What began as one man’s dream to be a dairy farmer, grew into a multi-generational passion for farming and cheesemaking. The journey wasn’t easy and had many ups and downs but was worth the hard work. Appel Farms now produces an eclectic variety of cheese, from soft to hard and from mild to briny. We have something for everyone to enjoy!

Cheeses

Here at Appel Farms we have been producing Farmstead Artisan Cheese for more than thirty years. Jack Appel trained in France to produce excellent cheese and passed his knowledge and expertise on to his son John. Now the third generation has joined the team to make a diverse line of unique handmade cheeses.

Cheddar

One of the most popular cheeses in the US, Cheddar is creamy, nutty and versatile.

Cheddar Curd

Perfect for that snack attack! Fresh cheddar curd has a texture and flavor that is unique.

Feta

Our Feta is made with cow’s milk, giving it a subtle flavor without giving up the distinctive briny tang.

Gouda

Gouda

Jack Appel started making Gouda for friends and family in the seventies and it continues to be a favorite.

Havarti

Havarti

Havarti originated in Denmark, and adds a creamy, mild flavor to our line-up of natural cheeses.

Maasdammer

Maasdammer

Maasdammer, or Maasdam, is a semi-hard traditional Dutch cheese that is delectable on sandwiches.

Nokkelost is wonderful with pears

Nokkelost

Similar to the Dutch Leiden, Nokkelost is enjoyed year-round but is especially reminiscent of the flavors of Christmas.

Appel Farms Paneer

Paneer

Paneer is a fresh cheese often found in South Asian cuisine and a rich source of protein.

Parmesan

Aged and dry, Parmesan is an excellent cheese for grating. Our Parm adds panache to pasta!

Quark

Quark has a special place in our hearts. Quark is the cheese that turned our cheesemaking hobby into a thriving business.

Yogurt

Our yogurt is unique from all the others available. No fillers, no stabilizers, no gelatin or preservatives. Just all natural milk and cultures.


Visit Us

What will you experience at Appel Farms?
Take a look!

We are open Tuesday – Saturday from 11 am-6 pm

Watch Artisan Cheesemaking

We make cheese five days a week so feel free to stop by to watch the step-by-step process of making cheese through our viewing windows. The best times are early in the day at the beginning of the week. It’s a special treat to come on days that we are making Squeaky Cheese! Call ahead for days and times.

Maria making Gouda

Cheese Tasting

We have a special selection each day of cheeses to taste as well as cheese accompaniments to try. Our cheese selection runs the gamut of flavors and cultural influences, there’s something for everyone!


Gift Shop

Need a gift for someone special?  Share your love of cheese with your friends and family. You can choose from a selection of handpicked gourmet foods, gifts, books, and toys.  Do you like to support small businesses? Check out our local section!


Getting Hungry?

Our cafe is open from 11 am to 6 pm. The menu is modest in order to spotlight local, high-quality ingredients. We focus on our classic grilled cheese and tomato soup but add variety by featuring a different gourmet sandwich selection each week.


Outdoor Dining

We have some gorgeous days throughout the year, even when it’s chilly out we can enjoy moments of sunshine. You can take advantage of these beautiful days by enjoying a picnic by the pond or a quiet lunch under the awning. Take your time and have a little fun by playing a game of chess or checkers at our wine tables.


Critter Corner

A farm outing would not be complete without a visit to our farm animals.   Goats run to greet you year-round and cows come to visit during the summer.


Dairy Drive-Thru

Need something in a hurry?  Did you know that you can pick up your cheese without getting out of your car?

We are at your service! Check out our variety of cheeses available .


The craft of farmstead cheesemaking carries forward a quiet dedication shaped by hand and routine. From receiving fresh milk through the careful steps of curdling, pressing, and aging, each batch reflects the slow rhythm of the working dairy. Watching the process through viewing windows offers a glimpse into a tradition that values patience over shortcuts, allowing visitors to observe how small daily decisions influence flavor, texture, and character in every wheel produced on the farm. A thoughtfully arranged tasting selection invites guests to explore an eclectic range of styles, from soft and creamy varieties to firmer aged options with nutty or briny notes. Pairing cheese with complementary accompaniments encourages conversation and curiosity, turning a simple visit into an engaging sensory experience. Generous spacing between tastings gives each flavor room to be appreciated on its own, helping visitors discover new favorites while learning more about the diverse palette of farmhouse dairy.

Behind every wheel of farmstead cheese lies a rhythm shaped by milk, weather, and the steady hands of the people who tend both herd and curd. At Appel Farms, that rhythm is heard in the gentle clatter of stainless vats, the slow press of weight against fresh molds, and the patient wait as young wheels rest and mature. Soft, creamy varieties share the cool aging rooms with firmer, nuttier styles, each reflecting the character of pasture and season. Visitors pausing at the viewing windows can sense the craft in small details, from the careful cutting of the curd to the turning of cheese that will one day become a favorite on a shared table.