A Cheese Lover’s Trail: Oregon’s Best Artisan Cheesemakers and Where to Try Them

Oregon, known for its spectacular natural beauty, also offers a sumptuous feast for cheese lovers, thanks to its thriving community of artisan cheesemakers. From the lush Willamette Valley to the rugged Oregon Coast, this is a culinary journey to remember.

1. Tillamook Creamery

Set in the scenic coastal town of Tillamook, this century-old creamery calls itself the “Cheese Capital of Oregon”. Here you can take self-guided tours, see how cheese is made, and sample their famous cheddar. Be sure to try the squeaky cheese curds, and don’t forget a scoop of their locally churned ice cream too!

2. Rogue Creamery

Travel to Central Point and you’ll find the internationally acclaimed Rogue Creamery. Renowned for its blue cheese, notably the “Rogue River Blue” which won best cheese in the world in 2019. This is a must-visit for blue cheese lovers – don’t leave without buying a slab of their award-winning creation.

3. Willamette Valley Cheese Company

In the heart of the Willamette Valley, this family-run creamery crafts hand-made, organic cow and goat milk cheeses. Their brie is a delight, with a buttery, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with a local pinot noir. Take a walk about the farm, get to know the animals, and enjoy the rural idyll.

4. Face Rock Creamery

Located amid Bandon-by-the-sea, Face Rock Creamery is famous for their aged cheddar and “Vampire Slayer” garlic infused curd. After sampling cheese, stroll along the adorable Old Town, check out their homemade fudge, and don’t skip the crab-soup at Tony’s Crab Shack nearby – it’s a local gem.

5. Portland Creamery

Portland’s artisan food scene wouldn’t be complete without its own boutique goat cheese maker. The Portland Creamery at the foot of Mt. Hood offers silky smooth chevre, with flavors like Sweet Fire and Oregon Herb. Stop in at one of the local farmer’s markets to grab a log or two.

6. Ochoa’s Queseria

Venture to Albany for Ochoa’s Queseria, where traditional Mexican cheese is the specialty. Their queso fresco, Oaxaca, and Cotija cheeses add authentic taste to any meal. Grab a bag of chips and try their Chilango cheese dip, it’s a must for spicy food enthusiasts.

7. Briar Rose Creamery

Up in the hills of Dundee, Briar Rose Creamery is a boutique cheese maker, renowned for their artisanal, hand-shaped goat cheeses. Their fresh chèvre is a revelation, light and slightly tangy. This charming location also hosts cheese making classes – a delightful way to spend an afternoon.

8. Rivers Edge Chèvre

Sitting atop the cliffs of the Siletz River in Logsden, Rivers Edge Chèvre crafts a stunning array of goat cheeses. Try their ‘Up in Smoke’, a maple leaf-wrapped, smoked cheese that delivers a burst of woodland flavor. Their picturesque farm is worth a visit for the stunning views alone.

9. Ancient Heritage Dairy

This one-of-a-kind urban creamery is located in Portland’s bustling SE industrial district. Ancient Heritage Dairy offers sheep and cow’s milk cheeses with a distinct, robust flavor. Their Valentine cheese, a heart-shaped delight, makes for a perfect, cheesy gift.

10. Fern’s Edge Goat Dairy

In Lowell, Fern’s Edge Goat Dairy is the epitome of farm-to-table goodness. Their organic, pasture-raised goats produce milk for Chèvre, Feta, Fontina, and Gouda cheeses. The feta is especially popular – crumbly, salty, and perfect for sprinkling on locally grown greens.

So pack up your coolers, buckle up, and get ready to embark on a cheese adventure like no other through Oregon’s artisan cheese trail. It’s a journey of waves of flavor and texture, nestled in the heartland of the enchanting Oregon landscape. Just another reason to love this beloved Pacific Northwest state!