The Chester County cheese trail is a beautiful thing, laden with eight artisan, small-batch makers putting forth raw cow milk, goat milk and sheep milk marvels — each unique within themselves, and also, in comparison to the country’s widespread cheese-making industry.
Being that members of PA Eats team are cheese-loving fiends, we recently scheduled a fun-filled tour at Yellow Springs Farm (1165 Yellow Springs Road, Chester Springs) with owners/cheesemakers Al and Catherine Renzi. Town Dish’s owner Mary Bigham, Special Projects Director Angela Corrado, photographer Nina Cazille, and myself explored their enchanting, eight-acre farm by their sides, uncovering the rich agricultural history of their 150-year-old property, which was once home to a 200-acre dairy farm.
However, the dynamic duo’s hilltop production is just a few years in the making, as they only turned their attention to cheese-making in 2009. But, after a few swift years, they now boast an incredible 25-deep cheese repertoire, with each variety produced with additives from their farm, a landscape that’s prosperous in native plants.
You too can visit the farm during today’s “Holiday Celebrations with Cheese” Open House, which unfolds until 4 pm. You’ll be able to visit the goats, sample some of their award-winning cheese, stock up on eye-catching, cheese-packed gift packs, and much more. The holiday open house also returns next Saturday, Dec. 22, noon – 4 pm.
Click HERE to learn more about the local Chester County Cheese Artisan member. Stay tuned for Part Two of our visit to the farm, which features a photo tour of the cheese-making facilities and the aging room.
All photographs credited to Nina Lea Photography.
