When it comes to cheese, two states rise above the rest—Wisconsin and California. Both boast impressive dairy industries, dedicated cheesemakers, and a whole lot of pride in their craft. But which state truly deserves the cheese crown? Let’s take a closer look at what makes each unique.

California: The Dairy Powerhouse

California proudly claims the title of the nation’s largest dairy producer. Home to massive dairy farms and sun-soaked pastures, the Golden State has made a name for itself in the cheese game, especially with varieties like Monterey Jack, Hispanic-style cheeses, and some creative artisanal selections. Thanks to its climate, California’s cows are pretty content, which helps produce quality milk. The state’s innovation in cheesemaking has led to a growing reputation for excellence.

What are California’s Strengths?

1. Largest Dairy Producer – Leads the nation in milk production, which fuels a booming cheese industry.
2. Innovative Cheesemaking – Home to a wide range of artisanal cheesemakers creating unique flavors and styles.
3. Ideal Climate – Year-round sunshine contributes to consistent milk production and high-quality dairy products.

Wisconsin: The Tradition Keeper

Dubbed “America’s Dairyland,” Wisconsin has a deep-rooted cheesemaking tradition dating back to the 1800s, when European immigrants brought their skills and recipes to the Midwest. Today, Wisconsin produces over 600 different varieties of cheese, making it a hub for cheese lovers. From world-class cheddars and creamy brick cheese to the legendary squeaky cheese curds, Wisconsin’s lineup is extensive and diverse.

What Sets Wisconsin Apart?

1. Award-Winning Excellence – Wisconsin cheeses have garnered over 7,300 awards since 1995, more than any other state, underscoring the state’s commitment to quality and innovation.
2. Master Cheesemaker Program – Wisconsin offers the only Master Cheesemaker program outside of Europe, reflecting its dedication to cheesemaking artistry.
3. Significant Production – In 2021, Wisconsin produced 3.47 billion pounds of cheese, accounting for one out of every four pounds produced in the U.S.

A California Company with Wisconsin Cheese?

It might sound like blasphemy in the cheese world. At the genesis of Shaft’s Cheese & Co. our founder set out to find the best of the best. It just so happened that the best blue came from a tiny town in Wisconsin. But, John (Jack) Gibson Sr. was a Northern California native and his property had this cave-like mine shaft on it! When he combined that blue from Wisconsin and the environment of the mine shaft, he came away with the best (okay, we’re a little bias) of both worlds!

This blend of Wisconsin’s cheesemaking excellence and California’s distinctive aging environment exemplifies how combining regional strengths can create extraordinary cheese experiences.

The Final Verdict

Both California and Wisconsin have earned their places at the top of the cheese world, each excelling in different areas. California brings volume, innovation, and a strong dairy industry, while Wisconsin offers time-honored techniques, quality craftsmanship, and a deep cultural connection to cheese.

We call it Wisconsin Cheese with California Craft. Our best blue comes from Wisconsin but our speciality aging techniques are unique to California. We can’t do one without the other!

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin

In 2024, Shaft’s Cheese & Co. decided to lean into the fact that all of our cheese comes from Wisconsin. That’s why we partnered with the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. This organization promotes Wisconsin dairy (and cheese) products all around the world. We’re proud to be a part of this cheese-loving community!

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