New York State has emerged as a destination for cheese enthusiasts, with several dedicated cheese trails showcasing the region’s rich dairy heritage and exceptional artisanal cheese production. From the rolling hills of Washington County to the picturesque Finger Lakes and the historic cheese-making centers of Central New York, these trails offer visitors the opportunity to experience firsthand the craftsmanship and tradition behind New York’s diverse cheese offerings. This article explores the various cheese trails across New York State, highlighting their unique characteristics, participating farms, and the delectable varieties of cheese that await discovery.
The Historical Significance of Cheese Making in New York
Before exploring today’s cheese trails, it’s important to understand New York‘s significant place in American cheese history. The Mohawk Valley and Central New York were once the premier cheesemaking region of the United States. It was here that Jesse Williams established the first cheese factory in the United States, just north of Rome. This innovation transformed cheese production from a household activity to a commercial enterprise.
As Williams’ ideas of cooperative dairying spread across the region, Utica and Little Falls became the epicenter of America’s cheese market, with products traveling by canal and railroad to distant cities and overseas. The market thrived for decades until the industry primarily moved to the Midwest. Today’s cheese trails represent a renaissance of this proud tradition, connecting visitors with the state’s agricultural roots while supporting local producers.
Washington County Cheese Tour: A Weekend Adventure
The Washington County Cheese Tour offers a delightful weekend excursion through one of New York’s most scenic regions. You can visit the cheesemakers in Washington County anytime, or participate in the annual County Bounty. The County Bounty tour guides visitors along some of the most beautiful backroads in Washington County, combining cheese tasting with picturesque drives and opportunities to explore quaint, historic downtown areas.
Featured Stops on the Washington County Tour
The 2024 Washington County Cheese Tour included six distinctive stops:
- Argyle Cheese Farmer (Hudson Falls, NY) – A local producer known for artisanal cheese varieties
- Scotlander Brewing Company (Argyle, NY) – New to the 2023 tour, this location offers craft beers and seltzers that pair beautifully with local cheeses
- Slyboro Ciderhouse (Granville, NY) – Adding variety to the tour with hard cider offerings
- Tiashoke Farm (Schaghticoke, NY) – A working dairy farm that produces cheese
- Victory View Vineyard (Schaghticoke, NY) – Providing wine tasting opportunities to complement the cheese experience
The Washington County tour is unique in that it combines cheese production with complementary craft beverages, creating a comprehensive tasting experience. Visitors can sample artisan cheese and other incredible foods, try local wine, beer, and hard cider, tour facilities, visit farm animals, and more1. The once-per-year nature of this tour makes it a special event that draws enthusiasts from across the region.
Central New York Cheese Trail: Following Historic Traditions
Created in 2019 through collaborative efforts of four counties and a team of engaged cheese makers and dairy farmers, the Central New York Cheese Trail honors the region’s strong agricultural heritage while showcasing contemporary artisanal cheese production.
Exploring the Heart of New York’s Cheese Country
The Central New York Cheese Trail leads visitors to 12 stops, including three retail cheese counter locations, spanning from Cooperstown to Remsen, Hamilton to Herkimer, and Vernon to Barneveld. The scenic journey itself is part of the experience – Route 28 hugs the banks of West Canada Creek, a renowned fishing stream, with plenty of spots to pull off for a picnic, while Route 26 meanders through the heart of Amish farm country in Madison County.
Featured Producers and Products
The Central New York Cheese Trail showcases a variety of producers, including:
- Adirondack Cheese Company (Barneveld) – Specializes in New York State Cheddar aged on-site
- Artisanal Chees(Utica) – Offers cave-aged artisan cheeses from around the world
- Collins Farm and Creamery (Rome) – A family-owned dairy farm that began processing milk products during the pandemic
Products featured on the trail include squeaky firm cheese curds, cheddar spreads infused with various flavors (smoked bacon and horseradish, garlic and herbs, or buffalo wing essence), aged cheddar, goat cheeses, and handmade butters. These humble products reflect Central New York’s character: honest and delicious without pretension.
For those eager to complete the entire trail, a special incentive awaits – visitors who collect stamps from all locations receive a free insulated tote bag7. It’s worth noting that many trail locations are self-serve honor-based farm stores, so calling ahead to plan accordingly is recommended if you hope to meet the cheesemakers in person.
Finger Lakes Cheese Trail: Showcasing Family Farms
The Finger Lakes region has quickly become known as one of the most popular agri-tourism spots in the country, and its cheese trail is a significant part of this appeal. The Finger Lakes Cheese Trail, created by Finger Lake Trails, includes working, family farms that produce a wide variety of cheese.
Notable Farms on the Finger Lakes Trail
The Finger Lakes Cheese Trail features several outstanding producers:
- Engelbert Farms – A family-owned farm certified organic since 1984, offering a variety of organic cheddars, colby, gouda, swiss, jacks, and mozzarella. Their store is open on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., or by reservation.
- Jerry Dell Farm & Farm Store – A certified organic farm known for exceptional raw milk cheddars that also carries produce from other local farms.
- Muranda Cheese Company – Perhaps the most prominent stop on the trail, Muranda utilizes milk from their Muranda Registered Holsteins, which have been raised by the Murray family for generations. They offer traditional raw milk cheddars as well as unique varieties like the Checkerboard Cheddar.
The Muranda Cheese Experience
The Muranda Cheese Company deserves special mention for its comprehensive visitor experience. Located at 3075 Route 96 in Waterloo, NY, Muranda is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Visitors can participate in guided cheese tastings featuring 12 different Muranda cheeses, enjoy Finger Lakes wine, beer, and cider at the bar, and browse a full store featuring local Finger Lakes products.
The operation is welcoming to families (and even well-behaved dogs on leashes), making it an ideal stop for cheese enthusiasts of all ages. While sampling, visitors learn about the Murray family’s illustrious dairy history, including their Holstein that held the world record for milk production for 13 years.
Planning Your New York Cheese Trail Adventure
For those looking to experience New York’s cheese trails, some practical considerations can enhance the journey:
Seasonal Considerations
The Washington County Cheese Tour occurs only once per year (typically in September), so planning ahead is essential if you wish to participate in this event1. Other trails, like the Central New York Cheese Trail and Finger Lakes Cheese Trail, offer year-round access to most locations, though hours may vary seasonally and by location.
Complementary Experiences
While exploring New York’s cheese trails, consider incorporating other related experiences:
- Dairy Farm Tours – For those interested in seeing how milk is produced before becoming cheese, several dairy farms offer family-friendly tours. Hull-O Farms in Durham offers hands-on experiences with farm animals and participation in daily farm tasks, while Hawthorne Valley Farm in Ghent showcases biodynamic and organic farming practices.
- Local Wine and Craft Beverage Pairings – Many cheese trail locations, particularly in the Finger Lakes and Washington County, offer opportunities to pair local cheeses with regional wines, beers, and ciders, creating a complete tasting experience.
- Cultural and Historical Sites – As you travel between cheese destinations, take time to explore the rich history and culture of these regions, from the historic canal towns of Central New York to the world-class museums of the Finger Lakes.
Conclusion: Sustaining a Tradition Through Agri-Tourism
New York’s cheese trails represent more than just a culinary adventure—they’re a vital connection to the state’s agricultural heritage and a key component in sustaining small dairy operations. As Suzie Jones of Jones Family Farm in Herkimer noted, “It’s heart-breaking to see shuttered and defunct farms in the region these days. Opportunities like the cheese and various beverage trails around Central New York remind people of the area’s strong agricultural heritage”.
By visiting these trails, tourists not only experience exceptional artisanal products but also directly support the families and communities preserving traditional farming and cheese-making practices. The resurgence of interest in local, sustainable food systems has breathed new life into New York’s cheese industry, creating opportunities for both established farms and new entrepreneurs.
Whether you’re a dedicated cheese connoisseur or simply looking for a unique way to explore the diverse landscapes of New York State, the cheese trails offer an authentic, delicious journey through the Empire State’s rich culinary traditions. From squeaky fresh curds to complex aged cheddars, the cheeses of New York tell a story of place, tradition, and innovation that continues to evolve with each generation of cheese makers.