U.S. Specialty Cheese Gallery > Oregon

Willamette Valley Cheese

Willamette Valley Cheese Logo 8105 Wallace Rd NW
Salem, OR 97304
+1 (503) 399 9806
www.wvcheeseco.com

Contact:  Rod Volbeda
rod@wvcheeseco.com


Contact Willamette Valley Cheese Today!


The hand-crafted artisan cheeses from Willamette Valley are thoughtfully created at their plant nestled in the lush countryside of Salem, Oregon. As part of their family dairy heritage dating back to 1962, they believe their customers deserve quality cheeses. Quality cheese begins with quality milk. The raw Jersey milk used to make Willamette Valley's cheeses is pasteurized on-site to ensure freshness and flavor. Their milk comes from cows that are never treated with hormones.

Meet the Cheesemaker

Willamette Valley Cheesemaker Image

In 1989, Rod graduated from Oregon State University with a B.S. degree in Food Science. He then apprenticed in Holland with three different Dutch cheese masters. After returning from Holland, he began quality assurance work with a national cheese company. In 1993, he purchased a Holstein dairy farm in Salem, Oregon, and began purchasing equipment and making cheese at home. He went through cheesemaking short courses in California and Washington, and in 1999, the cheese room was built on the farm, and Willamette Valley Cheese began officially making cheese.

Discover Willamette Valley's Specialty Cheeses

Boerenkaas

cheese

This is a raw milk gouda. Since the milk is not pasteurized, the cheese has a distinct flavor.  This cheese pairs well with many wines.  A number of the vineyards in their area serve this cheese regularly with their tastings.

Shelf Life: 6 months

Raw Milk Cheese: Yes Cut: Vacuum-packed retail; random weight

award

  • 2009 - Third, American Cheese Society

Creamy Havarti

cheese

Willamette Valley's Creamy Havarti is a Danish-style washed-curd cheese.  It's much creamier than most due to the high fat of the Jersey milk they use. Because of this, it does not have the typical hole structure seen in traditional Norwegian Havartis.

Shelf Life: 6 months

Raw Milk Cheese: No Cut: Vacuum-packed retail; random weight

award

Dill Havarti

cheese

Willamette Valley adds dill weed and dill oil to the creamy Havarti before hooping. This results in a great dill flavor without overpowering the cheese.

Shelf Life: 6 months

Raw Milk Cheese: No Cut: Vacuum-packed retail; random weight

award

Brindisi (Aged Fontina)

cheese

This is an Old World Italian-style aged Fontina.  Willamette Valley's Brindisi has a warm golden color that lightens toward the center and has a complex flavor. Somewhat salty, it lands sharply on the palate with a smooth finish. It can be grated or sliced, and it melts well in pastas and other dishes. It is drier than most Fontinas, and this version is perfect for sophisticated tastes as well as the adventurous "foodie."

Shelf Life: 6 months

Raw Milk Cheese: Raw or pasteurized Cut: Vacuum-packed retail; random weight

award

  • 2010 - Third, American Cheese Society