If you are following the California Cheese Trail, you know the Loleta Cheese Factory is one of just two artisan cheesemakers in Humboldt County, and the only one where you can watch their cheese being made. The two dozen or more varieties of all-natural cheese they make include differently flavored cheddars, jacks, Haverti, and Fontina. Their traditional methods and small batches highlight the goodness of local products like the milk that comes from cows grazing on the clover and tall grass pastures along the Eel River near here.
Watching the cheese-making process through their window is sure to make you hungry! Don’t worry – there are samples to try, picnic supplies to buy, and best of all, a Grilled Cheese and Espresso Bar with unique sandwiches featuring both savory and sweet combinations of Loleta’s Original and 1906 Artisan cheeses. Like Mom’s, Queso King’s Grilled Cheese Bar uses bread, butter, and cheese, but that’s the only similarity you’ll taste! Their recipe starts with breads from an artisan bakery nearby, then layers flavors by combining different cheeses – mild, boldly flavored or soft, melty ones – and adds innovative fillings or a unique twist with spicy condiments.
If you’re in the mood for something savory, you could choose the Mardi Gras – Habanero White Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar, chicken, and Cajun seasoning on sourdough, or Bay Area Brisket combining smoked beef brisket, Roasted Garlic Jack, and Smoky Cheddar on sourdough. Prefer something sweet as an afternoon treat? Strawberry Blonde includes Haverti, Fontina, strawberry compote and sugar cinnamon dust on rustic country white. “Turophiles’ (cheese lovers) will be in heaven with Divine Order (Herb & Spice Haverti and chicken) or the After School Special – a combination of any three cheeses on your choice of bread. A special bonus is Loleta Cheese Factory’s beautiful garden where you can retreat to enjoy a picnic of grilled cheese sandwiches or your favorite cheese with goodies from the store.
You’ll find this special cheesemaker, featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins & Dives, just a 10 minute drive from Fortuna’s Redwood Riverwalk Hotel, so put us both on your bucket list for your next vacation on the Redwood Coast! The Local Area Map on our website highlights their location – just go to drop down See and look for balloon E. You’ll find lots of other things to see and do on our Map as well!
Loleta Cheese Factory – A Cheese Lover’s Heaven
Hours: Daily, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: 252 Loleta Drive, Loleta, CA 95551
Phone: 707 733-5470
Photo by Asnim Asnim on UnSplash
