Ashe County Cheese is located in West Jefferson, NC. It was established back in 1930 by Kraft Corporation, making it the oldest cheese plant in the state. It is the only commercial plant left in the state. Ashe County Cheese produces 30,000 to 40,000 pounds of cheese a week. The Blue Ridge Mountains were chosen for the facility by Kraft as there was a surplus of milk in the region from all the dairy farming. The lush high-altitude pastures were great for dairy cattle. Kraft bought up many smaller dairy farms and made a more modern, centralized facility so the cheese could be distributed and sold outside of the mountains. West Jefferson was the chosen location to collect the milk within a 50-mile radius. Ashe County Cheese Factory has a viewing room where you can watch cheese being made. This was the highlight of my visit as I got to watch most of the cheese curd process from separating the whey and curds to draining the whey to mixing and agitating to testing the batch to adding the salt. I left at that point to allow others to view, as the viewing room was on the small side. The retail shop is across the street, and you can buy all types of cheese, including the curds. I bought some butter cheese and white cheddar trims besides the curds. They have insulated bags to buy with ice packs so you can keep it cool and refreeze the ice packs. It stayed cold for the three days I needed it to, with time in a hot car and some time in a refrigerator. Besides cheese, they sold fudge, jams, crackers, candies and wine. I found great postcards too. If West Jefferson is too far to travel to buy some squeaky cheese curds, you can order online from their website. read more

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Very neat experience going here! On one side of the street where they make the cheese, they allow visitors to view the process. We happened to make it just after they had finished, but it was still cool to see! Across the street is their store. They carry so many kinds of cheeses they make, along with an assortment of candies, fudge, snacks, and even wine. The shop gives a quaint, general store type of nostalgia that makes for a wonderful, quiet shop. The staff were friendly and very helpful in helping us find what would suit our tastes best. read more

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This place is adorable and I had to stop myself from buying a ton of things because it all seemed so perfect! If I lived anywhere close to here, I'd head here first for hostess gifts and stocking stuffers. The space is clean, the staff are friendly. Plentiful displays of assorted cheeses, house made ice cream, fudge(!!), and small business owned popcorn and snacks. Something for everyone. I also appreciated their selection of stickers. Reasonable prices in my opinion. The limited hours are what got them docked a star, but the whole town shuts down earlier than I'd like so that's not exclusively ACC's problem. read more

Ashe County Cheese - Cheese Shops Near Me - West Jefferson, North Carolina

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I had four different types of cheese here and they all were great! Their strawberry jam, and the bear jam with elderberry were light and sweet. My niece loved the cheese factory and all the dips. We weren't able to tour the factory because it was cleaning day but she liked to watch the video to see how it's made. If you're not ready to see rennet and curds, don't watch it. I loved their hospitality and their factory being so open for viewing makes me feel comfortable with their health standards. read more

So much to choose from here! Cheeses, sausage, wine, crackers and much more! Love the vintage candy section. The smoked Gouda cheese is amazing! Their fudge is very rich but so yummy. read more

Ashe County Cheese - My purchase! - Cheese Shops Near Me - West Jefferson, North Carolina

The pepper jack cheese is by far the spiciest and most delicious of its kind that I have ever tried. I HIGHLY recommend it if you're looking for heat!! The mozzarella was absolutely delicious too! They have a lot packed into a small space. Candy, toys, fudge, cheese (duh), pretzels, jams, baking mixes, etc etc. Definitely something for everyone, but boy was it overwhelming. We came on a holiday weekend, so maybe it isn't always so crowded and busy, but I couldn't wait to step out because it was impossible to navigate inside. Anywhere you want to get to, there's already a crowd of people waiting to get there. It's a must-stop attraction if you're in the area, but be prepared to feel like a can of sardines. If you don't like crowds, this is not the place for you. Or maybe just avoid it on a holiday weekend. read more

I love this place! Delish cheese, wine, meats & candy. Lovely town with super nice people. If you're near, you should stop by. I highly recommend it!! read more

We were there before the flood in western NC. Great offerings. Plan to ho back when all is well in the town.

Absolutely, love this place! Nice friendly people. The cheese is delicious! One of our favorite places to go in West Jefferson.

All I can say is cheesus Christ. Never thought I'd be in a store based off cheese, of all things. Place was absolutely packed and therefore loud environment, but I took that as a sign that the cheese and other items were worth it. They had an absolutely insane selection of edible items from meats, cheeses, pretzels, a whole candy room, drinks, dip mixes, ice cream, sauces, jellies, and so so much more. I picked up a variety of items but the most memorable was their pepper jack cheese. The label said "VERY HOT!!" On it, but this wasn't on the ghost pepper cheese I got, so I was hesitant to belief it. Well, they were not lying. I can only use a little bit of it, and that's coming from a person who puts about a tablespoon of red pepper flakes on anything and everything they eat before even trying it first. Cool place to go, it's a long drive to go here but I could see myself going back a couple times a year to stock up on their cheese because it's honestly that good read more

Ashe County Cheese Factory was a fun time. The first time we went the cheese trailer was not open so we shopped for cheese, spices, jams, cheerwine, ice cream and cheese. The second time we visited that week we all watched cheese making. The cheese wagon was open so we sampled the cheese curd and brown gravy over fries, delish!! The foot long cheese stick was great and the cheesy cheese fries was also a hit! West Jefferson NC was a fun town and we'll be back on Bald Mountain next year for some more cheerwine and cheese! read more

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We loved this jewel in W. Jefferson, Plenty of cheesy items to pick, a bit pricey on some things but you'll find stuff you haven't seen in years. The ladies there are extremely nice and helpful. My husband loved this place and bought plenty of cheesy goodies to take home. read more

3 part review: The cheese making process: pretty much watched the video that was very similar to "How it's Made" however the volume is quite low, especially if there are a few folks in this small viewing room. The actually process through the window was pretty pointless but easy to match with what was on the video. Sadly during our visit they were working on the furthest vat so there wasn't much to see. The store: Very cheesy place! We bought quite a bit of cheese, cheese products, and even sausage (summer style). Lots of sauces and jams as well. It also has an old time candy area. I would certainly come here often if I was local (which we are considering). The food truck: we had the privilege of trying the food truck on the first day they were serving breakfast. OMG! This is one of the best biscuit sandwiches we have ever had. I wanted more! So after finishing our morning hike, we returned for lunch (very rare for us). It's been since I was a kid when i last had a bologna and cheese, well I'm a kid again! This sandwich was delicious. We also had some very good cheese curds! We have literally been talking ourselves out of going again (just because we want to try other local eateries). I can't say enough good stuff about this place. Sadly I failed to get the name of the young lady working the food truck, but she was extremely kind and a very talented cook! The only thing we would change is the ranch needs to be a bit thicker. We will be going here again before our vacation is up. And we look forward to patronizing again when we return. read more

They have a great selection of cheese and in addition they have crackers, jams, barbecue sauce, honey, wine, candy, fudge, and ice cream. They also have a veteran discount. read more

This place should be good at one thing. Customers only expect one thing from this establishment. Good cheese. I've had better cheese from a 7/11. If you like their cheese, you're on crack. It's not good. To top off the insanely counterintuitive notion of bad cheese, the only good thing was the fudge. Of course that's the only good thing. Fudge is what? 2 ingredients? I made cheese at home before with powdered milk that came out better than this. Ill take my chances at the gas station next time. read more

Highly recommend against spending a single dime at Ashe County Cheese. They'll ship you spoiled product, charge you extra for cold packaging, then tell you it's your fault for not doing next day shipping. read more

Ashe County Cheese - The disgusting product I received after paying more than the cost of the order for shipping. - Cheese Shops Near Me - West Jefferson, North Carolina

Awesome place in a great town! If you love cheese, you have to go. You can watch them make it too!

The best cheese around can be found here. Always fresh. I order from them often. Their cheddar varieties taste better than any I have tasted in fancy cheese shops. read more

A must see in West Jefferson!! Wonderful selection of locally made cheese, and it's all excellent quality. I bit on the "touristy" side, but that's who's paying the bills, right? Prices are right in line with what you would expect for good cheese. Nice selection of wine from local wineries in the back - a bit pricey, but the selection is fair and the quality good. If you have time, wander across the street to the viewing room to see how they actually make the cheese - very informative!! read more

I'm so disappointed by Ashe County Cheese and their handling of shipping an order to our home. Buyer beware: don't purchase cheese and have it shipped!!! Living in Florida with Ashe County Cheese located in North Carolina, it is obvious that to have perishable cheese shipped, one would have to ensure the package was shipped with dry ice or cold-sealed packaging with ice packs, and that the shipping would be expedited. Our order arrived in a hot box with a plastic shipping envelope inside. Inside the envelope was one and only one completely thawed ice pack, and several bags of spoiled cheese. We reached out to Ashe County for a replacement or refund, to which they replied that paying for cold shipping is not enough to guarantee your purchase arrives fresh. Instead, one must also opt for overnight shipping. This is not indicated on the website and when one pays MORE for cold shipping than for the actual product itself, one expects that the product will arrive fresh. We will never be purchasing from this company again, as they refuse to offer a refund for their poor shipping and spoiled product. read more

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I like this place, but then I'm completely stoopid for cheese. They have recently greatly increased the variety of their offerings as well, which is more good news. Not everything here is all that good, but the stuff they do well, they do very well. Also, they sell some cheeses from other vendors, so not everything is actually made by the ACC operation. I love the smoked Swiss and the gouda in particular, though you should avoid anything they have that is purportedly bleu cheese. They usually have 3-4 samples out and they also sell some local souvenir-type stuff as well as some wines. The prices are pretty reasonable and the service is friendly. read more

Ashe County Cheese - Cheese Shops Near Me - West Jefferson, North Carolina

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Such a great variety of cheese and other products. Staff was super friendly and answered questions. The garlic and herb cheese spread so far is my favorite thing. I will be taking another trip up to Ashe to get some more. read more

Ashe County Cheese - Garlic and herb cheese spread - Cheese Shops Near Me - West Jefferson, North Carolina

Cheese, cheese and more cheese. Lots of freshly made cheeses as well as other nic-nacks to suit your taste buds. Reasonable prices and a very large selection. You can also tour the cheese factory across the street. read more

This store is a MUST VISIT!! Especially their food truck...most amazing Pork Belly Cheese Fries, Pork Belly Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, BLTs!!! Large sandwiches made to order hot off the grill with cheese from the Ash County Cheese Store..so cheesy! French fries were hot with BBQ Pork Belly that was cooked to perfection. The BBQ sauce made with Dr. Pepper! The Food truck is located across the street from the store and open every day from 11am to 4pm except Wednesday and Sunday. Don't forget to get ice cream too from the main store. And you won't be able to stop yourself from buying cheese, wine, and more!! We are from Southern California and had a great time in this quaint town and Ashe County Cheese Store - also LOVED their Public Library!! Amazing place...we will be back!! read more

Ashe County Cheese - Cheese Shops Near Me - West Jefferson, North Carolina

Lots of variety here at this beautiful store. Located in a small downtown area that looks like it would be in a hallmark movie. Friendly staff. Very clean inside. Lots of variety to pick from. I wanted to try all the cheese inside the store. It's not your normal cheese you can just buy at a store. This is a must visit if you're in the area. You can watch them make the cheese in the morning as well across the street in their store. read more

I love Ashe County in general, but the Cheese Co. just makes me love Ashe that much more. It is situated on Main Street in beautiful downtown West Jefferson. Don't expect much as far as tours, demos, etc. They have a small viewing room by the factory where you can see what goes on, but that is about it. The real treat is the shop. They have about everything you could think of when it comes to cheese. My favorite is the 5 y/o cheddar. I do wish they had some "older" cheeses available for purchase though. In my opinion, cheese really isn't worth much until it hits that 10 year mark. With that being said, the cheeses they make are top notch. Now, let me spend a moment talking about something other than Ashe Co Cheese Co.'s wonderful cheeses. If I could be honest, the thing that really keeps me coming back time after time is the homemade BUTTER. This stuff is absolutely, ridiculously, wonderfully amazing. It is always fresh, always in stock, and never disappoints. Someone once told me, before I made my first visit to Ashe Co, that you could eat the butter with a spoon. Well let me tell you....I do! It is that good. And don't even give me that whole "butter isn't good for your" garbage. Just read up on the new information available about the differences between butter and margarine. Butter is in, and Ashe Co butter is the cream of the crop! Every time I go, I take a cooler and bring back 10 lbs or so of this deliciousness. So, let's recap: Ashe Co. Cheese = really good Margarine = really bad Ashe Co. Butter = AMAZING Have a nice day! read more

Ashe County Cheese - Cheese Shops Near Me - West Jefferson, North Carolina

Always have to get a bag of cheese curds to take home. Love snacking on these things. Walked across the street, and went to the cheese viewing area, and they were scooping curds from the vats. We also bought a package of their homemade butter. I'm expecting that to be good also. read more

Ashe County Cheese - Cheese Shops Near Me - West Jefferson, North Carolina

I think ash co cheese is way Over priced and that I can Get cheese at wall Mart a Lot cheaper that's just as Good if not better. read more

This was a great little find in West Jefferson. The cheese making part is just a room where you can watch the cheese being made (check website for updated hours) and a very informative video on the process. Although tiny and not a tour, we thought it was very informative and interesting. The shop across the street has all sorts of cheese and local goods. We bought the Buffalo Jack ( very good and not spicy) and the Garlic,Parsley & Chive (good but strong). Overall a very cute place to spend about an hour. read more

Ashe County Cheese - Cheese Shops Near Me - West Jefferson, North Carolina

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I was skeptical before we came. The tour was long enough to be interesting but not frustrating. I'm not a tour person. The store was fun. Lots of cheese, fudge and other dairy products. Definitely worth a stop. read more

This is a MUST visit place in West Jefferson. The shop is cute, clean and filled with a wonderful assortment of gifts from cheese to wine to honey and fudge! There is a room with candy in barrels fun for kids and even a small ice cream counter. I desperately wanted some horseradish cheese, and they had it along with a nice selection of other great sounding cheeses. The perfect place for gift shopping or a treat for yourself! read more

A nice little stop in West Jefferson. We came out to watch the cheese making process. You should make sure to check the times because it varies daily. The cheese viewing room has a video about the cheese making process and a window onto the floor where the cheese is made. Unfortunately, even though it was cheese making time not much was happening on the floor during our visit. The shop had a wide variety of cheese from the factory for you to try and buy. You could get gift packs, branded merchandise, wine, and souvenirs about the Appalachia area. read more

Love Ashe County Cheese and stop in every single time we're in town. Like supporting local businesses and farmers, and the cheese is fantastic. The ghost pepper sneaks up on you, so keep some water or milk handy...fair warning. The cheese is all great...from blue cheese to sharp cheddar, aged cheddar, regular old cheddar, ghost pepper, habanero, Colby, basil, etc. Haven't found one I didn't like though the ghost pepper is HOT. Recommend the basil...and maybe the tomato basil cheddar if I remember right. Definitely stop in if you're around. The crowd is worth it. Oh, and the kids can watch them make the cheese across the street. read more

Great variety of cheese, beefy sticks, local honey, candies, fudge and more. The horseradish cheese with the beefy sticks is a great snack. They have scheduled factory tours. Right in the middle of a vibrant downtown. read more

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Moving to Western NC from WI, we have been challenged to fine great cheese. Until we found Ashe County Cheese. Many of the cheeses they make tastes just like WI cheese. When we learned that the cheese makers were from WI we understand why. Do take home some butter as well. The summer sausage that they carry from Bravaria Sausage is better than what you usually find in local stores around NC. Recommended read more

If you're a cheese lover, you've got to go by here! I've never seen such a variety of cheese in one place. Most is made right there at the store and so yummy. If you're not sure about a certain kind, they'll gladly let you try a sample. We found the big discount rack which was nice -- and the reason they're discounted? Because the cheese blocks are not a perfectly shaped rectangle since usually end pieces. All same age and taste though! So, if you're on a budget and don't care how clean cut your cheese is, take note of that tidbit! Of the many cheeses I brought home with me, the Tomato Basil is definitely my favorite. So unique and just delicious. Reminds me of sun dried tomato. Never tried any cheese quite like it! read more

If you're ever in West Jefferson you must stop and get some cheese. My personal favorite is the cheese curds. The super sharp cheddar and habanero jack are also awesome. If you're a cheese lover like me you'll have trouble not spending too much money. There are so many different cheeses to choose from. read more

We usually stop here whenever we are anywhere close. They have a nice variety of cheese with some sampling too, and tours across the street where it is all made. They also have an incredible variety of jarred preserves, etc and snacks like caramel corn puffs, jelly peach rings, puffed kernel corn, and sesame sticks for as low as a dollar and change. My favorite cheeses are extra sharp cheddar, mountain jack, garden vegetable, and cheddar cheese curds. I usually pick up their packages of cheese 'trimmings', which are buy 2 packages, get one free. Also available is a nice variety of homemade fudge. Lots of goodies for sure. read more

I love the quaint little downtown area of West Jefferson and do not go here without a stop at the Cheese Co. The shop is awesome and carries everything cheese, including yummy cheese curds! They also carry some great country staples like homemade butter. The butter is so fresh and tasty! They also have some great wines. They carry wine from my favorite West Jefferson winery, Thistle Meadow. If you ever find your way to this little town in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, stop at the Cheese Co. read more

I am from upstate NY and like many have a local favorite for cheese made in the area, but I am always open to finding new sources and now as my husband would say ;; where do I live? I don't live in upstate NY. Finding a NC Cheese provider that makes something other than wheel cheese of which I am not a big fan, was both a challenge and a treat. I found my first Ashe County cheese at a local farmers market at the coast. I was hooked. A blue marble unlike any blue you have had . It's mild without the bite of many aged blue cheeses. Soft like a Gouda , not nearly as crumbly ( which for crumbles makes it a challenge) but if you like sharp , but not typically Blue cheese try it you might be a convert. Travel ling in the area I and a friend stopped in the shop in W. Jefferson, The drive was great and the location easy enough to find. The store is laden with all the cheese made at the factory across the street, and additionally 'souvenir' and country style goods. Skip the tourist section and head for the cheese counters. For the sharp cheese fans, they have a 1 year , 2 year and 5 year ( I believe) I don't recall seeing a 3 year. the sharp 5 year will melt in your mouth and has all the bite you want out of an aged cheddar, nice texture very uniform . Their Gouda was surprisingly mellow and smooth not as soft as some but it was not intended to be I bought more blue and have eaten it til I am blue . :) the only non Ashe Cheese I purchased was a sage which if you have not tried is an amazing cheese, like thanksgiving butter in your mouth. Staff was knowledgeable enough. Service was helpful and polite. They were all very young so I am not sure there were any experts in the house but I could be wrong. I had not real questions for them. Lines were long but moved quickly. My only annoyance was a family with a string of kids that must have spent 10 minutes sampling the same for cheeses like they thought they were at the steak house. Hey feed em when you can but if the line to test is long bring em around again and let some others have some. My only real disappointment was the Curd, small , and very crumbly with excessive water. I think this is new to the factory? But it's not something that is easy to perfect and I suspect it could be batch related. Taste was good, very mild, and it squeaked sufficiently, I just did not like how small the curds were. Made eating from the bag rather messy definitely a toothpick was necessary for these little morsels. I will try it again. Had coffee in town and looked around a bit many lovely scenes and as is most of this area very picturesque. Look for it in local organic markets, or take a trip. I paired the blue with some VA Gala apples would have rather had honey crisp but the season is trashed by early frost. The cheddar is perfect with ripe heirloom tomatoes on hard bread. read more