Top 8 Californian Fresh Cheeses

Laura Chenel's Chevre, based in Sonoma County, California, is known for pioneering artisan goat cheese in America since the late 1970s. The company emphasizes sustainable farming and local sourcing, utilizing milk from goats raised in the region to produce a variety of fresh and aged goat cheeses.

Their products reflect a commitment to natural methods and the rich terroir of the Sonoma Valley.Expand

Bellwether Farms, located in Petaluma, California, is a family-owned creamery that produces a variety of artisan cheeses and dairy products. They are known for using traditional methods and primarily sheep's milk, along with cow's milk, to create their products.

Bellwether Farms also offers a line of yogurts alongside their cheeses.Expand

Marquez Brothers International, based in California, specializes in the production and distribution of Mexican-style dairy products, including a variety of cheeses, yogurts, and creams. The company markets its products under several brand names, one of the most prominent being El Mexicano.

In addition to dairy products, Marquez Brothers produces and distributes other food products such as meats, tortillas, and salsas, catering mainly to Hispanic consumers in the United States.Expand

Cypress Grove is an American cheese producer based in Arcata, California, known for its innovative and award-winning goat cheeses. The company was founded in 1983 by Mary Keehn, who started with just two goats, Hazel and Esmeralda, in search of healthy milk for her family.

Her passion for raising goats and making cheese quickly grew into a serious business, and today Cypress Grove is recognized as a leader in the American goat cheese industry. The company’s most famous product is Humboldt Fog, a unique creamy goat cheese with a layer of ash in the middle, reflecting a blend of tradition and innovation in every bite. Cypress Grove prides itself on a sustainable approach to production, using green building standards and implementing eco-friendly initiatives in its creamery.

Their philosophy is based on respect for animals, high-quality ingredients, and the preservation of the natural environment, allowing them to produce cheeses with rich, full flavor without compromising on ethics or environmental responsibility. In addition, the company continuously experiments with new recipes and techniques, constantly expanding its offerings and creating innovative flavors that captivate cheese lovers around the world.Expand

Cowgirl Creamery is a renowned artisanal cheese producer, founded in 1997 by Sue Conley and Peggy Smith in Petaluma, California. The company specializes in the production of organic cheeses, offering a wide range of hand-crafted cheeses that reflect their commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.

Cowgirl Creamery prides itself on using milk from local farms in the Point Reyes area, known for its rich pastures. The use of locally sourced, organically grown milk gives their cheeses a unique character, depth of flavor, and a high level of quality. Two of Cowgirl Creamery's most famous products are Mt.

Tam and Red Hawk, both cheeses with rich, creamy textures and complex flavors. Mt.

Tam is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild sweetness, while Red Hawk is a washed-rind cheese with a deep, intense flavor, characterized by its reddish-orange rind. These cheeses have become symbols of quality and excellence in the world of artisanal cheese. Cowgirl Creamery produces cheeses in small batches, allowing them to pay close attention to every step of the production process, from sourcing the milk to the final aging phase.

By combining traditional techniques with innovative approaches, they continuously improve their products while staying true to the authentic methods of cheese-making.Expand

Lactalis Heritage Dairy is an American dairy company that is part of the global Lactalis Group, the largest dairy company in the world. It was formed by the merger of several historic American brands, including Kraft Natural Cheese, Knudsen, Breakstone’s, and Cracker Barrel, which have been present on the American market for decades. This company produces a wide range of dairy products, including cheeses, yogurts, creams, and butter.

Their production relies on tradition and expertise, combining French dairy heritage with American innovation. Lactalis Heritage Dairy is dedicated to providing high-quality dairy products that connect people and enrich everyday life.Expand

Purple Haze is an American cheese produced in California by Cypress Grove. It dates back to the 1970s, when Mary Keehn found herself with excess goat milk and invented the cheese in the process. Nowadays, the milk is pasteurized in vats with coagulants and cultures, and the mix is then placed into a curd press to drain. The curd is combined with salt and shaped into disks which are dusted with wild fennel pollen and lavender. Without aging, the cheeses are sent to markets where they can be sold and consumed. This aromatic, fresh, soft cheese has no rind, and its texture is crumbly, smooth, creamy, and spreadable. The flavors are earthy and herbaceous. It's recommended to pair Purple Haze with Riseling or Sauvignon Blanc. Try it with bacon-wrapped dates or finocchiona salami.Expand

Herbs de Humboldt is an American cheese hailing from Arcata, California, where it's produced by Cypress Grove Chevre. The cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk and herbes de Provence spice blend. The texture of this rindless cheese is smooth, creamy, crumbly, and spreadable. The aromas are fresh and herbal, while the flavors are earthy, floral, and herbaceous. It's recommended to use Herbs de Humboldt on pizzas. Pair it with a glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.Expand

Foggy Morning is an American cheese produced in California by Nicasio Valley Cheese Company. The cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk. The texture is soft and creamy, while the flavors are fresh and delicate. The flavors are tangy, savory, subtle, and reminiscent of sour cream. It's recommended to serve it with bagels or spread it on pizza. Foggy Morning can be paired with both savory and sweet accompaniments.Expand

Sgt. Pepper is a fresh American cheese produced in California by Cypress Grove Chevre. The cheese is made from goat's milk and a secret combination of pepper threads, exotic spices, and four peppers. The texture is smooth, creamy, and spreadable. The aromas are fresh, while the flavors are complex and pleasantly spicy. It's recommended to use the cheese in burgers and pair it with a glass of Porter or Stout. Regarding wines, go with Pinot Noir. Interestingly, this fresh cheese won first place at the American Cheese Society in 2012.Expand

Primo Fresco is an American cheese hailing from Petaluma, California, where it's produced by Weirauch Farm and Creamery. This fresh cheese is made from sheep's milk and it's usually left to age for less than a week. Underneath its natural rind, the texture is creamy, fluffy, and spreadable. The aromas are mild and fresh, while the flavors are delicate, tangy, savory, slightly sweet, and salty. This seasonal cheese is available from March through August and it's recommended to pair it with desserts or savory dishes.Expand

Ms. Natural is an American cheese hailing from Arcata, California, where it's produced by Cypress Grove Chevre. The cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk and it's rindless. The texture is fresh, soft, creamy, smooth, slightly crumbly, and spreadable. The aromas are mild and fresh, while the flavors are creamy with a citrusy finish. It's recommended to serve Ms. Natural with freshly cooked pasta. Pair it with a glass of Prosecco, Sancerre, or Sauvignon Blanc for the best experience. The cheese has won many awards, including the first place at the US Cheese Championship in 2010 and 2011.Expand

Laura Chenel Cabecou is an American cheese hailing from Sonoma, California, where it's produced by Laura Chenel Chevre. The cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk and it's left to age from 5 to 10 days before it's marinated in a combination of canola oil, extra-virgin olive oil, and savory herbs such as bay leaves and oregano. This fresh, rindless, button-shaped cheese has a texture that's dense, smooth, firm, and creamy. As it ages in the marinade, the flavors and aromas become nutty, rich, creamy, salty, sharp, and piquant. It's recommended to pair Laura Chenel Cabecou with a glass of California Pinot Grigio.Expand

PsycheDillic is an American cheese produced in Humboldt, California by Cypress Grove Chevre. This rindless cheese is made from goat's milk. It is flavored with the rare and fragrant dill pollen, resulting in a highly aromatic cheese with a creamy, complex, and herbaceous flavors. The texture of PsycheDillic is smooth, creamy, and spreadable. It's recommended to spread it on a bagel and pair it with wheat beer or wines such as Sancerre and Sauvignon Blanc.Expand