Cato Corner Farm Cheese Tour — Colchester, Connecticut

Discover the Cato Corner Farm Cheese Tour in Connecticut

The Cato Corner Farm Cheese Tour in Colchester, Connecticut offers visitors an authentic look at small-scale, farmstead cheese production on a working dairy farm. This guided farm and creamery tour introduces guests to the process of making artisanal cheeses directly from the farm’s own herd of cows. Set in rural eastern Connecticut, the experience combines agriculture, craftsmanship, and education in a hands-on farm environment.

Why it’s special:
Cato Corner Farm is a true farmstead cheese operation, meaning the milk used for cheesemaking comes exclusively from cows raised on-site. Visitors experience the full story of cheese production—from pasture and barn to creamery—at a farm known nationally for its award-winning cheeses.

History & Story of Cato Corner Farm

Cato Corner Farm was founded in the late 1990s by Mark Gillman and Annette Stearns with a vision of producing high-quality farmstead cheeses in Connecticut. Located in Colchester, the farm focuses on animal welfare, sustainable practices, and traditional cheesemaking techniques. Over the years, Cato Corner Farm has earned national recognition for cheeses such as Hooligan, Bridgid’s Abbey, and Haviarti-style varieties, while remaining a hands-on, family-run operation.

What You’ll See & Do on the Cato Corner Farm Cheese Tour

• Visit the dairy barns and learn about herd care and feeding

• See how milk moves from the barn to the creamery

• Learn about the cheesemaking process from curd to aging

• Observe cheese aging rooms and storage areas

• Learn about seasonal farming and sustainable practices

• Visit the farm store offering cheeses and local products

Hands-On Elements: Educational explanations during the guided tour; occasional tastings depending on availability.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed outdoors and in designated areas; restrictions apply inside production spaces.
Souvenirs & Extras: Farm store selling Cato Corner cheeses, local foods, and seasonal items.

Pricing of the Cato Corner Farm Cheese Tour

Guided farm and cheese tour
Adult price: $10 per adult

Advance reservations are required.

Visiting information

Tours typically last 60–75 minutes and are conducted as guided group tours. The experience is best suited for older children and adults due to walking on uneven farm terrain. The farm is not fully wheelchair accessible, and closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended.

Exact Tour Availability:
Saturday: 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM
Closed: Sunday–Friday

Tours are offered on Saturdays only by advance reservation.

Nearby

• Salmon River State Forest

• Air Line State Park Trail

• Downtown Colchester

FAQs About Visiting the Cato Corner Farm Cheese Tour

What makes Cato Corner Farm different from other cheese producers?
Cato Corner Farm is a farmstead operation, meaning every step—from raising cows to aging cheese—happens on-site. Visitors see the entire process in one location, rather than milk being shipped in from elsewhere.

Will I see cheesemaking during my visit?
Cheesemaking visibility depends on the production schedule, but tours always include detailed explanations of the process and access to aging areas where cheeses mature.

Are cheese tastings included in the tour?
Tastings may be offered depending on availability, but the farm store provides access to a wide selection of cheeses for purchase.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Older children who can walk comfortably on uneven ground tend to enjoy the tour most. Younger children may find the length and terrain more challenging.

What should I wear when visiting the farm?
Visitors should wear closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as parts of the tour take place outdoors and on working farm surfaces.