Tag: wisconsin cheese

  • Valentine’s Day Is Better With Cheese

    Valentines Cheese

    Flowers fade. Chocolates disappear.
    Cheese, however, brings people together.

    This Valentine’s Day, skip the predictable gifts and choose Valentine’s Day cheese gifts that invite sharing and connection. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in, building a simple cheese board, or surprising someone with a thoughtful treat, cheese instantly makes Valentine’s Day feel more relaxed, more personal, and far more delicious.

    Why Cheese Works So Well for Valentine’s Day

    Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be extravagant to feel meaningful. In fact, the best celebrations often happen when you slow down, gather around the table, and enjoy good food together.

    Cheese fits the moment perfectly because it:

    • encourages sharing and conversation
    • pairs effortlessly with wine, crackers, fruit, or chocolate
    • feels indulgent without being overdone
    • gives everyone something to enjoy together

    As a result, cheese continues to play a role in celebrations year after year.

    Valentine’s Day Cheese Gifts Everyone Will Love

    Thankfully, creating a memorable Valentine’s Day doesn’t require complicated planning. Instead, a few well-chosen cheeses and simple pairings create an experience that feels thoughtful and intentional.

    When building a Valentine’s cheese board, start with:

    • one bold or sharp cheese to add depth
    • one mild or creamy cheese to balance flavors
    • one snackable option for easy sharing

    Then, add crackers, sliced apples, grapes, or nuts. Altogether, these elements create a board that feels special without feeling overwhelming.

    Choose a Cozy Night In Instead

    Rather than battling crowded restaurants, consider staying in.

    A cheese-centered Valentine’s dinner encourages grazing, conversation, and connection at your own pace. Whether you spread everything out on the kitchen counter or keep it casual on the coffee table, cheese naturally sets the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable evening — no reservations required.

    A Valentine’s Gift That People Actually Use

    When it comes to gifting, thoughtfulness matters more than flash.

    That’s why Valentine’s Day cheese gifts stand out. They feel unexpected, easy to enjoy together, and perfect for couples, friends, or family. More importantly, they create moments — not clutter.

    Pair cheese with a handwritten note, a favorite drink, or a movie night at home, and suddenly the gift feels both personal and practical.

    Celebrate Valentine’s Day the Cheesy Way

    Ultimately, Valentine’s Day is about connection. It’s about slowing down, sharing something good, and enjoying the moment together.

    And just like love, cheese is best when shared.

    Make Valentine’s Day Delicious

    Planning something special? We’ve got you covered.

    👉 Shop Cheese Gifts

    From our family farm in Wisconsin to your table—thanks for supporting small-batch, farmstead cheese made the right way!

    Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese

    Farm Fresh. Handcrafted.Farmstead Cheese.

    Written By Ron’s Teammate:

    Cassie

    Cassie is part of the Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese team, where she helps bring handcrafted, farm-fresh cheese to families across the country. Based in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, she’s passionate about local food, sustainable farming, and sharing the story behind every bite.

  • Why Winter Is the Best Time for Cheese

    Ron's Snow Cheddar
    Ron’s Snow Cheddar in the Snow

    When most people think about cheese season, summer picnics and holiday gift boxes usually come to mind. But behind the scenes, winter is one of the most important — and underrated — times of year for great cheese.

    At Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, winter plays a huge role in flavor, quality, and consistency. From how cheese ages to how it ships, colder months create conditions that let cheese truly shine.

    Here’s why winter might just be the best time to enjoy cheese.

    Winter Brings Consistency From Farm to Creamery

    Winter also brings consistency on the farm.

    Cooler temperatures mean less fluctuation throughout the day, which supports steady milk quality. That consistency matters at every step of the cheesemaking process — from the moment milk enters the plant to the final product being cut, packaged, and enjoyed.

    When everything is steady, cheesemakers can focus on precision and craftsmanship.

    Cheese Ships Better in the Winter

    There’s a practical side to winter cheese, too.

    Cold weather helps protect cheese during shipping, especially for customers ordering online. Lower outside temperatures reduce stress on packaging and help cheese arrive in better condition — fresher, firmer, and closer to how it left the creamery.

    It’s one of the reasons winter is a favorite season for shipping cheese across the country.

    Comfort Food Season Brings Out the Best in Cheese

    Let’s be honest — winter is comfort food season.

    From cheese boards and melted dishes to cozy snacks by the fire, winter meals tend to highlight cheese in its best form. Sharp cheddars, savory curds, creamy spreads, and snack cheeses all feel right at home this time of year.

    Cold days invite slower meals, shared plates, and flavors that linger.

    A Season That Celebrates Craft

    While winter may feel quieter on the outside, it’s a busy and meaningful season in the creamery. It’s a time for focus, refinement, and letting good cheese become great cheese.

    So if you’re enjoying cheese this winter, know that the season itself plays a role in what you’re tasting. Cold air, steady conditions, and patience all work together to bring out the best in every bite.

    Winter may be long in Wisconsin — but when it comes to cheese, that’s a very good thing.

    One cheese we think benefits the most from winter is our Snow Cheddar. We tend to make more of it in the wintertime ironically.

    From our family farm in Wisconsin to your table—thanks for supporting small-batch, farmstead cheese made the right way!

    Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese

    Farm Fresh. Handcrafted.Farmstead Cheese.

    Written By Ron’s Teammate:

    Cassie

    Cassie is part of the Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese team, where she helps bring handcrafted, farm-fresh cheese to families across the country. Based in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, she’s passionate about local food, sustainable farming, and sharing the story behind every bite.

  • 10 Reasons Wisconsin Cheese is the Best in the World

    Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Logo

    When it comes to cheese, Wisconsin doesn’t just compete — it dominates. Known as America’s Dairyland, our state has built a global reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and variety. But what makes Wisconsin cheese truly stand out? Here are 10 reasons it’s considered the best in the world.

    1. Generations of Cheesemaking Tradition

    Wisconsin’s cheesemaking history stretches back to the mid-1800s, when European immigrants brought their skills to the fertile hills of the Midwest. Each generation has added to the craft, blending old-world methods with new innovations.

    2. The Perfect Environment for Dairy Cows

    Cool weather, lush pastures, and fresh water make Wisconsin ideal for raising healthy, happy cows. Great milk means great cheese — and our dairy farmers take that seriously.

    3. More Varieties Than Anywhere Else

    Wisconsin produces over 600 types, styles, and varieties of cheese, from squeaky curds to aged cheddars, blue cheeses, and artisan specialties.

    4. The Master Cheesemaker Program

    We’re the only state with the prestigious Master Cheesemaker Program, often called the “Ph.D. of cheese.” It takes years of training and testing to earn the title, and Wisconsin leads the nation in certified masters.

    5. Commitment to Quality Standards

    Since 1994, Wisconsin has required cheesemaker licensing — the only U.S. state to do so. That means every wheel and wedge is crafted under the care of a licensed professional.

    6. Innovation Meets Tradition

    From classic cheddar to unique creations like Snow Cheddar, Wisconsin cheesemakers aren’t afraid to experiment while honoring time-tested techniques.

    7. A Strong Farm-to-Table Connection

    Many Wisconsin cheesemakers, including Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, operate farmstead creameries. They use milk from their own cows, ensuring freshness, consistency, and full control from pasture to plate.

    8. Award-Winning Excellence

    Wisconsin cheeses regularly win top honors at national and international competitions — proof that quality here is more than a marketing claim.

    9. A Culture That Celebrates Cheese

    From cheese curd festivals to roadside cheese shops, Wisconsin celebrates cheese year-round. It’s not just food — it’s part of who we are.

    10. Passion You Can Taste

    Wisconsin cheesemakers pour pride, skill, and heart into every batch. That passion is what makes the difference when you take your first bite.

    From the lush pastures of Kewaunee County to your dinner table, Wisconsin cheese carries a story in every slice. Taste the difference for yourself — because when it comes to cheese, there’s simply no place like Wisconsin.

    🛒 Shop Wisconsin Cheese at Ron’s
    📖 Read the History of Wisconsin Cheese

    Written by Rons Cheese Teammate :

    Cassie

    Cassie is part of the Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese team, where she helps bring handcrafted, farm-fresh cheese to families across the country. Based in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, she’s passionate about local food, sustainable farming, and sharing the story behind every bite.

  • How We Celebrate Fall on the Farm

    Chopping Corn Silage
    Chopping Corn Silage

    Cool mornings, changing leaves, and the season that brings us back to our roots.

    Fall is a special time here at Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese and Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy. As the leaves turn golden across the fields and the air gets crisp, the farm takes on a new rhythm — one that reminds us why we love what we do.

    While most people see fall as sweater weather and pumpkin patches, we see it as a celebration of harvest, heritage, and hard work.

    Here’s a look at how we celebrate fall on the farm — and how the season shapes the cheese you love.

    🍁 Morning Milking, Fog & Flannels

    The sun rises a little later in the fall, and the early mornings are filled with fog rolling over the hills. Our team bundles up in hoodies and flannel shirts as the cows make their way to the parlor. There’s a peaceful stillness in fall mornings — and it’s one of the best times to be on the farm.

    We’re still milking every day, still checking on our herd, and still producing the same high-quality milk that goes into every block of cheddar and every bag of curds. But there’s something extra satisfying about working in the brisk autumn air.

    🎃 Harvest Time & Field Work

    Fall is when the land gives back. Corn silage is harvested, feed is stored for winter, and equipment is tuned for the colder months ahead. The days are full, but there’s a shared sense of pride in getting the farm ready for the next season.

    Our cows are well-fed all year, but during fall, their diet shifts to include fresh silage — which impacts the richness of the milk and, in turn, the flavor of our cheeses. It’s just one more reason why cheddar tastes especially good in fall.

    🧀 Cheese Curds, Campfires & County Events

    It wouldn’t be fall in Wisconsin without cheese curds around the campfire. Whether we’re tailgating, enjoying hayrides with the kids, or hosting local food events, we always have a cooler of curds and a few blocks of aged cheddar ready to share.

    You’ll often find us at local markets, tastings, or even around the bonfire with neighbors. Fall is about slowing down, connecting, and sharing what we’ve made.

    🍂 Family Traditions That Matter

    Fall is when our team members gather for harvest dinners, staff appreciation days, and cheese board potlucks (yes, those are a thing). It’s also when our community steps up — helping each other with fieldwork, bringing soup to the office, or stopping by with apple crisp.

    Our farm isn’t just a workplace — it’s a family. And in fall, that sense of community feels stronger than ever.

    🛒 Celebrate Fall with Us

    You may not be on the farm with us, but you can enjoy fall the way we do — with bold, creamy, flavorful cheeses that capture the richness of the season.

    🧀 [Shop Our Favorite Fall Cheeses]
    🍁 [Try Snow Cheddar or Aged Cheddar in Your Fall Recipes]

    Written By Rons Teammate

    Cassie

    Cassie is part of the Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese team, where she helps bring handcrafted, farm-fresh cheese to families across the country. Based in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, she’s passionate about local food, sustainable farming, and sharing the story behind every bite.

  • Cheddar & Apples: A Fall Flavor Match Made in Wisconsin

    Sweet meets sharp in one of the Midwest’s most iconic seasonal pairings.

    As the leaves turn and apple orchards fill with fresh-picked fruit, there’s one flavor combo we come back to every fall: cheddar and apples.

    It’s sweet. It’s savory. And it’s surprisingly versatile — whether you’re building a cozy cheese board or baking up comfort food. At Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, we think fall is the perfect time to pair our farmstead cheddar with Wisconsin’s best apples.

    Here’s how to make the most of this autumn classic.

    🧀 Why Cheddar and Apples Work So Well

    It comes down to contrast. Apples bring sweetness, acidity, and crunch. Cheddar adds richness, salt, and sharpness. The result is a perfect flavor balance — and when both are high-quality, the pairing shines.

    Think of it like peanut butter and jelly — but a lot more gourmet.

    🍎 Best Apples to Pair with Ron’s Cheddar

    Here are a few of our favorite apple varieties and how they pair with our cheeses:

    AppleFlavor ProfilePairs Well With
    HoneycrispSweet, crispSnow Cheddar, Smoked String Cheese
    Granny SmithTart, firmSnow Cheddar, 10-Year Cheddar
    JonagoldSweet-tart, juicySnow Cheddar, 3–5 Year Cheddar
    CortlandMild, creamyGarlic Dill Curds, Mild Cheddar Blocks
    McIntoshSoft, aromaticSharp Cheddar, Cheese Spreads

    🧀 Our Favorite Ways to Enjoy Apples & Cheddar

    🧺 1. On a Cheese Board

    Slice up fresh apples and serve them with cubes of Snow Cheddar. Add fig jam, spiced nuts, and a drizzle of honey.

    🥪 2. Grilled Cheese with Apple Slices

    Layer thin apple slices inside a grilled cheese with aged cheddar on sourdough. Press until crisp and golden — it’s pure comfort food.

    🥧 3. Cheddar Apple Hand Pies

    Add shredded Snow Cheddar to apple pie filling or crust dough for a savory-sweet twist. Great for fall picnics or Thanksgiving apps.

    🥗 4. Apple & Cheddar Harvest Salad

    Toss mixed greens with apple slices, roasted squash, sharp cheddar cubes, and maple vinaigrette. It’s autumn in a bowl.

    🛒 Make It a Pairing to Remember

    All of our cheddars — from smooth and creamy to sharp and aged — are made with milk from our own cows, right here in Wisconsin.

    So when you grab a fresh bag of apples from the orchard, pair them with a cheese you can trust.

    🍏 [Shop Cheddar Collection]
    🧀 [Try Snow Cheddar]

    Written By Teammate:

    Cassie

    Cassie is part of the Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese team, where she helps bring handcrafted, farm-fresh cheese to families across the country. Based in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, she’s passionate about local food, sustainable farming, and sharing the story behind every bite.

  • The Ultimate Fall Cheese Board Guide

    There’s nothing quite like a crisp autumn evening — cozy socks, warm cider, and a cheese board overflowing with seasonal flavors. Whether you’re hosting a harvest gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, a thoughtfully crafted fall cheese board brings the tastes of the season to life. At Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, we’ve handpicked our favorite cheeses and pairings to help you build a board as beautiful as it is delicious.

    1. Snow Cheddar — A creamy, naturally white cheddar with sweet, nutty undertones. The brightness of Snow Cheddar pairs beautifully with tart apples, fig jam, or honey.
    2. 10-Year Aged Cheddar — Deep, bold, and intense. This cheese brings sharpness and complexity that stand up to cured meats and robust red wines.
    3. Smoked String Cheese — A fun, snackable option with a touch of rustic smokiness; perfect for breaking off pieces or weaving into your board.
    4. Cheese Curds (Classic or Garlic Dill) — A must in Midwest fall spreads. Their fresh, squeaky bite works especially well alongside hard cider or pretzels.

    🍂 Perfect Fall Cheese Board Pairings

    Create balance on your board by mixing savory, sweet, crunchy, and soft. Try these complementary additions:

    • Fruits & Spreads: Honeycrisp apples, dried figs, Bartlett pears, cranberry compote, fig jam, pumpkin butter
    • Crunchy Elements: Candied walnuts, roasted pecans, seeded crackers, pretzel sticks
    • Extras: Cured meats (like prosciutto or salami), pickled onions, dark chocolate squares, artisan bread

    🍷 What to Sip With It

    • Hard Cider: Light, crisp, and apple-forward — naturally pairs with cheddar
    • Red Wine: A pinot noir or cabernet can stand up to bold aged cheeses
    • Warm Drinks: Spiced cider or mulled wine complement the cozy fall ambiance

    🧩 Tips for Building Your Cheese Board

    • Choose 3–5 cheeses with varied textures and flavor profiles
    • Use ramekins or small bowls for spreads, nuts, or soft items
    • Add seasonal décor like mini pumpkins, dried leaves, or a flannel napkin
    • Bring cheeses to room temperature before serving — flavors bloom when warmed

    🍁 Why Choose Ron’s Cheeses?

    When you build your board with Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, you’re choosing farm-fresh, handcrafted cheese straight from our Wisconsin creamery. Our cheddar, curds, and string cheeses carry the legacy of farmstead cheesemaking — pure, transparent, and full of flavor.

    👉 [Shop Snow Cheddar]
    👉 [Explore Aged Cheddar & Gift Boxes]

  • What It Means to Be Farmstead

    Farmstead Aerial View

    What Farmstead Cheese Means at Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese

    These days, the word “farmstead” gets thrown around. But at Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, it’s more than a label — it’s a way of life. For us, farmstead means we milk our own cows, make our own cheese, and deliver it directly to you. That’s the true definition of farmstead cheese in Wisconsin.

    🚜 From Cow to Curds on One Property

    Most cheese companies buy milk from outside farms. We don’t. Instead, we raise our own herd, milk them on-site, and transfer the milk just steps away to our cheesemaking facility. Often, that milk becomes cheese within hours. This farmstead process ensures unmatched freshness and full transparency — from pasture to plate.

    🧀 Why Farmstead Cheese Matters

    When you choose farmstead cheese, you get benefits that big dairy operations can’t match:

    • Unmatched freshness from milk processed the same day
    • Full traceability — we know exactly where our milk comes from
    • Superior flavor and consistency in every batch

    Because we know our cows and their care, we know our milk. And that means you can taste the difference in every bite of Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese.

    🌿 Committed to Quality and Integrity

    Being farmstead isn’t just about control — it’s about doing things the right way. For us, that means avoiding shortcuts, even if the process is harder or slower. We put flavor, freshness, and trust first in everything we make.

    This dedication reflects Wisconsin’s dairy heritage and the values that built America’s Dairyland. Learn more about Wisconsin’s farmstead cheesemaking tradition.

    🧡 The Ron’s Difference

    In a crowded marketplace, our promise is simple:

    • Farm-fresh milk from our own cows
    • Handcrafted, small-batch Wisconsin cheese
    • Family-run values, rooted in honesty and care

    That’s what farmstead means to us — and why customers keep choosing Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese.

    Farm Fresh. Handcrafted. Wisconsin Proud.

    Written By Rons Teammate

    Cassie

  • What Makes Ron’s Cheese Different?

    Checking the Vat at Rons Cheese

    There’s no shortage of cheese brands in Wisconsin. But at Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, we take a different path. Our commitment to farmstead cheese in Wisconsin means we use milk from our own herd, craft small batches with care, and focus on authentic flavor that keeps customers coming back.

    🐄 Farmstead Cheese in Wisconsin: Fresh from Our Herd

    We don’t just source milk — we produce it ourselves. Our cheese begins with milk from our own cows, raised on family farmland in Kewaunee County. This farmstead approach guarantees freshness, transparency, and quality at every step. By keeping the process in-house, we eliminate middlemen and ensure every bite reflects Wisconsin’s proud dairy heritage.

    🧀 Small-Batch Wisconsin Cheese Craftsmanship

    Unlike industrial operations, we produce cheese in small, carefully monitored batches. Every batch is tested, tasted, and crafted by experienced cheesemakers who know how to balance flavor and texture. This dedication to craftsmanship results in cheese that’s consistent, fresh, and unmistakably Wisconsin.

    ❄️ Signature Wisconsin Cheese Products

    Our lineup goes beyond the basics. Signature products like Snow Cheddar — our naturally white cheddar — and our award-winning Mozzarella Cheese Whips showcase recipes we’ve developed and perfected in-house. These aren’t rebranded commodities; they’re original Wisconsin cheeses, crafted from scratch and refined over time.

    🤝 Family-Owned, Wisconsin Proud

    Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese is still a family-run company, and we take pride in doing things the right way. That means honest labeling, careful packaging, and customer-first values. If a product isn’t good enough for our own family table, it never leaves our creamery.

    🌱 The Ron’s Difference

    In a crowded market, our difference is simple:

    • Farm-fresh milk from our own herd
    • Handcrafted small-batch cheese you can trust
    • Wisconsin pride in every curd, whip, and wheel

    That’s what sets us apart — and why people keep choosing Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese.

    Farm Fresh. Handcrafted. Wisconsin Proud.

    Written By Ron’t Teammate:

    Cassie

  • 🚛 From Distributor to Dairy: How Ron’s Found Its True Flavor

    Early 2000s Storefront view of Ron's Wisconsin Cheese Retail Store
    Early 2000s Storefront view of Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese Retail Store

    Before we crafted our own cheese, we delivered it.

    Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese started as a local distributor — sourcing cheese from other makers and getting it into the hands of small shops, delis, and families across Wisconsin.

    📦 Built on Relationships

    Ron’s earned trust not just by showing up, but by caring about quality, freshness, and consistency. We became a household name — even without making the cheese ourselves.

    🧀 The Turning Point

    In 2015, we took the leap. Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy acquired Ron’s and began producing cheese using milk from our own cows. We went from distributor to true farmstead cheesemaker — bringing every part of the process under one roof.

    🌟 A New Era Begins

    That transition allowed us to develop signature products like Snow Cheddar, expand into string cheese and cheese curds, and introduce Wisconsin to the fresh, full-flavor cheese we had always dreamed of making.

    Farm Fresh. Handcrafted. Farmstead Cheese

  • Meet the People Behind the Cheese

    Cheese Plant Team

    Behind every squeaky curd and block of cheddar, there’s a story. It’s not only about milk and cheese. It’s about the people who make it all happen.

    At Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, we are more than a brand. We’re a family of farmers, cheesemakers, packagers, drivers, and cheese lovers who work together every day to bring you something real.

    🐄 It Starts on the Farm

    Our story begins at Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy, where our team cares for cows with respect and compassion. Healthy, happy cows produce the freshest milk possible, and that milk is the foundation of every product we make.

    🧀 Crafting the Cheese

    In our cheesemaking facility, you’ll find artisans who have spent years perfecting their craft. They know the exact moment to cut curds, how to coax rich flavor from simple ingredients, and the patience it takes to create a perfectly aged cheddar.

    📦 Packing and Shipping with Care

    From labeling to logistics, our team makes sure every package is fresh and handled with care. Whether it’s a single block or a holiday gift box, we treat each order as if it were going to family—because often, it is.

    🧡 Why It Matters

    We believe great cheese starts with great people. When you choose Ron’s, you support local jobs, family traditions, and generations of cheesemaking knowledge.

    Shop Our Products Now!

    Shop

    Farm Fresh. Handcrafted. Farmstead Cheese.

    Written By Rons Teammate:

    Cassie

    Cassie is part of the Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese team, where she helps bring handcrafted, farm-fresh cheese to families across the country. Based in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, she’s passionate about local food, sustainable farming, and sharing the story behind every bite.

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