We ♥︎ Local Cheese

The Brandywine Valley is home to many farms and creameries for food enthusiasts to explore and sample local cheese. You’ll find artisanal cheesemakers dedicated to crafting delectable varieties that capture the essence of the region’s agricultural heritage and enhance your diet and table.

So, whether you’re planning a large gathering or intimate evening, this guide will help you source a perfect charcuterie board featuring a selection of the finest local cheeses. From creamy bries to tangy cheddars, you’ll uncover delicious tastes that will upgrade your usual cheeseboard to a gourmet offering.

Amazing Acres Goat Dairy

Up and running since 2011, Amazing Acres lets you indulge in creamy, rich goat cheese. Winning “Best in Class” for all flavored cheeses at the 2017 PA Farm Show, these farmers continue to show off their flavored chevres, including roasted garlic, rosemary/lemon, cranberry and more. All cheese is made in small, handcrafted batches that can be purchased at the farm by appointment only. Visit their website to find them at farmers markets. 184 Grove Rd., Elverson. AmazingAcresGoatDairy.com

Birchrun Hills Farm

Sip, shop and enjoy your visit to this family-run farm offering handmade artisan cheeses and happy hours at designated times throughout the year. The Miller family’s herd of 80 Holstein cows helps sustain their 30-year history of regenerative farming. The farm produces cheese from cows only, such as Birchrun Blue, Equinox, Farmhouse Feta, Fat Cat and more. Since 2006 the family has curated gift boxes to give to special cheese lovers and hosted cheese tastings for larger groups on the farm. Open Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. year-round. 1020 Davis Ln., Chester Springs. BirchRunHillsFarm.com

Conebella Farm 

This fifth-generation farm has been proudly crafting award-winning cheeses such as Italian cheddar, smoked Colby and garlic basil cheese curds from their own Ayrshire cows. This 198-acre farm sells 14 varieties of raw milk cheese and seven different creamy cheese spreads for $9. Find recipes on their website designed for the cheeses they produce or grab a bundle for your friends. 337 Chestnut Tree Rd., Elverson. ConebellaFarm.com

The Farm at Doe Run

Start assembling your cheeseboard with selections from this artisanal and sustainable creamery at Doe Run. After all, these folks took home top honors at the 2024 American Cheese Society Awards. From the creamy, bloomy rind oval called Hummingbird to the farm’s take on gouda, you can find the perfect choices here for your board. Although not directly sold at the farm, their cheeses can be found in restaurants and farm markets around Chester County. 324 Hicks Rd., Coatesville. Facebook.com/TheFarmAtDoeRun

Locust Hollow

Looking for a different taste in dairy? This farm specializes in using milk from East Friesian dairy sheep. From April to September, they create rich and creamy sheep milk cheese such as ricotta, feta, blue cheese and more. Although beginning to gain popularity in the U.S., sheep cheese has been a staple in many other countries including Spain, Italy and France. Join a basic cheesemaking workshop for $65, a cheese tasting for $26 or visit their website for online orders. 330 Country Club Rd., Coatesville. LocustHollow.net

Pigeon Creek Farm

This first-generation, micro-dairy farm is small but mighty. With fewer than 30 cows, this farm produces cheese such as medium and sharp cheddar to complement your cheeseboard and wines, and hot pepper cheddar for those wanting something spicy. All cheese is made from whole pasteurized cow’s milk. Pick up in-store only. 554 Pigeon Creek Rd., Pottstown. Facebook.com/PigeonCreekFarmPA

September Farm Cheese 

Starting in the cheese business in 2007, this fourth-generation farm produces cheeses from cows’ milk, including Robertson’s Select Cheddar, Pepperoni Augusto Jack, Honey Brook Mild Cheddar and more. The farm won awards — Dairy of Distinction in 2002 and Chester County Farmer of the Year in 2013 — after moving their location to a picturesque old country store on Route 322. Visit to see how the cheese is made firsthand or create a personalized gift basket to take home. 5287 Horseshoe Pk., Honey Brook. SeptemberFarmCheese.com

Seven Stars Farm

Founded in 1939, this 1,000-acre farm is no stranger to the cow cheese industry. In a world where even natural food can be overprocessed, Seven Stars works hard to make their cheese and dairy pure, simple and delicious by producing their product right on the farm. Specializing in cheddar, the farm’s organic pasteurized cheddar, organic raw milk cheddar or the aged extra sharp cheddar (all $13 a pound) are top picks. Open Mon.–Fri., 9 to 5 p.m., Sat., 9 to 4 p.m. 419 W. Seven Stars Rd., Phoenixville. SevenStarsFarm.com

Shellbark Hollow Farm

This farm’s herd of Nubian goats produces a high-quality, creamy, butterfat milk that cheese lovers crave. Recognized in 2008 as Best of Philly for their dry sharp chevre and in 2009 by the Philadelphia Inquirer for “Cheese of the Month,” this farm is also a member of the PA Association for Sustainable Agriculture, the Chester County Cheese Artisans and the PA Farmstead & Artisan Alliance. Shop over 20 kinds of goat cheeses and eight goat cheese spreads, including their top-selling fresh feta. Farm tours and product pickups by appointment. Visit their website for farmers market locations. 240 Lippitt Rd., Honey Brook. ShellBarkHollow.com

True North Farmstead 

This small family-run sheep farm uses East Friesian/Lacaune mixed sheep to breed and produce small-batch artisan cheese. If you’re looking for healthier cheese, dairy from sheep has a higher percentage of protein than either cow’s or goat’s milk, producing a rich cheese with a clean taste. Sheep cheese is also more easily digestible for those with dairy sensitivities, but who still want to join the tastings. Cheeses include creamy spreads, bloomy rinds and feta. 113 Skelp Level Rd., Downingtown. TrueNorthFarmstead.com

More Options Beyond Chester County

Buffalo Valley Pastures 

This farm sells cheese from cows, goats and, you guessed it, buffalo! Find an assortment of cow and goat cheeses such as mild cheddar, sharp cheddar, salted and unsalted cottage cheese, garlic cheddar and their unique Buffarella cheese from the farm’s exotic water buffalo. All animals are grass-fed to guarantee a delicious, creamy and high-in-healthy-fat cheese for all your favorite dishes. Sign up on their website to get cheese delivered to your door. 114 Pumping Station Rd., Quarryville. BVPMarket.com

Alpine Heritage Creamery

This Lancaster County creamery, launched in 2012, feeds their Jersey dairy cows organic grass, grass hay and grass haylage to produce high-quality, non-GMO cheese. Choose from one-pound block cheeses such as Paradise Colby, Dutch Country Swiss, Paradise Reserve and their best seller Johny’s Clothbound Cheddar. Passed on from their ancestors in the Swiss Alps, these cheesemakers follow a traditional process. Visit their website to find retail locations near you. 34 Quarry Rd., Paradise. AlpineHeritageCreamery.com

UDairy Creamery

Students at the University of Delaware’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources get hands-on experience at this on-campus creamery, producing farmstead cheeses in their brand-new production facility and test kitchen. From the classroom to the creamery, shop for cheeses such as Delaware Gold Colby, Rodammer Reserve and First State Cheddar. This creamery allows students to learn entrepreneurial skills while providing the public delicious cheeses. Order online or visit campus to see the students in action! Hours vary, closed Sundays. 529 S. College Ave., Newark, DE. UDel.edu