Say Cheese! An Annual Tour of Washington County Cheesemakers, With Wine & Beer
County Bounty Tour: September 7 & 8, 2024
Located close to Saratoga Springs in Washington County is a treasure trove of farms, cheesemakers, wineries, and breweries.
Although you can visit these out-of-the-way hotspots anytime, the upcoming self-guided County Bounty Tour is the best excuse to indulge in artisanal cheeses and sample delicious beer and wine.
Please note, the below article refers to the 2019 schedule and participants, and is here for archival purposes. The tour has been reimagined from the Washington County Cheese Tour to the County Bounty Tour.
The 2024 participants are: Argyle Cheese Farmers, Garden Works, Hicks Orchard & Slyboro Ciderhouse, Farm Store at Tiashoke, Rathbun's Maple, Scotland Brewing, South Dominion Vineyard, Victory View Vineyard, and Yorkmont Farm.
You'll take a gorgeous, late summer country drive through rolling hills and farmland as you visit participating farms and producers. Sample food (there will be more than just incredible cheese!), sip wine, and enjoy more farm fun with hayrides, live music, and activities for kids.
Read on to get all the details so you'll know where to stop.
Deep Fried Cheese Curds & Pony Rides at Argyle Cheese Farmer
Argyle Cheese Farmer is offering a number of tempting treats! Breakfast sandwiches and grilled cheese sandwiches on homemade bread; a tent full of cheese, yogurts, and cheesecakes to sample; and they're bringing back deep fried cheese curds by popular demand. There will be cookies for sale, kids pony rides, and cheese house tours.
Argyle Cheese Farmer is a processing facility located on a 225-acre family dairy farmstead. They process milk from local farms into cheese, cheese spreads, cheesecakes, buttermilk, and yogurt. They have a 24-hour, serve yourself store on site you can check out at any time.
Beer, Bluegrass, and Beautiful Views at Scotlander Brewing Co.
Known as a farm-to-pint brewery, Scotlander Brewing Company in Argyle offers delicious brews and great views. They have a variety of craft beers and seltzers on tap, from light ales to IPAs, and they even have an Irish Stout.
Visit them during the tour for fresh brews, live music, a mini pop-up market, and mouthwatering food featuring locally crafted cheese from the Rolling in Gravy food truck.
Cheese the Day at The Farm Store at Tiashoke
The Farm Store at Tiashoke in Schaghticoke is dedicated to taking the utmost care of their friendly farm animals, which include cows and pigs. The farm is also home to a cozy store that features a curated assortment of other locally produced goods, like homemade jams, fresh produce, and artisanal bread.
During the tour, you can try their award winning Cabot Creamery Cooperative products and a variety of Cheddar's. There will also be baby calves to see, live music, a book signing, and plenty of delicious bites to indulge in!
Wine Tastings & Vineyard Tours at Victory View Vineyard
How about some wine with that cheese? Stop by Victory View Vineyard in Schaghticoke to sample and purchase wines to pair with your cheeses. Their wine maker will be on hand helping you pair the perfect wine with the cheese you've picked up along the tour.
Free winery and vineyard tours will be going on, additional local farm products will be available for sale, and there will be a beer brewing demonstration. Victory View Vineyard is inviting guests to enjoy their wine and cheese on the patio or deck on site. Relax and soak up the picturesque views of the vineyard before your next stop.
Wood Fired Pizza and Fresh Cider at Slyboro Ciderhouse
One cannot survive on wine and cheese alone, so make sure you head to Slyboro Ciderhouse in Granville for some mouthwatering wood fired pizza and cider. This cozy tasting room doubles as an art gallery, so you can take a look at local pieces while sipping on your fresh craft beverage.
Slyboro Ciderhouse is part of Hicks Orchard, so take advantage of the U-Pick season while you're there! Sample any of their 8 different ciders, browse their selection of apple butters, jams, BBQ sauces, and don't leave without indulging in their fantastic cider donuts.
Hayrides & Farm Animals at Consider Bardwell Farm
Consider Bardwell Farm, just over the border in West Pawlet, Vermont, is offering up grilled cheeses with their delicious cheese, live music, hayrides, a talk about the history of the farm, and there will be local vendors on site selling maple syrup, charcuterie, and more. Everyone is welcome to visit with their goats and take some selfies.
Consider Bardwell Farm specializes in raw milk cheese and has a serious commitment to sustainable farming practices. Their mission is to produce world-class cheese in an environmentally responsible manner.
Final Tips & Details
You'll want to wear comfortable, close-toed shoes as you will be walking around farms. Bring a cooler with ice in your car so you can keep your cheese and other treats fresh for the ride home.
Sunscreen, hats, and bug repellent are recommended. Please don't enter unauthorized areas or pet farm animals unless invited to do so, and please leave your own furry friend at home.
Remember, you can visit these establishments beyond the County Bounty Tour for more tours, tastings, and treats.