Grafton, VT, June 12,2024 – Grafton Village Cheese is thrilled to announce its return to the Summer Fancy Food Show after a four-year hiatus. With fresh leadership at the helm, including new CEO Curt Alpeter, formerly of Runamok Maple, and world-renowned Head Cheesemaker Mariano Gonzalez, Grafton is set to impress attendees with its exceptional cheeses.
Introducing Storyteller – A Taste of History
At this year’s show, Grafton Village Cheese will be featuring its latest creation, Storyteller, a sheep’s milk cheese inspired by the rich local history of Grafton. This new cheese pays homage to Daisy Turner, one of the town’s most notable residents. In her 104 years, the enigmatic storyteller and poet became an important figure in Vermont folklife. Her skills in oration and dedication to preserving her family’s history made her a compelling storyteller of the African American experience in Vermont.
Introduced in 2023, Storyteller is a Pyrenees-style cave-aged cheese made from 100% unpasteurized sheep’s milk sourced from a local Amish cooperative. Sheep’s milk cheese is one of the most imported varieties in the United States, and Grafton Village Cheese is proud to showcase its US-made exceptional offerings at the show.
“When considering how best to use the beautiful sheep’s milk, I thought about my Spanish ancestors and the Pyrenees cheeses they produced. It inspired me to create something in a similar style, something with the floral, herbaceous flavors in the milk that comes from sheep feeding on grasses in the spring and summer. Storyteller is our version of Pyrenees-style cheese,” said Mariano Gonzalez, Head Cheesemaker.
Storyteller is aged for at least six months in traditional basket-weave molds, resulting in a creamy texture, earthy aroma, and a balanced flavor profile with nutty and grassy notes and a lingering finish. This beautifully crafted cheese pairs wonderfully with Marcona almonds, Serrano ham, dried apricots and figs, and red wine, making it a standout addition to any cheese board.
Since 1892, Grafton Village Cheese has been crafting award-winning cheeses using unpasteurized milk for a creamy, smooth flavor. Our naturally aged, handcrafted cheeses stay true to Grafton's tradition of quality and excellence across its line of cheddars, infused cheddars and cave-aged cheeses. Discover the unique flavors and rich heritage of Grafton Village Cheese.
Learn More at the Vermont Pavilion, Booth #6338
For more information, please contact:
Curt Alpeter
[email protected]
802-233-6684
Photo Mariano Gonzalez, Head Cheesemaker, Curt Alpeter, CEO both of Grafton Village Cheese holding Storyteller, a cave aged sheep’s milk cheese. Photo credit: Shantelle Page
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