New York Dairy Destinations: Touring New York State Cheese Trails
If you think Napa has wine, wait until you taste New York’s cheese. Across the Finger Lakes, Central New York, and Washington County, the state’s creameries and dairy farms have turned craftsmanship into a true agritourism experience. Whether you’re a casual snacker or a full-on cheese curd connoisseur, New York’s cheese trails invite you to meet the makers, see the process, and taste the results, all while discovering the landscapes and people behind local dairy.
Discovering New York’s Cheese Trails
The New York Cheese Trails were created to help visitors connect directly with the state’s farmers and artisans. Each trail represents a unique region, blending dairy heritage with local flavor. From rolling vineyards to mountain valleys, you can spend a weekend hopping from creamery to creamery—tasting, touring, and learning what makes New York dairy so distinct.
These trails aren’t just about cheese tastings (though there are plenty). They’re about seeing the care behind every product, supporting local farms, and experiencing New York dairy in its most authentic form.
Finger Lakes Cheese Trail
The Finger Lakes experience wouldn’t be complete without a cheese plate in hand. Known for its wine country charm and scenic lake views, the region also boasts some of the best artisan cheese in the country. From creamy chevre to sharp cheddar, the variety reflects both the land and the hands that craft it.
Start your journey at Sidehill Acres Goat Farm, a family-run dairy located in Candor, between Ithaca and Binghamton. Known for their gold medal award-winning goat milk cheese, Sidehill offers free year-round tours where guests can taste multiple varieties before visiting the cheese plant, milk house, and barn.
Next, stop by Lively Run Goat Dairy, one of the longest operating commercial goat dairies in the U.S. This family-owned farm south of Interlaken produces award-winning cheeses, hosts tastings, and even offers goat yoga in the summer. It’s a true celebration of farming, fun, and community.
A visit to Muranda Cheese Company in Waterloo adds a dose of history and flavor. This farm has earned the Dairy of Distinction recognition for over 25 consecutive years and now produces more than 17 types of cheese, many available for tasting alongside local wine and cider.
And just up the road, Sunset View Creamery near Odessa has been family-run since 1905. Their farm store offers everything from cheddar and mozzarella to their signature heritage blend (a mix of parmesan and swiss). Visitors can sign up for a milking class, group tour, or even their popular Cow Cuddling experience. To learn more about Sunset View Creamery’s story, visit our feature on their farm.
As Food & Wine puts it, “There’s a cheese trail in New York’s Finger Lakes, and it’s glorious.” And they’re right. The trail pairs perfectly with the region’s wineries, cideries, and farm markets—a delicious reminder that local dairy and agriculture go hand in hand.
Visit fingerlakes.com/cheese to plan your stay.
Central New York Cheese Trail
Central New York has long been the heart of the state’s dairy industry, and its cheese trail showcases the depth of that legacy. The route winds through rolling farmland and small towns, connecting cheesemakers who continue to elevate the region’s culinary scene.
At Adirondack Cheese Company, near the gateway to Adirondack State Park, visitors can sample aged New York State cheddar, from one to seven years, and browse a wide selection of local goods and gifts.
In downtown Oneida, Callee1945 Cheese Shop brings a personal touch to every wedge. Owned by Abbey Woodcock and KC Baney, the shop honors Abbey’s family legacy in local dairy (her grandfather co-founded the Oneida-Madison Milk Producers Co-op). Callee1945 carries hard-to-find cheeses from around the world, along with locally made accompaniments like salami, jams, and artisan chocolate.
Nearby, Collins Farm and Creamery offers a true farm-to-table stop with self-serve hours, fresh cheese curds, creamline milk, and locally raised meats. Cooperstown Cheese Company and Stoltzfus Dairy also offer farm-fresh products that represent Central New York’s blend of tradition and innovation.
One of the trail’s must-visit producers, Kriemhild Dairy Farms, turns grass-fed milk into luxurious, high-butterfat cultured dairy products. Their slow-churned butter, made with milk from grass-based herds, represents everything New York dairy stands for: quality, sustainability, and care for the land. Learn more about their story in our feature on Kriemhild Dairy Farms.
From historic cider mills to local cheese houses, this trail is full of flavor and heart. Visit oneidacountytourism.com to plan your Central New York cheese adventure.
Washington County Cheese Trail
On the eastern edge of the state, Washington County blends dairy, wine, and scenic countryside into one unforgettable experience.
Argyle Cheese Farmer, run by Marge and Dave Randles, began as a small on-farm cheese operation and has grown into a full-scale processing facility and retail shop in Hudson Falls. Visitors can watch the cheesemaking process through large viewing windows and sample products ranging from yogurt smoothies to feta and aged hard cheeses.
Nearby, The Farm Store at Tiashoke offers cheese, meats, and produce from a fourth-generation dairy family, while South Dominion Vineyard adds the perfect wine pairing. Set among rolling hills, this family-owned vineyard offers cheese boards, tastings, and panoramic views. In New York, good cheese and good wine are often made just down the road from one another.
Visit washingtoncounty.fun/cheese-trail to learn more about where to stay and what to see in this charming corner of the state.
Regional Highlights
Each region has its own signature flavors and farm stories. In the Finger Lakes, don’t miss Lively Run Goat Dairy or East Hill Creamery, known for its Alpine-style cheeses. In Central and Northern New York, Nettle Meadow Farm & Artisan Cheese near Lake George offers beautifully aged cheeses from happy, pasture-fed animals. And in the Hudson Valley and Northeast, Argyle Cheese Farmer and Battenkill Valley Creamery continue to uphold the region’s reputation for innovation and quality. Further west, Eden Valley Creamery in Erie County represents New York’s growing movement toward organic, sustainable dairy. Read our feature on their farm here.
Meet the Cheese Makers
Every great New York cheese starts with someone who knows the land, the animals, and the art of turning milk into something more. Across the state, these cheesemakers blend time-honored traditions with modern techniques while staying rooted in their communities.
At Kriemhild Dairy Farms, the team handcrafts cultured butter and dairy products from grass-fed milk, reflecting their belief that great cheese begins with healthy soil and well-cared-for cows.
At Sunset View Creamery, five generations of the Chism family have carried on their cheesemaking legacy, inviting visitors to learn, taste, and see the process up close.
And at Eden Valley Creamery, the focus is on certified-organic, small-batch cheeses made with care and respect for both the animals and the environment.
Each of these makers represents what sets New York dairy apart—craftsmanship, sustainability, and a genuine passion for quality that you can taste in every bite.
Tasting Tips
Pairing local cheese with New York’s wines, ciders, and produce brings out the best in each. Try tangy goat cheese with a crisp Finger Lakes Riesling. Match a bold cheddar with hard cider from Central New York. Or enjoy a creamy washed-rind cheese alongside fresh fall apples or warm maple syrup. Each pairing brings out the unique flavors of the New York dairy regions.
Plan Your Trip
If this has your mouth watering, there’s only one thing left to do—go taste New York cheese yourself. The New York State Cheese Council offers a full interactive map of local cheese producers, shops, and restaurants across the state. You can also learn more about their work in our feature on the Council.
Don’t miss these dairy festivals and events that celebrate New York’s cheese-making heritage:
Lowville Cream Cheese Festival: A long-standing favorite in the Adirondack region, featuring live music, food, and a giant cheesecake.
Little Falls Cheese Festival: New York’s largest gathering of cheesemakers with more than 120 varieties to sample. Read more about it in our feature on the festival.
The County Bounty: Formerly known as the Annual Cheese Tour, this Washington County event lets visitors explore local farms, meet cheesemakers, and enjoy craft beverages.
For those who want to learn more about the state’s cheese-making heritage, visit the New York Cheese Manufacturers Association. The organization supports quality standards, education, and promotion of New York-made cheese through events like their Spring Conference, Cheese Auction, and Fall Conference.
Support Your Local Farms
From the lake country to the mountains, New York’s cheese trails are more than a culinary experience that celebrates local dairy and the people who keep it thriving. So pack your cooler, bring your curiosity, and taste your way through the state one cheese at a time.