HOW TO DO A DIY CHEESE TASTING TOUR OF MARGARET RIVER

Sweet baby cheeses, Margaret River has delicious dairy!

The Margaret River region is a heaven and haven for foodies and wine lovers who like the finer things in life. And with so much wine in the area, it makes sense to plan a little cheese tasting day trip.

As you drive along the country roads of the south west, you’ll see dairy cows free-ranging in lush green pastures. The grazing cows are hard at work to make the milk that makes the cheese that makes your mouth water.

Think creamy Brie, vintage Cheddar, salty Feta and milky Mozzarella. Can’t stomach dairy from cows? Don’t worry, we’ll also tell you where to sample amazing goat and sheep cheese.

Keep reading for the best places to hit on a do-it-yourself cheese tasting tour of Margaret River.

Yallingup Cheese Company

Starting at the northern end of the cape is Yallingup Cheese Company. The artisan cheese makers share a space with Goon Tycoons’ cellar door at Abbey Vale Wines so do plan to sample cheese and wine when you visit. At the cheese counter, you can taste the entire range of soft cheeses that are made from local, organic Jersey milk. The Vache Curd, which could be the rich, sophisticated uncle to commercial cream cheese, is perfect for spreading on crackers or stirring through pasta. White mould cheese lovers will devour the Brie and Camembert; both are creamy and strong flavoured.

Our favourite cheese: The Marinated Feta for its soft, fluffy texture and low-salt taste. It’s nothing like commercial feta.

Open: Wednesday-Sunday 10am-5pm
Address: 1071 Wildwood Road, Yallingup Siding WA.
Tip: look out for their hands-on cheese making classes. Learn to make feta, or get your PhD in cheese platter styling.

Margaret River Dairy Company

A popular stop with many of the local wine tasting tours is the ever-yummy Margaret River Dairy Company. Well-known for their award-winning soft cheeses and cheddars, it will be challenging to leave here without a wheel or two. You’ll also get to try their low-fat pot-set yoghurts.

These guys are always innovating, and we have it on good authority that they’re releasing some exciting new products early in 2018. Be sure to check it out next time you’re in town.

Our favourite cheese: The Smoked Cheddar for its smoky and rich flavour. It’s definitely moreish.
Open: Daily 9.30am-5pm except some public holidays
Address: 8063 Bussell Highway, Metricup

Cheese tasting at Margaret River Farmers Market

Every Saturday morning, residents and visitors alike flock to the awesome Margaret River Farmers Market for its local, hand-crafted gourmet foods. There are all kinds of speciality foods to be bought here and if you’re cow’s milk intolerant, this is the place to be for some alternative cheese sampling.

Sniff out Cambray Sheep Cheese. Their award-winning handmade cheese is made from their own ewe’s milk at their farm in Nannup. You might have had their Fondue by the Fire at Howard Park during Cabin Fever Festival? It was as good as what you get in Switzerland. They have a variety of mature cheeses that are available year-round and soft cheeses, which are seasonal: August-March.

Koonac Heidi Goat Cheese is also at the market each week with their goat cheese offerings. I love their haloumi and fry it on the barbecue or use it in sweet corn fritters – delish. Try matching goat’s cheese with pear, strawberry or a full-bodied wine such as Chardonnay.

Our favourite cheese: Cambray’s Camembray and Heidi Goat Cheese’s Swiss with Herbs
Open: every Saturday 8am – 12 noon
Address: Lot 272 Bussell Highway, Margaret River (just south of the main street of town)