Grafton Village Cheese

Back in 1892, a group of farmers started the Grafton Cooperative Cheese Company in the picturesque village of Grafton, nestled in the Green Mountains of southern Vermont. They would haul their extra milk to the cooperative to be made into cheese, which could be stored longer than milk in the days before refrigeration.

Today, Grafton Village Cheese still gets fresh, whole milk from dozens of family farms that dot the Vermont countryside. The natural, healthy qualities of raw milk also infuse Grafton Village Cheese cheese with a creamy, smooth flavor not found in mass-produced cheeses. The award-winning, naturally aged and naturally flavored cheeses are still handmade, true to the Grafton Village tradition.

You can enjoy cheese tastings every day at their two retail stores that sell their award-winning cheeses as well as other wonderful cheeses made in Vermont. You can also find wine, gourmet Vermont products and gifts.

Grafton Cheese is a mission driven company – they are a business of the nonprofit Windham Foundation whose mission is to promote Vermont’s rural communities. Your support of Grafton Cheese directly benefits the philanthropic programs of the Foundation.

Explore, discover and sample 19 unique and different varieties of Cheddar Cheese made locally by Grafton Village Cheese:

-One Year Aged Cheddar: Enough personality to stand up to cheddar twice its age. 1 Year Aged Cheddar is medium in intensity, with satisfying, sweet, buttery flavors. Wine: Chardonnay, Riesling; Beer: Pilsner-style Lagers, Kölsch beers

-Two Year Aged Cheddar: Grafton’s  signature cheddar has a bold flavor profile with tangy, lactic notes with hints of dry hay and brown butter. Finishes on a clean, nutty note. Wine: Champagne or other sparkling whites, Merlot; Beer: Altbier, Brown Ales

-Three Year Aged Cheddar: Grafton’s 3 Year Cheddar is boldly complex with a bright, lactic flavor profile, hints of toasted hazelnuts, and a lingering, piquant finish. Wine: aged Zinfandel, Pinot Noir; Beer: Pale Ales, Red Beers

-Four Year Aged Cheddar: Bright and bold flavors reminiscent of whiskey and toasted nuts, mellowing into a sweet finish. Enjoy as a table cheese or grated for bursts of flavor. Wine: Bordeaux, Cabernet; Beer: Porter, Mead, Pale Ales

-Five Year Aged Cheddar: Raw milk cheddar aged this long is a rarity. Expect a bite like no other with this 5 year aged cheddar. Some say it curls the toes. Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon, spicy Shiraz; Beer: Dark Stout

-Maple Smoked Cheddar: An iconic Vermont product combining fine, hand-made cheddar and the distinct aroma of cold-smoked maplewood. Smooth, buttery and savory. Wine: Pinot Noir, Merlot; Beer: Brown Ale, Porter or other robust beers

-Sage & Garlic Cheddars: Seasoned with hand-rubbed Dalmation Sage and oil. Superb as a table cheese or in poultry dishes. Wine: Syrah, Zinfandel Beer: Bock style beer. Real garlic is the key to vibrant garlic cheddar, resulting in smooth, savory meltable cheese. Wine: Brunello, Italian reds; Beer: Wheat Ale

-Grafton Duet: Two layers of our One Year aged cheddar flank a tangy layer of St. Pete’s Select Blue Cheese. Stunning visual presentation, perfect for cheeseboards or centerpieces. Wine: Gruner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc; Beer: Belgian-style Beer, Saison farmhouse Ale

The Grafton Cave Aged line of fine cheeses takes Grafton beyond its roots in Vermont Cheddar cheese. These original creations are carefully matured in Grafton’s cave aging facility in the heart of Grafton Village and may include cow’s milk, sheep’s milk or a combination of the two. Grafton Cave Aged cheeses continue to have the hallmark traits of Grafton Cheese: handmade in Vermont, using raw milk from small Vermont family farms and no artificial hormones. The rennet used in the Grafton Cave Aged line is non GMO microbial rennet, which is suitable for vegetarians.

COW MILK

-Vermont Leyden: Grafton’s Vermont Leyden has a big, buttery flavor and texture that is brightened with the warmth of cumin seeds. This cheese mellows with age while growing in complexity. Cow’s milk. Aged a minimum of two months.

-Clothbound Cheddar: A classic milled curd cow’s milk cheddar wrapped in cheesecloth while it ages slowly in Grafton’s own aging caves for a minimum six months. Grafton Clothbound delivers a very bold cheese with both nut and mushroom notes.

-Naked Cheddar: This unique cheddar is put into the cave to age “naked” (not wrapped in cloth) and quickly develops its own natural rind. As a result, it reaches maturity quickly and results in a full and complex
buttery taste, achieving a delicate mushroomy palate after just 60 days.

SHEEP MILK

-Bismark: Named for a legendary and majestic Vermont ram from the late 19th century, Bismark is an equally magnificent sheep’s milk cheese. It starts tender, tangy and sweet and builds to a creamy, hazelnut finish, growing increasingly complex with age. Aged for a minimum of three months.

-Truffled Bismark: Truffled Bismark has the profile of the Bismark, but Grafton also adds white and black truffles along with truffle infused olive oil to the cheese. The end result offers a delicate, rich taste. Aged for a minimum of three months.

-Red Vask: Red Vask is a 100 percent sheep’s milk cheese with a bright-red rind and white paste. It is a semi-soft washed rind cheese and is aged for a minimum of two months to develop a mellow, smooth and meaty flavor.

-Bear Hill: This washed-rind alpine style cheese, made with 100% sheep milk, is gently fruity and nutty, with a smooth, milky mouthfeel and a hint of sweetness. Named for the bluff overlooking Grafton Village.

MIXED MILK

-Barndance: This is a semi-hard sheep’s milk cheese that is accented with cow’s milk. It presents a rhythmic flavor medley that is tangy, sharp and finishes with a delicate sour cream note. Aged for a minimum of two months.

-Shepsog: Shepsog is a mixed milk cheese that is made with sheep and cow’s milk and aged for a minimum of five months in the caves. This cheese features complex, earthy flavors and is a true Vermont original.

Enjoy cheese tasting every day!

Visit Grafton Village Cheese in Brattleboro:

Featuring a wide variety of wine and craft beer, Maple Syrup, Jams and jellies, Sausage / pepperoni, Cookware & utensils, handmade chocolates / build your own bags and cookbooks  in addition to a wide selection of specialty cheeses

Located close to Route 91, across from the river and next to the Retreat Petting Farm, on Route 30, at 400 Linden Street. Open daily from 10 am – 6 pm (8 pm on Fridays during ski/snowboard season). 802-246-2221 x102. A visit to the Brattleboro store includes an opportunity to watch cheddar being made via their viewing area, located in the store.

While you’re in the neighborhood, also consider stopping by the nearby Saxtons River Distillery  (approximately 1 mile to the north on Route 30) for a sampling of their premium maple infused liqueurs sold under the Sapling Vermont brand!

graftonvillage cheese.com

 

 

 

About Us

Frog Meadow Farm Bed & Breakfast and Massage Oasis for Men is a welcoming, non-judgmental place for men of all colors and backgrounds to unwind and shed the trappings of busy modern life.

Situated on 63 beautiful & private acres, Frog Meadow frequently hosts men’s gatherings, workshops and retreats. Hosts Dave & Scott are committed to providing a welcoming environment to re-connect with nature and yourself.

Frog Meadow is only 4 miles from the popular Rock River swimming hole, 10 miles from Brattleboro, VT and 30 minutes Mount Snow & Stratton Mountain ski resorts.

Relax in our spring-fed swimming pond, soak in our wood-fired hot tub, or enjoy our 4-season recreation trails and extensive perennial gardens and orchard!

Be sure to check out our special events calendar, photo galleries, rooms/lodging pages & lodging specials and discover all that gay-friendly Southern Vermont has to offer!

 

Click here to learn why Edge Boston calls Frog Meadow “Vermont’s Gay Oasis”