Say Cheese! September is Oregon Cheese Month. Here’s Why You Should Be Excited.

If you’re the kind of person who can’t walk past a cheese counter without “just browsing” (aka filling your basket with at least five wedges), September is your month to shine. That’s right—Oregon Cheese Month is nearly here, and we’re ready to celebrate every creamy, crumbly, nutty, tangy bite of it.

At Market of Choice, we’ve long believed that cheese is more than just something you toss on a cracker. It’s a whole sensory experience. It’s culture (literally and figuratively). And it’s one of the most delicious ways to explore the rich agricultural bounty of our beautiful state.

This September, we invite you to slow down, savor, and explore the wonderful world of cheese made in Oregon—crafted with care by local artisans who treat dairy like an art form and have the awards to prove it.

What Is Oregon Cheese Month?

Oregon Cheese Month is a celebration of our state’s exceptional cheesemakers, spearheaded by the Oregon Cheese Guild. It’s a time when local producers, retailers (like us!), and cheese lovers unite to highlight the talents, flavors, and innovation happening right in our backyard.

So what makes cheese in Oregon so special? In a word: terroir. (Okay, in two words: terroir and passion.)

From the lush pastures of the Willamette Valley to the salty coastal air of Tillamook, Oregon’s unique climate and commitment to sustainable farming practices result in high-quality milk, which makes phenomenal cheese, of course. Pair that with wildly creative cheesemakers, and you’ve got a state that punches way above its weight in the cheese world.

Cheese Lovers, Mark Your Calendars

We’re turning up the cheese factor in September with special tastings and deals. Here’s what’s coming to a Market of Choice near you:

• Beginning 9/5 – All Stores: TMK Creamery cheese curds on sale.
• 9/18 – Hillsboro: Cheese tasting collaboration with the Specialty Beverage Department.
• Oregon Cheese Sale – Various cheeses on sale at all Stores all month long.

Meet the Makers: Local Oregon Cheese Brands We Love

We’re proud to support cheesemakers who are just as passionate about their product as you are. A few must-try favorites:

TMK Creamery (Canby)

Milk from a single, happy cow is what makes TMK cheese taste a little more nuanced and distinct. Grab a tub of their cheese curds from our Specialty Cheese department and taste the difference for yourself.

Rogue Creamery (Central Point)

This world-famous creamery is proudly introducing its newest family member: BluZu, a cave-aged blue cheese wheel soaked in yuzu-infused sake, then decorated with bright yuzu citrus peels, offering a creamy, savory-sweet flavor and bright citrusy finish.

Face Rock Creamery (Bandon)

Bold cheddars and playful flavors like

Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar make Face Rock a fridge staple.

Rising Sun Farms (Phoenix)

This award-winning creamery makes layered cream cheese tortas and specialty spreads in savory and sweet flavors.

Don Froylan (Salem)

This family-owned business makes traditional artisanal Mexican cheeses such as Queso Fresco and Asadero using local Oregon dairy.

Ancient Heritage Dairy (Portland)

Known for luxurious blends like

Adelle and Hannah—soft-ripened, sheep-and-cow-milk hybrids that are as elegant as they are delicious.

More Ways to Celebrate Oregon Cheese Month

In case your fridge isn’t already bursting with cheese, here are a few ideas to make the most of cheese month:

• Host a cheese tasting party. Bonus points for a theme (e.g., “Cheddars Around Oregon”).
• Cook with cheese made in Oregon. Add Face Rock cheddar to biscuits, stir Rogue Blue into your burger mix, or melt Queso Oaxaca on roasted veggies or fresh corn on the cob.
• Pair with Oregon wine or beer. Pinot Noir, sparkling whites, and even hoppy IPAs play beautifully with many local cheeses. Check out our Beer and Cheese Pairing ideas.

In Conclusion: Let’s Get Cheesy

Whether you’re a seasoned turophile (yes, that’s a real word) or just beginning your cheese journey, Oregon Cheese Month is the perfect excuse to taste, explore, and fall in love with cheese made in Oregon all over again.

From exclusive tastings to stellar local discounts, there’s a wedge for everyone at Market of Choice this September. So come hungry.

We’ll see you at the cheese counter.