Discover the Valley Shepherd Creamery Tour in New Jersey

Valley Shepherd Creamery is a working sheep dairy and artisanal cheese farm offering guests a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at traditional cheesemaking. Visitors can tour the barns, watch milking demonstrations, explore underground aging caves, and taste handcrafted cheeses made right on the farm.
Why it’s special: It is one of the few U.S. dairies producing authentic European-style sheep’s milk cheeses using old-world methods — all set in the scenic hills of Long Valley.

History/Story of Valley Shepherd Creamery

Founded by cheese artisans who studied traditional European dairy practices, Valley Shepherd Creamery began as a family-run sheep dairy focused on small-batch craftsmanship. Over time, the creamery expanded into a full agritourism destination offering farm tours, cheese education, and immersive experiences like lambing season events. The creamery now produces award-winning cheeses sold regionally and nationally.

What You’ll See & Do

• Tour the barns and learn about sheep handling, feeding, and dairy management

• Watch seasonal sheep-milking demonstrations in the parlors

• Explore underground cheese-aging caves where wheels mature on wooden shelves

• Observe cheesemakers working in the production rooms (when in operation)

• Enjoy guided cheese tastings featuring sheep, goat, and cow milk varieties

• Visit the farm store with cheeses, yogurt, gelato, lamb products, and gifts

Visiting Information

Hands-On Elements

Guests may touch wool, view equipment up close, learn how curds transform into cheese, and participate in cheese tastings. During lambing season, visitors may even see newborn lambs.

Photo/Video Policy

Photography is allowed in most public farm areas. Production rooms may restrict flash or video for sanitary and safety reasons.

Souvenirs & Extras

• Farmstead cheeses made on-site

• Gelato, yogurt, and specialty dairy products

• Wool items, soaps, farm gifts, and shepherding merchandise

• Seasonal events such as cheese classes and lambing tours

Practical Info

Tours are offered seasonally and must be booked in advance. Weather conditions may affect outdoor portions. Guests should wear comfortable shoes suitable for farm terrain. Most visits last 60–90 minutes.

Pricing

• Farm Tour & Cheese Tasting: approx. $15–$25 per person

• Seasonal Lambing Tours: May have premium pricing

• Farm Store Purchases: Individually priced

Nearby

• Long Valley hiking trails and farms

• Hacklebarney State Park

• Chester’s historic downtown and markets

• Morris County wineries and breweries

FAQs

Are tours available year-round?

Tours are seasonal, with expanded offerings in spring, summer, and fall. Winter tours may be limited.

Can kids visit the farm?

Yes — it is very family-friendly, especially during lambing season.

Do tastings include multiple cheeses?

Yes, tastings typically include several sheep, goat, and cow’s milk cheeses.

Is the creamery a working dairy?

Yes — all cheese is produced on-site using milk from the farm’s animals.

Can I purchase cheese after the tour?

Absolutely. The farm store carries all cheeses made on-site plus specialty dairy products.