Three Western Washington cheesemakers have won the top prize in the cheese category at the Good Food Awards. The winners include Cloud Cap from Cascadia Creamery, Smokey Scamorza and Fontina from Ferndale Farmstead, and Vache from Samish Bay Cheese. The Good Food Awards recognize three crafters per category from each region of the United States.
Cheesemaking has grown in popularity in Washington State in recent years. Since 2005, the number of registered cheesemakers has grown from less than 10 to more than 50 ranging in variety and diversity, according to the Washington State Cheesemakers Association.
"This award is a little different than past awards we have received," said Daniel Wavrin, head cheesemaker and founder of Ferndale Farmstead, in a statement. "I think this one is really unique and special because it doesn't only consider the taste and quality of your cheese, but it really evaluates your whole process and to me that is such a compliment because our whole mission is truly 'Seed to Cheese'- from our farm to your table.”
"Competition was fierce this year and there were 2,000 entries among all the categories," Cascadia Creamery representatives said on their Facebook page. "We are so proud to be among the passionate award winners honored for their tasty, authentic, responsible and sustainably produced foods. Congrats to Ferndale Farmstead and Samish Bay for their wins, too!"
"Our Vache's win has already resulted in commitments from two additional grocery chain and additional promotions with some of our existing accounts," said Roger Wechsler of Samish Bay Cheese, in a statement. "Three of the 17 cheesemakers honored nationwide are from Washington, which says a lot about the quality of Washington dairy products."
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Image: Dairy Farmers of Washington/Ferndale Farmstead