Calling all cheese lovers! In Finger Lakes Wine Country you can drink your way through our vineyards and taste your way through our dairy farm stands for a Cheese Lover's experience. Farm-to-table is the way of life here, so we’re highlighting the best creameries and dairy farms in the region. You can also visit Finger Lakes Farm Country, a local organization promoting agri-tourism within the region.
Agri-tourism is a travel trend that focuses on visiting farms, dairies, and ranches, to get a behind-the-scenes look at how they operate. Happy cows make the best cheese and on this trail, you’ll discover a delicious variety of artisan cheeses. From cuddling cows to learning about the cheese-making process, there’s an assortment of activities for all ages at these working farms. We encourage you to call ahead before visiting any of the locations listed to check opening times and availability.
Sunset View Creamery
Sunset View Creamery in Odessa, New York offers a selection of artisan cheeses made using fresh milk from their century-old family-owned and operated dairy farm. You can go on a self-guided tour of the cheesemaking facility, meet the dairy cows, then visit the shop for a tasting of cheese curds, fresh mozzarella, and more. Shop other locally-produced food items in their farm store or schedule a cow cuddling session!
Shtayburne Farm
On the western shore of Seneca Lake in Rock Stream, NY you’ll find Shtayburne Farm. A fourth-generation dairy farm offering small-batch cheeses made with locally-grown crops and milk. Visit their tasting room and sample some of their unique combinations including; Tomato Basil Jack, Smoked Bacon Cheddar, and Dill Cheese Curds.
Engelbert Farms
Engelbert Farms in Nichols, New York is the first certified organic dairy farm in the United States since 1984 and offers certified organic products in their farm store and kitchen. Browse their selection of organic cheddars, Colby, gouda, swiss, jacks, and mozzarella. You can also find farm-raised organic meats and produce as well as items from nearby farms including eggs, raw honey, maple syrup, and fruit bitters. Engelbert Farms is open year-round, Thursday through Saturday.
Side Hill Acres Goat Farm
Side Hill Acres Goat Farm in Candor, NY are producers of gold medal award-winning goat milk cheese. This family-operated goat dairy on the southeast of Cayuga Lake is home to 157 dairy goats that provide the milk for goat cheeses, feta, cream cheese, and mozzarella. Visitors can tour the farm, tour the cheese plant, learn how the cheese is made, and learn how to milk a goat by hand! Their gift shop also includes other items made from goat milk such as ice cream, soaps, and other beauty aides.
Stewart’s Family Farm and Creamery
Stewart’s Family Farm and Creamery in Hornell, New York sells dairy products like milk, goat cheese, and ice cream. Along with seasonal vegetables, fresh fruits, maple syrup, and more 4 days a week year-round. You can find milk, eggs, cheese, and ice cream in the refrigerator on their porch and during the summer you can buy their products from the Corning Farmers Market.
Honorable Mention
Seneca Farms
If you’re craving mac and cheese and other comfort foods like fried chicken and corn fritters be sure to plan a stop for lunch at Seneca Farms. This retro spot on the northern tip of Keuka Lake is an affordable and family-friendly dining option.
Golden Age Cheese Company
At Golden Age Cheese Company in Woodhull, NY you’ll find fresh cheese every day from fresh mozzarella, mild to aged cheddars, cheddar cheese curds, specialty cheddars, a variety of smoked cheeses, and more! This wholesale and retail cheese manufacturer has been producing quality cheeses since 1983. If you can’t make it to the region you can order these delicious cheeses online!
The collection of creameries and dairy farms making artisan cheeses on the Finger Lakes Cheese Trail is sure to please any cheese enthusiast. If you’re looking for the best local cheeses to pair with our award-winning wines or you’re a foodie with a nose for cheese. You can spend days tasting the best fresh cheddar, jacks, blues, and chèvres on the Finger Lakes Cheese Trail. Be sure to check out our Ice Cream + Cheese Lover’s Guide if you have a sweet tooth.
