Located in the heart of Vermont’s lush Green Mountains, Crooked Pines Farm is a family-owned operation that has been a steadfast part of the local community for generations. While the farm is perhaps best known for its diverse range of sustainably grown produce, pasture-raised meats, and beloved farmstand favorites, it also offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the art of traditional cheesemaking.
Farm Operations
Farm Overview
Crooked Pines Farm’s roots trace back to the early 1800s, when the Pike family first settled this picturesque property and began cultivating the fertile soil. Today, the 150-acre farm is owned and operated by siblings Harley and Ida Pike, who proudly carry on their family’s legacy of sustainable, regenerative agriculture. The farm is home to a variety of livestock, including dairy cows, goats, chickens, and pigs, all of which graze on the lush, chemical-free pastures. In addition to animal husbandry, Crooked Pines also boasts flourishing vegetable gardens, orchards, and maple groves, providing an abundance of fresh, wholesome produce for their farmstand, community-supported agriculture (CSA) program, and popular farm-to-table events.
Farming Practices
Harley and Ida are committed to practicing regenerative agriculture, which focuses on improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and minimizing the farm’s environmental impact. They utilize techniques like cover cropping, rotational grazing, and integrated pest management to nurture the land and ensure its longevity. The farm is also home to a small-scale solar array that provides a portion of the energy needed to power the property’s operations.
Sustainable Agriculture
Beyond their innovative farming methods, Crooked Pines Farm is deeply engaged with the local community, hosting educational farm nature exploration programs for schools and offering hands-on workshops for aspiring homesteaders and backyard gardeners. The farm’s dedication to sustainable agriculture extends to its partnerships with neighboring producers, as Ida explains, “We believe in the power of collaboration and sharing knowledge. That’s why we’re proud to work with like-minded farmers and artisans to bring the best of Vermont’s bounty to our customers.”
Cheesemaking Experiences
Hands-On Workshops
One of the most popular draws at Crooked Pines Farm is the opportunity for visitors to participate in hands-on cheesemaking experiences. Led by the farm’s knowledgeable cheesemakers, these interactive workshops guide participants through the entire process, from milk pasteurization and curd formation to aging and tasting. Guests will have the chance to get their hands dirty, learning traditional techniques as they craft their own wheels of farmstead cheese to take home.
Cheese Tasting Events
In addition to the hands-on workshops, Crooked Pines Farm also hosts regular cheese tasting events, where visitors can sample the farm’s diverse selection of artisanal cheeses. These tastings provide an opportunity to explore the nuanced flavors and textures of the farm’s cheeses, which are aged to perfection in the farm’s state-of-the-art cheese cave. Guests can learn about the unique characteristics of each variety, as well as receive recommendations for cheese pairings and flavor profiles.
Cheese Production Process
The cheesemaking process at Crooked Pines Farm is a true labor of love, beginning with the careful selection and care of the farm’s dairy herd. The Jersey and Guernsey cows are fed a diet rich in pasture grasses, legumes, and whole grains, ensuring the highest quality raw milk for cheesemaking. Once the milk is gathered, it undergoes a gentle pasteurization process before being transformed into a variety of aged and fresh cheeses, including Cheddar, Gouda, Swiss, and farmstead varieties.
Visitor Experiences
Farm Tours
For those looking to immerse themselves in the full Crooked Pines Farm experience, the farm offers comprehensive guided tours that showcase all aspects of the operation. During these leisurely strolls, visitors can explore the vegetable gardens, orchard, and livestock pastures, while learning about the farm’s history, sustainable practices, and the day-to-day rhythms of farm life.
Educational Programs
In addition to the cheesemaking workshops, Crooked Pines Farm also provides a range of educational programs for children and families. These hands-on learning opportunities invite participants to engage with the natural world, from nature trails and wildlife observation to gardening and seasonal cooking demonstrations.
Farm-to-Table Dining
Visitors to Crooked Pines Farm can also savor the bounty of the land through the farm’s farm-to-table dining experiences. Whether enjoying a seasonal harvest dinner in the historic barn or indulging in a cheese-themed tasting menu, guests can delight in the freshness and flavor of the farm’s artisanal products.
Cheese Products
Artisanal Cheese Varieties
Crooked Pines Farm’s cheesemaking prowess is showcased in their diverse selection of award-winning artisanal cheeses. From the firm, nutty Cheddar to the creamy, Swiss-style wheels, each cheese is crafted using traditional methods and the farm’s own high-quality raw milk. Other signature varieties include the smoked Gouda, herbed Chevre, and the farm’s seasonal specialty cheeses.
Cheese Pairing Recommendations
The cheesemakers at Crooked Pines Farm are experts in the art of cheese pairing, and they’re always happy to share their recommendations. For instance, the Cheddar pairs beautifully with a crisp Vermont hard cider, while the Chevre is the perfect accompaniment to a fresh garden salad or fruit preserves. The farm also offers suggestions for incorporating their cheeses into farm-to-table recipes, from mac and cheese to grilled cheese sandwiches.
Cheese Buying and Ordering
Visitors to Crooked Pines Farm can purchase the farm’s artisanal cheeses directly from the on-site farmstand or through the farm’s online ordering system. For those unable to visit in person, the farm also offers cheese subscription boxes and gift sets that can be shipped nationwide, allowing cheese enthusiasts everywhere to experience the farm’s exceptional products.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your appreciation for the art of cheesemaking, immerse yourself in the rhythms of farm life, or simply savor the flavors of Vermont, Crooked Pines Farm offers an unparalleled hands-on and educational experience for visitors of all ages. So come explore, learn, and indulge in the bounty of this remarkable family farm.
