Tag Archives: Central Coast Creamery

August Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on by

grape leaf wrapped sheep milk cheeseBlakesville Creamery
Pecuri in l Vigne
Sheep’s Milk
Wisconsin

Pecuri in l Vigne (Italian for sheep in the vineyard) is a fresh sheep’s milk cheese. These rindless disks are only about three days old when they’re enrobed in muscat wine-soaked grape leaves and vacuum sealed. Best served brushed with olive oil and grilled. The flavor is fresh, bright and lemony, with a hint of wood smoke.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Pairs beautifully with a Chianti, whose bright acidity and earthy red fruit notes complement the cheese’s tangy, nutty profile. For a craft beer option, try a Belgian Dubbel—its malty sweetness and dark fruit flavors echo the richness and complexity of this semi-aged sheep’s milk cheese.

WINESTYLES: Fruit
BEERSTYLES: Malty

Information & Photos © Zuercher – All Rights Reserved.

chili goudaCentral Coast Creamery
Hatch Chili Cheddar
Paso Robles, California

Indulge in the vibrant flavor of Central Coast Creamery’s Hatch Chili Cheddar. This cheese masterfully blends rich, creamy cheddar with the mild heat of roasted Hatch green chilis, offering a unique taste experience. This cheddar has a rich, buttery texture complemented by the subtle smokiness and sweetness of Hatch green chilis. Great pairing for summer grilled foods, especially on a grilled burger with a glass of Geyser Peak Merlot.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Pairs perfectly with a Riesling—its off-dry sweetness and crisp acidity balance the cheese’s creamy texture and mild heat. For a craft beer pairing, go with a West Coast IPA, whose citrusy bitterness contrasts the richness and highlights the smoky warmth of the Hatch chiles.

WINESTYLES: Crisp
BEERSTYLES: Hoppy

ABOUT THE CREAMERY:
Central Coast Creamery’s story is uniquely rooted in experience and family. Founder Reggie began his dairy industry career in 1991, working in a cheese company’s quality lab before gaining expertise across the field—from whey refining to bacteria culture sales. He and his wife Kellie, a Cal Poly alumna, dreamed of starting their own creamery for years while raising their three daughters in Modesto, California. In 2012, the family made that dream a reality by relocating to Paso Robles—a place Kellie had loved since college—for its growing wine region and thriving community of craft beer, artisan spirits, and fine food. Today, their creamery reflects decades of industry knowledge and a shared passion for quality, family, and the Central Coast lifestyle. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Central Coast Creamery and Zuercher. – All Rights Reserved.

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

Match Made in Heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club! Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely! Click to learn more >

February Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Cheese ClubSeascape-cheese-wheel-emailCentral Coast Creamery Seascape Semi-firm Cheese Paso Robles, California

This cheddar-like Cow and Goat milk blend has a velvety paste that will have you coming back for more! The Seascape name is inspired by a luxury resort in the Central Coast town of Aptos. The browned-butter notes of the cow milk meet in perfect harmony with the tangy and fruity goat’s milk to warm you up from the inside like grandma’s baked goods. It has aromas of warm, baked bread with a sweet and salty taste. Its texture is meltable, malleable, slightly elastic and semi-firm. AWARDS:
  • 2015 – United States Cheese Championship – 3rd Place Award
  • 2014 – American Cheese Society (ACS) – 3rd Place Award
  • 2013 – American Cheese Society (ACS) – Best of Class
  • 2012 – World Cheese Contest – Best of Class
  • 2010 – American Cheese Society (ACS) – 2nd Place Award
WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: A Chardonnay with a good balance of acidity and richness would be an excellent pairing with this cheese. As for beer, choose a Belgian-style Dubbel or a malty brown ale.  WINESTYLES: Rich BEERSTYLES: Malty & Sweet ABOUT CENTRAL COAST CREAMERY: Central Coast Creamery is located near California’s coast in Paso Robles. The area itself was once home to a number of dairies; however, during the 1970s these independent farms lost their steam and were extinct by the end of the decade. Armed with 25 years of experience in the industry, Reggie Jones and his wife Kellie started the creamery hoping to rejuvenate the once burgeoning dairy scene. In true California spirit, all of their cheeses are made in primarily handmade, small batches using locally-sourced milk, free from artificial growth hormones, and aged on pine racks. Information and photo © Central Coast Creamery & Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Ewephoria-cheese-wheelCheeseland Inc. Ewephoria Extra Aged Holland

This new creation from Holland is unlike any other sheep milk cheese you have ever tasted before. The milk comes from a small farm where the sheep are treated like family. Even though this cheese has been aged for one year, it has developed a sweet and nutty flavor. This cheese tastes like candy! Experience it for dessert with red or green grapes. WINE & CRAFT BEER RECOMMENDATIONS: Serve with a juicy red Bordeaux. For beer, choose a malty and slightly sweet beer, such as a Belgian Dubbel or a bock. WINESTYLES: Fruity  BEERSTYLES: Malty & Sweet ABOUT CHEESELAND INC.: Cheeseland Inc. is a renowned purveyor of premium cheeses, known for its commitment to quality and diverse selection. With a passion for showcasing the rich and varied flavors of cheeses from around the world, Cheeseland Inc. has become a trusted source for cheese enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Their offerings range from artisanal creations to timeless classics, reflecting a dedication to both traditional craftsmanship and innovation. Information and Photo © Cheeseland Inc. & Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!Match Made in Heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >

November Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Cheese ClubHoley-Cow-cheeseCentral Coast Creamery Holey Cow Paso Robles, California

Holey Cow is semi-soft baby Swiss-style cheese made from pasteurized whole cows’ milk. Aged for two months, it has a smooth, pliable texture and an ample amount of (you guessed it!) recognizable holes. You’ll appreciate its buttery flavor and tangy finish. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Pair the Holey Cow cheese with a rich Chardonnay. For beer, pair with a Witbier (Belgian-Style Wheat Beer) from our crisp & clean section. WINESTYLES: Rich BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean

faultline-cheese-central-coast-creameryCentral Coast Creamery Faultline Paso Robles, California

Faultline is Central Coast Creamery’s newest addition. This cow’s milk cheese was the winner of “Best of California” at the 2023 California State Cheese Competition. The addition of Alpine cultures results in a cheese that has the sharp and mineral taste of a cheddar, but sweetness and nuttiness of an alpine style cheese. The paste has an initial sweet note up front, and a fermented fruit note near the rind. It has a creamy texture with distinct bits of crystallization. WINE & CRAFT BEER RECOMMENDATIONS: For wine, pair with a Pinot Noir. For beer, reach for an Amber Ale. WINESTYLES: Mellow BEERSTYLES: Malty ABOUT CENTRAL COAST CREAMERY: Located near California’s coast in Paso Robles, Central Coast Creamery is gaining momentum in the domestic artisan cheese category. At the helm is Reggie Jones, a veteran of the dairy industry, who has worked in various aspects of quality control, production management, whey refining and sales of cheese cultures and enzymes. After considering their next venture, Reggie’s family decided to make the move to California’s Central Coast, well-known for its support of artisan foods and wineries. Looking back into the region’s history, one will find that the area was once home to a number of dairies. However, during the 1970’s, most of the region’s independent dairy farms lost their steam, and were extinct by the end of the decade. The Jones family, looking to rejuvenate these roots, started Central Coast Creamery. In true California spirit, all of their cheeses are made in primarily handmade, small batches using locally-sourced milk free from artificial growth hormones, and aged on pine racks. Information © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!Match Made in Heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >

August Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Cheese ClubGoat Gouda_August Cheese ClubCentral Coast Creamery Goat Gouda Paso Robles, California

Central Coast Creamery’s flagship cheese bursts of fruity and caramel aromas that will transport you to the sun-soaked hills of California the moment you cut into it. Its ivory-colored paste is semi-firm, yet crumbly, tacky, and slightly chalky and crystalline. It has starchy flavors of tart apples, grass and crusty bread. This award winning gouda is made with 100% goat’s milk and is aged for 4 to 6 months. Awards:
  • 2016 – American Cheese Society (ACS) – 2nd Place Award
  • 2016 – World Cheese Championship – 3rd Place Award
  • 2014 – World Cheese Championship – 3rd Place Award
  • 2013 – United States Cheese Championship – Best of Class
  • 2011 – United States Cheese Championship – 2nd Place Award
  • 2010 – Best of Show – American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA)
  • 2010 – American Cheese Society (ACS) – 3rd Place Award
WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: What grows together, goes together! All of our August Wine Club wines will pair beautifully with this cheese. As for beer, enjoy with a crisp Amber Ale. WINESTYLES: Bold or Crisp BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean CENTRAL COAST CREAMERY: Located near California’s coast in Paso Robles, Central Coast Creamery is gaining momentum in the domestic artisan cheese category. At the helm is Reggie Jones, a veteran of the dairy industry, who has worked in various aspects of quality control, production management, whey refining and sales of cheese cultures and enzymes. After considering their next venture, Reggie’s family decided to make the move to California’s Central Coast, well-known for its support of artisan foods and wineries. Looking back into the region’s history, one will find that the area was once home to a number of dairies. However, during the 1970’s, most of the region’s independent dairy farms lost their steam, and were extinct by the end of the decade. The Jones family, looking to rejuvenate these roots, started Central Coast Creamery. In true California spirit, all of their cheeses are made in primarily handmade, small batches using locally-sourced milk free from artificial growth hormones, and aged on pine racks. Learn more > Information © Central Coast Creamery and Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

raspberry-habanero-frontPRiMO Raspberry Habanero Preserves Denver, Colorado

These raspberry habanero preserves have a straight up red raspberry flavor with delightful tropical heat that unfolds into a long satisfying finish. On average, PRiMO cooks their preserves for one minute or less, so the fruit’s natural flavor shines in every bite. PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS: Pairs great with this month’s Goat Gouda and a glass of wine from any of our August Wine Club selections. It also pairs beautifully with a soft-ripened buttery cheese- think Delice de Bourgogne, Camembert, Kunik (Nettle Meadow Farm) and semi-soft, washed-rind cheeses such as Epoisses and Taleggio. For beer, reach for a crisp Amber Ale as well. WINESTYLES: Bold or Crisp BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean PRiMO: PRiMO is a small independent producer that create their own unique flavors and recipes and lovingly hand-craft them in small batches. They obsess over every detail- from the ingredients they source to how they might pair with cheese, salumi and wine, and everything in between.  Learn more > Information © PRiMO and Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!Match Made in Heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >