Cowgirl Creamery

Cowgirl Creamery is an artisan cheese producer based in Point Reyes Station, California. Founded in 1997 by Sue Conley and Peggy Smith, Cowgirl Creamery has become renowned for its high-quality, organic cheeses made from locally sourced milk.

History

Sue Conley and Peggy Smith, both veterans of the Bay Area restaurant scene, established Cowgirl Creamery after recognizing the potential for artisanal cheese production in the region. They converted a barn in Point Reyes Station into a creamery and began producing cheese using milk from the nearby Straus Family Creamery.

Products

Cowgirl Creamery produces a variety of cheeses, including:

• Mt Tam - A triple-cream cheese named after Mount Tamalpais.
• Red Hawk - A triple-cream, washed-rind cheese with a distinctive reddish-orange rind.
• Pierce Point - A seasonal cheese rolled in local herbs and wildflowers.
• St Pat - A semi-firm cheese wrapped in stinging nettle leaves.

Production Process

The production process at Cowgirl Creamery emphasizes traditional cheesemaking techniques and sustainable practices. The milk used in their cheeses is sourced from local, organic dairy farms, ensuring high quality and freshness. The creamery also focuses on minimizing its environmental impact through various sustainability initiatives.

Locations

In addition to their original location in Point Reyes Station, Cowgirl Creamery operates a retail shop and cheese bar in the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco. They also distribute their cheeses to specialty food stores and restaurants across the United States.

Awards and Recognition

Cowgirl Creamery has received numerous awards for its cheeses, including accolades from the American Cheese Society and the Good Food Awards. Their commitment to quality and sustainability has earned them a loyal following among cheese enthusiasts and food critics alike.

See Also

• Artisan cheese
• Cheesemaking
• Organic farming
• Sustainable agriculture