Vermont Cheese Trail: A Delicious Journey Through the Green Mountains

The State of Vermont evokes rolling green hills, brilliant foliage, and a laid-back charm. But for real devotees of the state, there is another pleasure that sums up Vermont far better than maple syrup or fall leaves cheese. The Vermont Cheese Trail is an experience for the senses—a labyrinth in this scenic landscape across the state guides you from one artisan cheesemaker to another.

This is no ordinary trail; it is a sense of festivity for the rich dairy heritage in Vermont, a tribute to the land, and a gourmand journey inviting cheese lovers from everywhere in the world.

The Vermont Cheese Trail is a self-guided tour of more than 45 cheesemakers scattered across the state.

Each one of these stops on this trail represents an individual farm, dairy, or creamery and will offer guests a taste of some artisanal cheeses, from creamy Brie to sharp Cheddar and everything in between. These cheesemakers are committed to sustainable practices, locally sourced for milk, and usually handmade in production. It is an experience wherein one is very much connected to the very origin of one’s food and who prepares the food. It might begin in the vibrant town of Burlington and make its way to the quieter countryside of Southern Vermont.

The trail is marked on maps available from the Vermont Cheese Council; you can easily map out your route. Each stop becomes a new opportunity to taste great cheese and learn the story behind the cheese, as you drive through quaint villages and past scenic vistas.

A Taste of History: The Origins of Vermont Cheese

Cheesemaking in Vermont first began during the early part of the 19th century when European immigrants came to the New World with their traditions involving dairy products. The cool climate, highly fertile soil, and lush pastures made for an ideal combination in rearing dairy cows and producing the highest-quality milk. Through the years, farmers in Vermont perfected their art by creating unique and original styles of cheese and techniques.

This marked a return, by the late 20th century, from mass production to the hand of the artisan, and a new era was born in Vermont. Pioneers such as the Vermont Creamery and Shelburne Farms led the pack with their commitment to sustainable practices while nodding their head toward tradition. Today, Vermont is at the center of some of the nation’s most award-winning cheesemakers and hosts its state’s Vermont Cheese Trail as a testament to such hard work, creativity, and effort.

Must-see Stops Along the Vermont Cheese Trail

Taking the Vermont Cheese Trail is an odyssey of tastes and textures. Some stops not to be missed are:

Jasper Hill Farm

Located in Greensboro, Jasper Hill Farm is a crown jewel along the cheese trail. The dairy is particularly noted for its cave-aged cheeses, such as the earthy Bayley Hazen Blue and the nutty Cabot Clothbound Cheddar. Jasper Hill offers tours of their cheese caves so you can learn about how aging is done and sample some of their award-winning work.

Vermont Creamery

Leading the Vermont artisan cheese movement is Vermont Creamery. Based in Websterville, they encompass a range of goat cheeses, cultured butter, and crème fraîche. The best-known creamery, it produces the rich Bonne Bouche as well as its sour Fresh Goat Cheese. Visitors will receive the opportunity to learn about goat farming and sustainable practices at this factory. There is also a chance to taste some of the best cheese from this region during your visit.

Shelburne Farms

Surrounded by Lake Champlain, Shelburne Farms is a working farm and nonprofit education center. It turns out a range of cheeses—from sharp Cheddar to buttery Havarti—made from the milk of its very own herd of Brown Swiss cows. A visit includes a scenic walk along the lake, a tour of historic farm buildings, and an unforgettable cheese-tasting experience.

Consider Bardwell Farm

Bardwell Farm of West Pawlet ranks among the oldest cheesemakers in the state, producing small-batch raw milk cheeses. The award-winning Pawlet, with its washed rind, and Rupert, a robust cheese, are testaments to this farm’s commitment to sustainable farming and high-quality dairy production. Visitors can tour the farm, meet the goats, and sample a tasting that reflects the farm’s distinct terroir.

Vermont Shepherd

In Westminster, Vermont Shepherd sets the standard for sheep dairies producing standout cheeses, including award-winning Verano and Invierno. This family farm just across the river in Putney uses traditional European methods to handcraft its cheeses, which seem to perfectly express the terroir. Peaceful location ideal for a picnic to sample their fabulous cheeses.

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Cheese Tasting Tips for the Vermont Cheese Trail

Following are some helpful tips to help you make the most of your cheese trail adventure:

• Start with a Plan: There are so many cheesemakers to choose from that it’s a good idea to chart your route in advance. Determine what parts of Vermont you want to see and then highlight the creameries you wish to visit.
• Pace Yourself: Tasting cheese, like wine, goes better when done slow. Take your time, enjoy each cheese, noting texture and flavor. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; cheesemakers love to share their knowledge and passion.
• Pair Your Cheese: Most cheesemakers on the trail have other local products, such as honey, jams, and breads available to pair with their cheeses. Pick up a bottle of Vermont wine or ciders to complement your tastings.
• Take Remarks: Carry a diary with you or simply jot down on your phone the kinds of cheeses, crowning creameries, and general pairings you loved the most. This will allow you to know what you loved and where to find them again.

The Art of Cheesemaking: What Makes Vermont Cheese Special?

Vermont’s artisan cheeses run the gamut from the mild to the deeply flavored, but it is a commitment to craft that sets them apart. That commitment shines through in each bite you take. Many Vermont cheesemakers use raw milk, retaining the complex flavors and terroir characteristics of local milk sources. That means an approach to keeping biodiversity safe, from the cows on the pasture to the wrapping of the cheese. The cheese you taste along the Vermont Cheese Trail is the result.

Each cheese tells a story about the land it comes from, the season in which it was made, and the cheesemaker’s art. From soft, bloomy rinds to hard, aged wheels, Vermont cheeses run the gamut from subtle to loud, telling tales of a place where tradition and innovation go hand in glove. It results in something particular yet universal—a product truly emblematic of the state’s spirit.

Seasonal Festivals and Events

You’ll also want to plan that cheese trail tour during one of Vermont’s many cheese festivals and events. For the keen lover of cheese, one outstanding event to attend is the Vermont Cheesemakers’ Festival, held each summer. This is an spirited festival with dozens of local and adjacent cheesemakers, plenty of food producers, wineries, and breweries. There will be a whole day full of tastings, workshops, and merrymaking against the beautiful backdrop of Shelburne Farms.

Most creameries hold open houses, cheese tastings, and farm tours. Events such as those provide the perfect opportunity to meet the cheesemakers, learn their process of making cheese, and taste new creations.

Promotes Local Communities and Sustainable Practices

By following the Vermont Cheese Trail, you’re going to savor great cheese—all the while supporting local communities and sustainable endeavors. Many Vermont cheesemakers are family businesses that rely on local resources and labor. Buying directly from these cheesemakers allows your money to stay in the community and helps to preserve Vermont’s rural character and agricultural heritage.

Further, Vermont is committed to sustainability with their cheesemakers, ensuring animal welfare, the environment, and ethical production. A taste of cheese is a taste of Vermont’s passion for making the world better through sustainability.

Plan Your Adventure Today!

The Vermont Cheese Trail: If one takes this route, the drive should not only be a food journey but a route to the heart and soul of Vermont. The experienced gourmet to the ‘simply curious’ traveler will find something to their liking along this route. That less-taken road indeed promises unique discoveries, friendly faces, and surely some of the best cheese in the world.

So, get out your map and suitcase, because this is the experience of a lifetime just calling your name. The Vermont Cheese Trail is ready to tantalize your taste buds and introduce you to the flavors of the Green Mountain State!