Last modified on 2020-05-22
See Cheese Made - Ashe County Cheese
Ashe County Cheese is in downtown West Jefferson and is open to the public for a free tour to see cheese made. This is especially fun for children and grownups alike. When making your plans to visit the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, be sure to check their website for updates on their cheese-making schedule.
Ashe County visitors and local residents always enjoy the cheese samples and the fine selection of cheeses and other items available in the Gift Shop, such as more than 50 varieties of cheese (including more than 20 varieties of the original Ashe County Cheese), country butter, homemade fudge, and everyone’s favorite, fresh cheese curd. Ashe County Cheese also offers other fine cheeses and locally made wines, as well as a variety of gifts, souvenirs, and old-fashioned snacks and candies. The company is well-known for its original Sienna cheese, its various flavored cheeses, and its newest variety, Juusto cheese (a mild Scandinavian cheese).
Ashe Cheese - Three Cows
Last summer, a new addition added to the Cheese Plant that visitors and the natives Ashe County folks find interesting. It has created a unique image to West Jefferson and that is the addition of the “Three Cows.” We are always amazed at the creativity and interesting art that makes West Jefferson unique.
In 1930 the Kraft Corporation combined several small local cheese plants, and opened Ashe County Cheese in West Jefferson. At that time, they produced cheddar daisy wheels for nationwide distribution.
Mike Everhart and Tom Torkelson now own the company. Everhart moved to Ashe County with his family in 1995 to manage the company, while Torkelson still is in Wisconsin and has since become one of the nation’s finest cheesemakers. He has won many National and International awards for his cheeses, and in the fall of 2007, Mr. Torkelson received the distinction of Wisconsin Master Cheese Maker.
Prior to visiting West Jefferson, take advantage of Stay Blue Ridge rental mountain homes.
It may be while you are here, you will want your own mountain home. Ashe High Country Realty has a wonderful choice of mountain homes for sale at fantastic prices, and mountain land is at the lowest price per acre that we have seen in years. Buy today – before it becomes a seller’s market!
In 1930 the Kraft Corporation combined several small local cheese plants, and opened Ashe County Cheese in West Jefferson. At that time, they produced cheddar daisy wheels for nationwide distribution.
