Dear Cheese friends,
There's something special that happens when I meet a cheesemaker, visit a farm, and taste cheeses that a passionate person has crafted by hand, sometimes just a few feet from where the animals graze. It was my wish - nearly 15 years ago now - to be a part of helping save small family farms, that inspired me to connect people with cheesemakers. But it’s the cheesemakers with their joy, artistry and kindness that has kept me so engaged. And now, what began as a simple idea, has blossomed into something more meaningful than I ever could have imagined.
The Cheese Trail has evolved beyond its initial focus, and this cheese community now extends to the entire ecosystem that makes artisan food culture possible: specialty retailers, restaurants, wineries, and all businesses that champion craft production. Because we are an ecosystem. And working together, supporting and connecting passionate producers, chefs, and enthusiasts who value craftsmanship, tradition, and sustainable agriculture is one hell of a grand scheme! Don’t you think? :)
Our impact continues to grow through multiple channels, including:
- Printed maps - a record-setting 80,000 printed this year (~800,000 maps since we started)!
- Website with ~10,000 visitors monthly (thank you!!)
- Our Cheese Directory showcasing 600+ unique cheeses from California cheesemakers.
- Our Business Directory connecting all of you to great resources throughout the state
- Going beyond California's borders, we're developing the infrastructure to support the artisan cheese community in other states, creating a more connected community nationwide.
Oh, and our newly-updated 2025 map is now available, as of just yesterday! Pick up free a copy at farmers markets, wineries, cheese shops (and other locations) all across California. Or, if more convenient, you can now also purchase online in our new shop.
We’re still a tiny, mostly volunteer project (just me, my brother Michael, our amazing web developer Ryan, and our new intern Lily), excited about supporting rural economies, and celebrating the joy that comes from foods made with care and tradition.
If you’d like to explore collaboration opportunities - distributing our free maps, joining our Business Directory, or becoming a sponsor, we'd love to hear from you.
With gratitude,
Vivien Straus
CheeseTrail.org
Hello@CheeseTrail.org
