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: September Weekend Activities

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

September 5–7: Meet the Maker Weekend

Stop by between 11am–2pm for live demos, stories from local cheesemakers, and samples of award-winning cheeses—all on sale for the weekend. Come meet the folks behind the wheel (of cheese, that is).

Demo Schedule:

• 9/5 – Hillsboro: Try Rogue Creamery’s Smokey Blue, Crater Lake Blue, Lavender Cheddar, and Rogue River Blue (RRB).
• 9/6 – Cedar Mill: Same lineup as Hillsboro—prepare to swoon over blues and florals.
• 9/6 – West Linn: Special guest alert! Sarah Marcus of Briar Rose Creamery will be sharing her handcrafted beauties.
• 9/7 – Hillsboro: Get your curd on with Face Rock Creamery—featuring their famous cheese curds and four-year aged cheddar.

September 12–14: Aged Oregon Cheddar Flight Weekend

This one’s for the cheddar heads. Snag a free Aged Cheddar Flight (while supplies last), complete with tasting notes to guide your cheese journey. It’s like a passport for your palate.

The flight includes:

• Hop Yard Cheddar – Hoppy, nutty, and a little wild.
• Face Rock Exclusive – You’ll only find it here!
• Monger’s Choice 3-Year Aged Cheddar – Selected by our expert Cheesemongers.
• Willamette Valley Cheese Co. Aged Cheddar – Rich, bold, and beautifully sharp.

September 19–21: Taste Our Winning Cheese Recipe

We hosted a recipe contest to celebrate Oregon cheese, and the results are in! Swing by the cheese department to sample the winning cheese dish, crafted with local ingredients and a whole lot of love. Want more? Larger portions will be available for purchase in the Kitchen all weekend long.

September 26–28: 25% Off Oregon Cheeses

This is not a drill—select Oregon cheeses will be 25% off! Stock up on your favorites, try something new, or put together a fall-themed cheese board that’ll knock your socks off. (Pumpkin butter optional, but encouraged.)

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:

Rogue Creamery (Central Point)

Their world-famous Rogue River Blue is what cheese dreams are made of. Award-winning, wrapped in brandy-soaked grape leaves, and deeply complex.

Face Rock Creamery (Bandon)

Bold cheddars, squeaky curds, and playful flavors like Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar make Face Rock a fridge staple.

Cascadia Creamery (Trout Lake)

Earthy, cave-aged, and intensely flavorful. Their Sleeping Beauty and Cloud Cap cheeses bring the funk—in the best way.

La Mariposa (Albany)

Makers of ultra-melty Queso Oaxaca and other Oaxacan-style cheeses that’ll elevate your quesadillas or grilled cheese game.

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 brie, 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.
• Visit a creamery! Road trip, anyone? Follow our map, and your taste buds.

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 and demos to stellar local discounts, there’s a wedge for everyone at Market of Choice this September. So come hungry—and don’t forget to grab a tasting card, a new favorite, or three, and maybe a nice Pinot to go with it.

We’ll see you at the cheese counter.