Oregon always does well at the country’s largest cheese competition (moderate climate + consistent rainfall = dairy gold), but 2016 was a particularly good year. The American Cheese Society announced the victors of its annual cheese competition on July 29 at their 33^rd Annual Conference held in Des Moines, Iowa. 

Rogue Creamery, 2009’s and 2011’s “Best in Show,” turned heads once again, taking home six of the state’s 13 medals. Ancient Heritage Dairy took first place for its Hannah, an earthy, bright blend of cow and sheep’s milk, while Ochoa’s Queseria (Don Froylan) won top honors for its queso fundido-ready Queso Oaxaca. Oregon State University Creamery and Tillamook County Creamery Association also placed. Click here for the full list of winners. 

Oregon’s showing becomes more impressive every year, as the competition continues to grow. This year, there were 1,843 entries representing 260 producers in Americas (including South America). 

Fromage enthusiasts will get the chance to sample the winners and other offerings at the Oregon Cheese Guild’s annual cheese festival, The Wedge, on October 1 in Portland.