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Discover the Pearl Valley Cheese Factory Tour in Ohio

Visit one of Ohio’s most award-winning cheesemakers with a behind-the-scenes tour of Pearl Valley Cheese in Coshocton County. This family-owned factory has been producing traditional Swiss-style cheeses since 1928. Visitors can watch the cheese vats, curd processing and packaging through large viewing windows, learn about local dairy traditions and sample a variety of delicious cheeses in the factory store.

Why it’s special:
Pearl Valley is renowned for using milk from small family farms, crafting cheeses by time-honored methods and winning national cheese awards for decades. The tour gives you an authentic look at a fourth-generation operation that still follows its original Swiss recipes.

History/Story of Pearl Valley Cheese

Founded in 1928 by Swiss immigrant Ernest Stalder, Pearl Valley Cheese began as a small rural cheese house using milk from local dairy farms. Over the years, it expanded production but kept its heritage recipes and traditional methods, becoming one of Ohio’s most celebrated cheese producers. Today, the operation is run by the fourth generation of the Stalder family, continuing its commitment to quality, craft and community.

What You’ll See & Do at Pearl Valley Cheese

Watch cheesemakers through observation windows as milk is heated, stirred and transformed into curds
View curd cutting, pressing and wheel/block formation from start to finish
Learn about Swiss-style cheese production, aging and flavor development
Browse the large on-site store featuring fresh cheese blocks, curds, smoked cheeses and specialty dairy items
Enjoy complimentary cheese samples, including award-winning Swiss and cheddar varieties

Hands-On Elements: Tastings, interactive explanations and staff-guided learning in the store.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed in the store and observation areas only.
Souvenirs & Extras: Fresh cheese blocks, smoked cheeses, curds, gift boxes, dairy products and locally made food items.

Pricing of the Pearl Valley Cheese Factory Tour

Self-guided viewing: Free
Private or educational tours: May be available with advance request
Cheese samples included

Practical Info for Visiting Pearl Valley Cheese

Duration: 20–45 minutes depending on production activity
Format: Self-guided viewing area with staff available for questions
Schedule & Seasonality: Cheese is made most weekday mornings; best viewing is early in the day
Working Hours: Monday–Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; closed Sunday
Audience: Families, food lovers, road-trippers, cheese enthusiasts, school groups
Accessibility: Fully accessible store; viewing windows are at standing/leaning height
Safety & Restrictions: No production-floor entry; all viewing done from designated areas
Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Small groups welcome; call ahead for large group accommodations
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable clothing; a cooler if you plan to buy cheese
Facilities: Factory store, tastings, restrooms, parking
Closures & Downtime: Closed Sundays and major holidays; cheese-making may pause mid-day
Nearby:

Amish Country food trails
Coshocton Canal Quarter District
Wineries and countryside drives in eastern Ohio

FAQs About Visiting Pearl Valley Cheese

When is the best time to see cheese being made?
Early weekday mornings usually offer the most active production—arriving before noon gives the best chance to see curd processing.

Do I need to book a tour in advance?
General visits require no reservation. Groups or school visits should call ahead.

Can I walk onto the factory floor?
No—visitors observe production safely through glass windows only.

Are samples available?
Yes—fresh cheese samples are offered daily in the factory store.

Does the store sell products you can’t find elsewhere?
Yes—many fresh blocks, curds, specialty cheeses and bulk items are available only at the factory location.