There's A Cheese Haven Hiding In Northern California And It's Everything You've Dreamed And More

When one thinks of the European country of Portugal, amazing wines, footwear, seafood, and architecture often come to mind. But did you know that on a tiny island a little more than an hour and a half flight from there they make great cheese? Come along as we delve our taste buds into a Northern California locale where a generational Portuguese family has brought that tradition and created a cheese haven that can’t be missed!

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Unlike your traditional cheese haven and shop, the enterprise rests on 50 acres of farmland down a quarter-mile-long gravel driveway just a stone’s throw away from the intersection of Todd Rd.

Joe Matos Cheese Company Facebook Page

Today the Joe Matos Cheese & Farmstead Co., officially founded in 1979, is run by the 7th generation of this family.

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Joe Matos Cheese Company Facebook Page

The varieties here include their original, mild, semi-hard St. Jorge recipe, the Patrão St. Jorge featuring caramel notes after 16 months of aging, and the Picante St. Jorge, a savory, nutty, sharp variety.

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Joe Matos Cheese Company Facebook Page

Although the Matos family doesn’t offer tours, coming here is really more about the experience of an authentic cheese-making tradition carried on with great love, care, and dedication on this former single barn, barren farm now thriving with 32 cows, goats, chickens, geese, and ducks.

Joe Matos Cheese Company Facebook Page

While here, they are more than happy to help you choose just the right handmade artisan farmstead cheese for your particular meal, special event, or simple nibbling at home.

Joe Matos Cheese Company Facebook Page

Here the delicious cheeses are combined with fresh eggs and heritage beef that were also raised on the property.

An authentic Portuguese tradition, deep family roots, and immense pride are palpable in every bite. That’s what you’ll experience at the Joe Matos Cheese & Farmstead Co., an amazing cheese haven in Santa Rosa, CA.

Have you been to the Joe Matos Cheese & Farmstead Co.? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experience there. You can also learn more about them on their Facebook page.

While in Santa Rosa, be sure to stop by the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, named after the creator of the Charlie Brown comics.