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Ashe County Cheese - A Must-Visit Attraction in West Jefferson

  • Ashe County Cheese - A Must-Visit Attraction in West Jefferson

Last modified on 2020-05-22

Ashe County Cheese is not only the largest cheese manufacturer in North Carolina but it is also the state’s oldest, operating since 1930. Located in West Jefferson, the Ashe County Cheese plant is a fun spot to visit during the summer or any time throughout the year, to witness the fine art of cheese making.

History

In 1930, the Kraft Corporation started Ashe County Cheese, which they operated until 1975. Its manager, Chesley Hazlewood, then purchased the business which he operated until his death in 1980. In 1981, his wife sold Ashe County Cheese to Jerry Glick and Doug Rudersdorf who upgraded both the plant and the store. At this point a viewing room was added to the plant, and Ashe County Cheese became a popular tourist attraction.

Ashe County Cheese was bought and sold a couple more times thereafter until Wisconsin cheesemakers Mike Everhart and Tom Torkelson purchased the business. Over the years Torkelson has garnered many awards for his cheeses. In 2007 he was awarded the distinction of Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker. In 2004, Ashe County Cheese was split into two separate companies: Ashe County Cheese Company (the plant division), owned and operated by Everhart and Torkelson, and the Ashe County Cheese Store, owned and operated by the Everhart Family.

Ashe County Cheese Today

Today Ashe County Cheese receives thousands of gallons of milk needed for weekly production from local dairy farms in North Carolina and in southern Virginia. Some of the most popular cheeses offered include its original Sienna cheese, a variety of flavored cheeses, distinct cheddars and Juusto cheese (a mild Scandinavian cheese).

You can plan your trip around going to the viewing room and watching as they make cheese. Go here to view the cheese-making schedule: http://www.ashecountycheese.com/events/. Then round out your visit by visiting the store to pick up cheeses, fresh cheese curd, homemade fudge and local wines.

Location

Ashe County Cheese
106 E Main St
West Jefferson, NC 28694

Hours:

Open year-round, 8:30am-5pm, Monday-Saturday

For more information

Visit: http://www.ashecountycheese.com

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