gastronomy-filled road trip, remember Oregon has this cheesy side worth discovering and enjoying. The rustic charm of these dairies pairs perfectly with a scenic Oregon backdrop, crafting a beautifully delicious experience you’ll never forget.