The Heber Valley Cheese Trail: Tastings, Tours & Artisan Delights
Utah might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of artisan cheese, but Heber Valley is quietly changing that. Nestled between mountain meadows and alpine lakes, this pastoral corner of Wasatch County has become a hub for small-batch, farmstead cheese—and it’s gaining a reputation that reaches far beyond state lines.
This isn’t your average dairy country. The cheese makers here care about where their milk comes from (often, it’s from their own cows), how their cheese is aged, and what kind of experience they’re offering to visitors. From hands-on farm tours to fresh cheese curds that squeak between your teeth, Heber Valley offers a slow-food experience that’s as delicious as it is local.
If you're planning a visit, live nearby, or just want to plan a "cheese crawl" for the weekend, here’s everything you need to know about the Heber Valley Cheese Trail—plus how to turn it into an unforgettable, family-friendly (and foodie-approved) adventure.
Why Cheese? Why Here?
Heber Valley’s elevation, clean water, and rich pasturelands create ideal conditions for dairy production. But what really sets this area apart is the commitment to quality over quantity.
Many of the local dairies are family-owned and operated, which means the same people milking the cows are often making the cheese—and welcoming you to the farm. That connection shows up in the quality of the product: small-batch, hormone-free, and full of character.
In recent years, Heber Valley Artisan Cheese and a few other local producers have taken that legacy even further—crafting cheeses that win awards at national competitions and stocking shelves as far away as California.
But the real treat? You don’t have to go far to taste it all at the source.
1. Heber Valley Artisan Cheese – The Trail’s Crown Jewel
Location: 920 River Road, Midway
What They Offer: Tastings, farm tours, cheese-making classes, fresh dairy products
Signature Cheeses: Juustoleipä (grilling cheese), Apple Walnut Smoked Cheddar, Wasatch Back Jack
If you only make one stop on your cheese adventure, make it here.
Heber Valley Artisan Cheese is run by the Kohler family, fifth-generation dairy farmers who took a bold leap into the world of artisan cheese just over a decade ago. Since then, their farm-to-table cheese operation has exploded in popularity—not just because the cheese is phenomenal, but because the experience is.
Here's what you can do:
Sample Everything: Their farm store offers free samples of their award-winning cheeses. Be sure to try the seasonal specialties—like Wasatch Back Jack with roasted jalapeños.
Take a Tour: Learn about the milking process, meet the cows, and see the aging rooms where the magic happens.
Cheesemaking Classes: Sign up for a hands-on class and learn how to make mozzarella, curds, or other cheese styles from scratch.
Farm Days: During select weekends in spring, summer, and fall, they host community events with hayrides, tastings, food trucks, and live music.
Local Tip: Bring a cooler. You’ll want to stock up on curds, spreads, and yogurts.
2. Midway Mercantile – Local Cheese on the Menu
Location: 99 E Main Street, Midway
What They Offer: Full-service restaurant with a focus on local ingredients
Cheese Factor: Cheese boards, baked cheeses, and local pairings
Once you've picked up some cheese, head into town and see how local chefs are putting it to use. Midway Mercantile is one of the top dining spots in Heber Valley, and their menu is a celebration of regional produce, meat, and—yes—cheese.
Start with a cheese board featuring Heber Valley Artisan Cheese and locally cured meats. Or try their signature baked Juustoleipä topped with local honey and cracked pepper.
It’s the perfect place for a relaxed dinner after a day of touring and tasting.
3. Kohler Creamery – Fresh Dairy, Straight from the Source
While technically part of Heber Valley Artisan Cheese, the creamery side deserves its own mention. This is where you'll find:
Fresh chocolate milk (the real deal, thick and rich)
Yogurt smoothies
Ice cream made with local milk
Buttermilk and heavy cream
If you’re traveling with kids, the creamery is a hit. They can watch baby calves in the barn, play on the lawn, and sample cheese curds still warm from the vat.
4. Farmers Markets & Pop-Ups – Find the Trail Beyond the Farm
During summer and fall, Heber Valley Artisan Cheese and other local producers pop up at farmers markets, festivals, and food events across Wasatch and Summit counties. Here are a few regular spots:
Heber Market on Main (Summer Thursdays): Downtown Heber City turns into a family-friendly night market with food trucks, vendors, and live music.
Swiss Days (Labor Day Weekend, Midway): Cheese samples, baked goods, and enough foot traffic to fill a small stadium.
Park Silly Sunday Market (Park City): If you’re making a day trip from Heber, this market often includes regional cheese makers, honey producers, and winemakers.
Pairings and Beyond: Make It a Full Foodie Day
Cheese is just the start. If you want to go all-in on Heber Valley’s artisan food scene, consider pairing your cheese tour with:
Artisan Bread: Pick up a sourdough boule or French baguette from Midway Bakery on Main.
Local Honey: A natural pairing with aged cheddar. Check out Slide Ridge Honey for raw, unfiltered Utah honey.
Utah Wines & Ciders: High West Distillery and Old Town Cellars offer locally made pairings, and Mountain West Cider (available in local liquor stores) is a crisp match for creamy cheeses.
Want to go all-out? Create a “Heber Valley Picnic Basket” with:
A wedge of Wasatch Back Jack
Fresh baguette
Midway honey
Sliced apples from a roadside stand
Local soda or sparkling water
A blanket and a view (Wasatch Mountain State Park will do just fine)
Cheese for a Cause: Supporting Local Agriculture
By visiting these farms, buying local cheese, and sharing the experience, you’re doing more than enjoying a snack—you’re helping keep small-scale agriculture alive in Utah.
Dairy farming is a tough business, and many family farms have been pushed out by industrial production. But in Heber Valley, the movement toward artisan, local-first food is giving farms a second life. Every curd you crunch supports that mission.
Quick Itinerary: Heber Valley Cheese Trail in One Day
Morning
Start with breakfast in Midway (try Lola’s Street Kitchen)
Head to Heber Valley Artisan Cheese for a tour and tasting
Pick up picnic supplies at the creamery
Midday
Take your picnic to Wasatch Mountain State Park or Jordanelle Overlook
Walk off the calories with a short hike or bike ride
Afternoon
Visit Midway Mercantile for an early dinner or cheese-themed appetizer
Wrap up with ice cream from the creamery or a drink at a local brewery
Optional Add-On: Sign up in advance for a cheesemaking class or seasonal event like Farm Days.
Final Thoughts
There’s a kind of magic in eating food that comes from the place you’re standing in—especially when it’s crafted with care, tradition, and a touch of alpine charm. The Heber Valley Cheese Trail isn’t just about cheese. It’s about community, craftsmanship, and slowing down enough to actually taste where you are.
So whether you're a die-hard cheesehead, a curious foodie, or just someone looking for something authentic to do on a Saturday afternoon, follow the trail. You’ll leave with full bellies, a stocked cooler, and a new appreciation for what small-town Utah is serving up.