Local Vermont cheese producers

Vermont is one of the premier producers of great local cheeses in the United States. No matter what type of cheese you are interested in, there is somewhere in Vermont where it is being produced. When thinking of Vermont, the first producer that comes to mind is Cabot and their wonderful cheddar cheese and while this is indeed a great cheese, there are many other types of cheese being produced and sold around the state. Here are a few suggestions for cheeses that you may want to try and where you can find them.

Mt. Mansfield Creamery

Mt. Mansfield Creamery's family operated business is producing a wide variety of cheeses that are aged in a cave. They produce raw milk cheeses that are inspired by the great cheeses of Europe. Their happy cows are hand-milked and these are cheeses that will please even the cheese connoisseur. Among their seasonal cheeses, you will find some that are made from pasteurized milk and with the additional of gourmet ingredients. If you are looking to try a Vermont made Havarti, their Forerunner is the cheese for you. 

Cheese can be ordered from their website and if you have ever thought that you might like to try your hand at making your own cheese, they also offer a cheese making class. If you are in the area you can find their cheeses being sold at the Stowe Harvest Market and at the Green Top Market in Morrisville as well as at the Creamery. If you call ahead tours can be arranged.

Hildene Farm Signature Cheeses

When Robert Lincoln chose this area of Vermont to make his home little did he realize where the future would take it. This is one of the newest additions to the Vermont cheese industry and includes goat as well as cow's milk cheeses. Chevre is the first cheese they produced and currently there are several varieties of cheese for sale at the gift shop of the mansion. This is a great way to combine a day trip to southwestern Vermont with a cheese buying expedition. Tour the amazing home and gardens and sample some great local Vermont cheese.

Crowley Hand Crafted Cheese

Crowley is not a fly by night Vermont cheese producer. They have been in business for over 180 years and are still going strong. Their cheese factory is the oldest in the United States and you can visit it weekdays and some Saturdays. It is a factory where all the cheeses are still hand produced and the cheese is made from local raw milk. This gives the cheese its distinctive creaminess and flavor. 

Crowley produces Vermont cheese in wheels and in smaller blocks. You can buy their cheeses directly from them online or at one of their many outlets. Crowley cheese is a relative of cheddar and is offered in mild, sharp, extra sharp and flavored varieties. This is award winning cheese and will not disappoint. 

The Vermont Country Store in both Westin and Rockingham has a great selection of Vermont cheese and you should be able to sample them there as well. We never miss an opportunity to sample their local Vermont cheese and to bring some home as well.  As a matter of fact, we recently bought two different kinds and loved them both.  

Cheese making is a growing and very delicious part of the fabric of Vermont. Why use large batch factory produced cheeses when you can indulge in handcrafted Vermont cheese varieties that add fabulous flavor to any meal, sandwich, cheese platter or just snack?