For the last few years, my happy place has been to visit a cheesemaker. And, believe it or not, it’s not just about the cheese. I end up seeing the incredible landscape of a new region, always in a place I’ve never been before. Just experiencing that and connecting with an entrepreneur (all cheesemakers are pioneers, in my opinion) resets me, delights me and puts a smile on my face.
Recently, I made a trip to Carmel Valley Creamery, which started up in July 2024. Sophie Hauville, a charming French woman, came to the U.S. years ago to learn English. One thing led to the next. From marketing garden implements to a private resort where she learned to make cheese from a well-renowned cheesemaker, her world changed completely.
Having found her passion in cheesemaking, she found and began renting an historic general store in a valley surrounded by wooded hills, creating a gathering place for locals and visitors. Cozy, friendly, it feels like “community.” It’s a place where I would love to hang out. The outside patio is surrounded by oaks and inside is a warm collection of tables amidst a welcoming atmosphere.
Inside, her tiny creamery is awash with experiments. She infuses the milk of one cheese with black peppercorn tea, sprays another with vegetable ash, and rolls others with various flowers and herbs. Each creation is magical. She makes her cheeses with both goat and cow milk, into a variety of styles to make sure there’s something for everybody. You can watch the cheesemaking through the window and purchase everything on site.
If you’re in Carmel, make this side trip to Carmel Valley. Come in for the cheese, stay for a cuppa, and pick up some handcrafted goods made by local artisans.
