By Kristen Thompson

Carleton Yoder of Champlain Valley Creamery in Middlebury, VT, is one of the impressive local cheesemakers Food Connects has the privilege of working with. We had the opportunity to ask Carleton about his approach to cheesemaking and what makes his cheeses unique.

How was Champlain Valley Creamery started? What was its inspiration?

I started Champlain Valley Creamery in 2003 with Old Fashioned Organic Cream Cheese.  I left a career in cidermaking to start the creamery in a 750-square-foot facility we built out in an old deli. 

What makes your products unique?

We produce our products from a single source of grass-fed organic milk.  We are also one of the few small creameries to separate milk to produce cream-added products like our Champlain Triple and Old Fashioned.  Our line of Queso Frescos are made from the skim and whole milk remaining from the prior production of whole plus cream cheeses.

Can you tell us more about your approach to cheese-making?

We have tried to produce unique cheeses with a twist on their industrial counterparts.  Our cream cheese, for example, is made without the addition of stabilizers or fillers.  Being certified organic was an important point of difference when we started, and we have since embraced 100% grass-fed organic milk for all of our cheese.

What is your favorite part of being a cheese maker?

The transformation of a raw agricultural product into a product that hopefully people will enjoy repeatedly. 

What is one of your favorite recipes or pairings to use your cheese in?

In the early days of the creamery, we made many cheesecakes with our cream cheese.  Lately, our queso fresco is our house pizza and nacho cheese, as it’s a great shredder/melter!

Why is buying and selling locally and the local food movement important to you?

The local food movement has been a major driver in the growth of our business over the years.   I feel the pandemic has only hyperfocused people on the need for a robust local food system.

How does working with Food Connects help your business/what are you excited about in this partnership?

Food Connects has been a great partner in getting our products to new customers and further afield to new markets.