"Say cheese!"

One of the incredible things about Vermont is the vibrant and growing number of artisan cheesemakers, (it's official, no matter what the spell-checker says; cheesemaker is one word). There's even a Vermont Cheese Trail listing over 40 cheese producers to track down and explore.  I recently had the opportunity to visit the Bonnieview Farm in Craftsbury and meet with 21-year-old cheesemaker Joe Alstat.

The Bonnieview Farm is owned and operated by Neil and Kristin Urie. The land has been farmed by the Urie family for five generations, since 1890, when it was purchased by Neil’s great-grandfather. The farm now has over 500 acres.

The farm is home to 200 milking ewes which graze on lush green pastures from May to October. It is the delicious rich and creamy milk from these ladies that produce our award winning cheeses. The breeds of its flock, chosen especially for the quality of their milk, include East Fresian, Laucone, Tunis, and Dorset.

 

The rich and creamy milk from these ladies produce award winning cheeses.

Bonnieview Farm currently makes six varieties of cheese with unpasteurized sheep’s milk from it's flock.

"farm-to-plate"  Look for Vermont cheese next time you're out and about, or better yet, create your own cheese tour by purchasing a variety of cow, goat and sheep cheeses and serve up a sampler.

 Cheese plate menu item at NECI on Main