Top 5 Best Cheese Factories in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is the only state outside of Switzerland where cheese makers can become official Cheese Masters through a rigorous program that very few successfully complete.
Did you know that Wisconsin has over 90 Master Cheese Makers and produces 47% of the nation's specialty cheeses? We’ve rounded up our TOP five favorite cheese factories.
GOLDEN GUIDES TOP 5
CHEESE FACTORIES
1. Door County Creamery, Sister Bay, WI
The owners started with a love of food and then a few goats, which naturally evolved into; The Creamery, a cheese-making facility, eatery, and retail store that sells their amazing goat milk; cheese, gelato, and soaps.
2. Carr Valley Cheese, La Valle, WI
Family-owned and operated for 100+ years, Carr Valley Cheese is the most award-winning cheese company in the world. Our favorite is the Cave Aged Cheddar; the earthy, nutty flavor is strong and makes the best-grilled cheese.
3. Ellsworth Cheese Company, Ellsworth, WI
Ellsworth is the cheese curd capital of Wisconsin. At the creamery, you can see the cheesemaking in process, and loyal followers stand in line for the fresh curds which are cut daily at 11:00am.
4. Marieke Gouda, Thorp, WI
The owner was born on a dairy farm in the Netherlands. After moving to Wisconsin, she thought it was the perfect land for starting a dairy farm, and missing her cheese from back home, she started a business. This handcrafted Gouda has won 208 awards. The cheese factory shares her passion for the craft with farm tours, milking parlors, and a gorgeous selection of their cheeses. You can even grab a bite to eat at the restaurant on-site.
5. Cady Cheese Store, Wilson, WI
This cheese factory dates back to the early 1900s. Today Cady Cheese is known for their longhorn cheeses and small-batch specialty cheese. Longhorn cheese is a style of colby that’s defined by its cylindrical shape.
BONUS: Our Favorite Cheese Shop
6. Wisconsin Cheese Masters, Egg Harbor, WI
While not a cheese factory, this bountiful shop features carefully selected award-winning cheese from Wisconsin. The knowledgeable staff offers tastings while educating us on the history of the different cheese makers and styles of cheese. They offer exclusive crafted cheese selections not found in retail.