Hey friends! It’s time to savor the best of Oregon. I can’t think of a better time than September—Oregon Cheese Month—to dive into the world of our incredible farmstead and artisan cheeses. If you’re as obsessed with supporting local as I am, this is the perfect excuse to take it up a notch and become a full-fledged “cheesavore.” Did you know Oregon is home to around 250 different types of cheese? That’s a lot of exploring to do, and it’s not just about the cheese, it’s about getting to know the passionate folks behind it. Bonus: even our neighbors in Idaho are starting to make waves in the artisan cheese scene!
We’ve got more than 20 artisan cheesemakers right here in Oregon, many of whom open their doors for tours and visits. Rogue Creamery in Central Point has been handcrafting cheese since 1935—talk about legacy! The Creamery’s blue cheese production began in 1953 with the first wheels of Oregon Blue. This was one of the first cave-aged, French-style blue cheeses ever made west of the Missouri River.
If you’re headed out to the coast, stop by Face Rock Creamery in Bandon, where you can watch their cheese magic happen right before your eyes through the glass windows. Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying the Vampire Slayer garlic cheese curds—thank me later! Check out their website for recipe inspiration and ordering online.
Closer to home, Briar Rose Creamery in Dundee is a must. Sarah Marcus is an artist in her own right, turning cheese into masterpieces. You can visit her Fridays, Saturdays, or by appointment. Briar Rose Creamery is located in the hills above Dundee, Oregon, due East of the Pacific Ocean. We’re lovingly surrounded by acres of forest land and Pinot Noir vineyards. When we looked for a home for Briar Rose we focused on Yamhill County in the fertile Willamette Valley because of the natural resources: rivers, forests, and farmland. Our neighboring wineries make some of the best wines in the world. Since 2010 we have been embraced by the close-knit community of chefs, farmers, winemakers, and fellow food producers and enjoy adding cheese to the colorful landscape and palette of food made by hand in Oregon. And if you want to see what sustainability in cheese production looks like, check out TMK Creamery + Distillery. It’s one of the only dairy farms in the country open to the public, and you can swing by for a tour on Friday afternoons or weekends.
And for the grand finale? Don’t miss The Wedge on September 28 in Portland. It’s basically a cheese lover’s dream—a farmers market-style festival where you can taste samples from all over the state, plus all the yummy accompaniments you’ll want to pair with your new favorite cheeses. See you there!
Even more cheese – oregoncheseguild.com