If there’s one thing Vermont does exceptionally well, it’s cheese.
We’re spoiled with some of the best cheesemakers in the country, producing everything from sharp, aged cheddars to creamy, bloomy-rind cheeses and funky washed-rind varieties that will make your entire refrigerator smell.
And I love them all. Well, almost all of them.
Vermont has more cheesemakers per capita than any other state, with dozens of producers making hundreds of varieties from cow, goat and sheep milk. We even have an official Vermont Cheese Trail, connecting farms, creameries and specialty shops throughout the state.
I’m a big fan of putting together a cheese board with Vermont products, particularly when entertaining. Give me a few wedges of Jasper Hill cheese, some Castleton Crackers, Vermont Salumi, cornichons and a good jam, and I’m perfectly happy calling that dinner.
But I also love visiting the farms and businesses behind the cheese. I’ve been fortunate to tour Jasper Hill’s incredible aging caves, sample cheese directly from producers and discover some pretty fantastic cheese counters while traveling around Vermont.
Here are my favorite Vermont cheesemakers, where to find their products and the cheeses I’d recommend trying first.
Vermont Cheesemakers to Know
Jasper Hill Farm Local favorite: Cellars at Jasper Hill | Greensboro
If I had to choose one Vermont cheesemaker as my favorite, Jasper Hill would probably take the top spot.
Located in Greensboro in the Northeast Kingdom, Jasper Hill produces some of the most celebrated artisan cheeses in the country.
I had the opportunity to tour its underground aging facility, known as The Cellars at Jasper Hill, and it remains one of the most interesting food experiences I’ve had in Vermont.
The facility contains seven specially designed cheese-aging vaults, each carefully controlled for temperature and humidity. Seeing the rows of aging cheese, particularly the extensive Cabot Clothbound Cheddar collection, gave me a much better understanding of how much time and expertise goes into producing exceptional cheese.
The cellars aren’t generally open for public tours, but you can find Jasper Hill cheeses throughout Vermont and order directly from the producer.
My Favorites: Moses Sleeper, Harbison, Willoughby, Bayley Hazen Blue and Cabot Clothbound Cheddar.
Shelburne Farms Local favorite: Shelburne Farms | Shelburne
It’s hard to imagine a prettier setting for a Vermont cheesemaking operation than Shelburne Farms.
The 1,400-acre working farm sits along Lake Champlain, with beautiful views of the Adirondacks and historic buildings that are impressive in their own right.
Shelburne Farms produces its Farmhouse Cheddar using milk from its herd of Brown Swiss cows. The cheese is made on the property and aged to develop its distinctive sharp flavor.
I love visiting Shelburne Farms for the grounds and educational programs, but the cheese is certainly another reason to go.
The farm’s cheddar is available through its Welcome Center and online store, with proceeds supporting its educational mission.
What to Try: Shelburne Farms Farmhouse Cheddar, particularly the longer-aged varieties.
Blue Ledge Farm | Salisbury
Blue Ledge Farm has been one of my favorite Vermont goat cheesemakers for years.
Located in Salisbury, just south of Middlebury, the family-run farm produces beautiful artisan goat cheeses using milk from its own herd.
My longtime favorite is Lake’s Edge, a soft-ripened goat cheese with a dramatic ash vein running through the center.
It’s one of the first cheeses I reach for when putting together a cheese board, and it always gets attention. Blue Ledge also makes fresh chèvre and several other aged goat cheeses.
The farm has offered tours and tastings by reservation in the past, but public access is limited, so confirm current opportunities before visiting.
What to Try: Lake’s Edge and Maple Chèvre.
Grafton Village Cheese | Grafton
I have a funny memory associated with Grafton Village Cheese. The first time I tried it was at Long Trail Brewing’s 25th anniversary celebration. Somehow, by the end of the evening, I had four bricks of Grafton cheddar in my purse.
No, I didn’t steal them. I ate that cheese for days afterward, and I’ve been a fan ever since.
Grafton Village Cheese is known for its aged cheddars and specialty cheeses, including its Truffle Cheddar and award-winning Bear Hill.
The company has roots in Grafton, although its current production and retail operations have evolved over the years. You can find its cheeses in specialty shops throughout Vermont.
What to Try: Aged Cheddar, Truffle Cheddar and Bear Hill.
Plymouth Artisan Cheese | Plymouth Notch
Plymouth Artisan Cheese has one of the most interesting histories of any Vermont cheesemaker.
The factory was established in 1890 by Colonel John Coolidge, father of President Calvin Coolidge, and remains part of the historic Plymouth Notch village.
The cheeses are known for their colorful wax coatings, which make them easy to recognize in a cheese case.
Plymouth specializes in traditional raw-milk cheddar-style cheeses, produced using methods that date back generations.
Visiting the historic village is a wonderful way to combine Vermont food and history, particularly if you’re interested in the Coolidge family’s connection to the area.
Check the current cheese factory and shop schedule before visiting, as operations and public access can vary seasonally.
What to Try: Original Plymouth Cheese and its aged cheddar varieties.
Cabot Creamery Co-operative | Cabot
Cabot is probably Vermont’s most recognizable cheese brand, and for good reason.
Founded in 1919, the farmer-owned cooperative produces some of the country’s most popular cheddars, along with butter, sour cream and other dairy products.
I’m a huge fan of Cabot’s Seriously Sharp Cheddar, but the Alpine Cheddar is another favorite.
And Cabot Clothbound Cheddar, made in partnership with Jasper Hill Farm, is on an entirely different level.
Although Cabot’s former visitor center in the town of Cabot is no longer operating, its cheeses are widely available throughout Vermont. The Cabot Annex in Waterbury Center is another place to explore Vermont cheese and specialty foods.
What to Try: Seriously Sharp, Alpine Cheddar and Cabot Clothbound.
Where to Buy the Best Vermont Cheese
Willey’s Store | Greensboro
Willey’s General Store is one of my favorite Vermont country stores, and its cheese selection is a major reason why.
Located just a few miles from Jasper Hill Farm and Hill Farmstead Brewery, Willey’s carries an impressive assortment of Jasper Hill cheeses.
I love stopping here when exploring the Northeast Kingdom, particularly if I’m planning a cheese board or looking for something I can’t find at my regular grocery store.
And while you’re there, browse the rest of the store. It’s a classic Vermont general store with just about everything you could need.
Woodstock Farmers’ Market | Woodstock
Woodstock Farmers’ Market is one of my favorite places to shop for Vermont-made foods, and the cheese counter is a major draw.
You’ll find an impressive selection of Vermont artisan cheeses alongside New England and European varieties, with plenty of options for putting together a cheese board.
I could easily spend an hour here browsing the prepared foods, bakery and specialty products. Grab some Jasper Hill cheese, Castleton Crackers and a few accompaniments, and you’ve got dinner taken care of.
There’s also a second location in Waterbury Center, convenient if you’re exploring Stowe or Central Vermont.
von Trapp Farmstead | Waitsfield
For a cheese-shopping experience that brings you a little closer to the source, visit von Trapp Farmstead in Waitsfield. This third-generation organic dairy farm produces some wonderful cheeses, including Mt. Alice, Oma and Mad River Blue.
The farm store carries its own cheeses alongside Vermont-made provisions, making it a great stop for anyone exploring the Mad River Valley.
I love that you can purchase cheese directly from the farm where it’s produced, and the setting on Common Road is beautiful. Check the farm store’s seasonal hours before visiting.
Dakin Farm Local favorite: Dakin Farm| Ferrisburgh
Located along Route 7 between Burlington and Middlebury, Dakin Farm is another longtime favorite.
The store carries Vermont cheeses, smoked meats, maple products and plenty of other locally made foods.
I love stopping here when traveling through the Champlain Valley, particularly if I’m putting together a gift basket or looking for ingredients for a cheese board. And during summer, don’t miss the maple creemee.
Vermont Food Co-ops
Don’t overlook Vermont’s food co-ops when searching for great cheese.
Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op, Hunger Mountain Co-op in Montpelier and City Market in Burlington all carry excellent selections of Vermont cheeses.
I love that you can often find smaller producers alongside more familiar brands, and the cheese staff can help you choose something new.
My Favorite Vermont Cheeses
Narrowing down my favorite Vermont cheeses is nearly impossible, but these are the ones I return to most often.
- Jasper Hill Moses Sleeper: A soft, bloomy-rind cheese with a buttery interior.
- Cabot Clothbound Cheddar: Nutty, savory and beautifully aged at Jasper Hill.
- Jasper Hill Willoughby: A washed-rind cheese with a rich, creamy texture. Fair warning: your refrigerator may smell.
- Jasper Hill Bayley Hazen Blue: One of my favorite blue cheeses, with a dense texture and balanced flavor.
- Jasper Hill Harbison: A soft cheese wrapped in spruce bark that’s wonderful with crusty bread.
- Vermont Creamery Bonne Bouche: An ash-ripened goat cheese with a tangy, creamy interior.
- Maplebrook Farm Smoked Mozzarella: A favorite for snacking or adding to sandwiches.
- Spring Brook Farm Reading: A wonderful melting cheese, particularly for raclette.
- Blue Ledge Farm Lake’s Edge: Beautiful goat cheese with a striking ash center.
- Twig Farm Tomme: A rustic, aged goat cheese with plenty of character.
If you’re putting together a Vermont cheese board, I’d choose a mix of textures and milk types rather than ten similar cheddars.
Add some good crackers, Vermont honey, fresh fruit and cured meats, and you’ve got a pretty fantastic spread.
What to Know Before You Go
- Vermont Cheese Trail
- The Vermont Cheese Council maintains a cheese trail highlighting producers and shops throughout the state. Check the current map before planning visits.
- Farm Visits
- Not every cheesemaker welcomes visitors. Some offer seasonal tours or farm stores, while others are production-only facilities.
- Cheese Storage
- Keep soft cheeses refrigerated and allow them to come closer to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
- Best Time to Explore
- Vermont cheese is available year-round, although farm visits and agricultural events are more common during warmer months.
- Shopping Tip
- Ask cheese counter staff what’s new or particularly good. I’ve discovered some of my favorite cheeses simply by taking a recommendation.
Vermont has an incredible cheesemaking community, and I love seeing how much variety comes from such a small state.
And while I’ll happily eat Cabot cheddar straight from the refrigerator, there’s nothing quite like putting together a cheese board with a few of Vermont’s more adventurous cheeses.
What’s your favorite Vermont cheese? I’m always looking for another one to add to my list.
The places in this guide, on the map
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Directions to Cellars at Jasper Hill (opens in a new tab)
Farm or farm stand · Greensboro, VT
Although you cannot visit in person, keep an eye out for local Jasper Hill cheeses are general stores and specialty food stores…
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Directions to Shelburne Farms (opens in a new tab)
Museum · Shelburne, VT
Stroll the grounds, see cheesemaking happen, and have a dinner onsite (or book an overnight).
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Directions to Dakin Farm (opens in a new tab)
Farm or farm stand · South Burlington, VT
Dakin is a fun stop on Route 7 between Middlebury and Burlington for local cheese, dips, spreads, jams and more, along with…
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