Yorkshire Pecorino Cheese, based in Otley, is owned by Mario Olianas, an Italian-born cheesemaker who moved to Yorkshire from Sardinia. The company specializes in producing Pecorino cheese using traditional Sardinian methods combined with locally sourced sheep’s milk from Yorkshire. Their products have been awarded in various cheese competitions, emphasizing quality and artisanal techniques.
Awards
International Cheese & Dairy Awards - Gold
(2024, 2023, 2022)
Wensleydale Creamery, located in England, specializes in producing the traditional Wensleydale cheese. This creamery is noted for its heritage dating back to the 12th century, originally established by Cistercian monks. It focuses on crafting cheeses that are PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) accredited, ensuring Wensleydale cheese is made exclusively in and around the town of Hawes in Wensleydale. The Creamery plays a crucial economic role in the region, supporting local farming by sourcing milk from over 40 farms.
Awards
Global Cheese Awards - Best
(2018)
International Cheese Awards - Gold
(2024, 2023, 2022, 2019)
Shepherds Purse Cheeses, based in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, specializes in making a variety of artisan cheeses, including the award-winning blue cheese, Harrogate Blue, and the sheep milk cheese, Yorkshire Pecorino. The company was established in 1989 by Judy Bell and is known for using cow's milk, sheep's milk, and water buffalo milk. Their products are available across various retail outlets and are used by chefs throughout the UK.
Awards
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
(2021)
International Cheese & Dairy Awards - Gold
(2024, 2022, 2019)
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot,
nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable.
For the “Top 3 Yorkshire Blue Cheeses” list until June 05, 2026, 11 ratings were recorded, of which 11 were recognized by the system as legitimate.
TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods,
instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.
The initial list of top producers was compiled based on available reviews, awards, local recommendations, media and blog coverage, and consumer reviews.
The list will be updated with ratings from TasteAtlas local ambassadors and TasteAtlas users.
