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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 at Valley Shepherd Creamery

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 for Valley Shepherd Creamery

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.