PARTICIPANTS & RESOURCES

Thank you to our participating vendors for being a part of this local vibrant food and beverage community. On this page you’ll find resources and inspiration that will make the Chehalem Food and Wine Showcase the place to be.

We appreciate your passion, creativity, and dedication - you’re what will make this event truly special. Explore the links below to access these showcase vendors and prepare to connect and make the most of this experience.

PARTICIPATING VENDORS

  • Culture: The Word on Cheese is the definitive destination for anyone who adores cheese—whether you're an aspiring cheesemaker, curious home cook, or lifelong connoisseur. It combines expert content, engaging visuals, and a vibrant community in one curated experience.

  • Formaticum Cheese Storage Paper is a professional-grade, wax‑coated, two‑ply paper made in France—designed specifically for preserving cheese.

    🧀 What It Is & How It Works

    • Two‑ply design: A wax‑coated outer layer slows moisture loss, while a perforated inner layer allows cheese to breathe—helping maintain ideal humidity without drying out.

    • Professional-grade material: Made in France and widely used by cheesemongers—brought to home kitchens by Formaticum.

    💡 Why It's Recommended

    • Keeps cheese fresh longer: Serious Eats and others highlight that this paper extends chees lifespan weeks beyond plastic wrap.

    • Prevents mold: The breathable design reduces moisture buildup and inhibits surface mold, while still preserving flavor.

    • Cheesemonger favorite: Shops consistently opt for Formaticum over plastic—citing improved taste and longevity.

  • 🧼 Brand Overview

    • Janet’s Finest, a women-owned and WBENC-certified company based in St. Paul, Minnesota, has been crafting fruit-and-jalapeño compotes since the late 1990s. They’re known for pairing bold berries with a spicy yet approachable jalapeño kick, designed to elevate cheese boards and charcuterie spreads.

    • All compotes are gluten-free, made without preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or high-fructose corn syrup.

    • Shelf‑stable until opened, they last up to two years with refrigeration after opening; best‑by dates are stamped on the jar bottom.

    🍯 Flavor Lineup & Ingredients

    Popular varieties include:

    • Raspberry Jalapeño: sweet raspberries with jalapeño for a balanced bite.

    • Blackberry Jalapeño: deep berry sweetness and a subtle heat.

    • Peach‑Berry Jalapeño: peaches, strawberries, blueberries with a spicy finish.

    • Cranberry Jalapeño: tart cranberries mellowed by jalapeño warmth. 

    • Mixed Berry Jalapeño: a blend of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and jalapeño.

    Typical ingredients include fresh fruit, sugar, pectin, jalapeño peppers, lemon or lime juice—simple, natural, and focused on flavor.

    ⭐ Taste & Use Case Highlights

    • Flavor profile: Sweet and fruity upfront, with a “midwestern spicy” finish—not overwhelmingly hot but with a noticeable jalapeño presence.

    • Review accolades: According to Curd is the Word, the compotes are “unique takes on regular sauces and jams…they taste fresh and the flavors of the berries and jalapeños really shine.” The reviewer noted they paired exceptionally well with cream cheese and full-flavored cheeses like aged Brie or goat. 

    • Suggested uses: Ideal with cheeses (especially on charcuterie boards), spread on toast or bagels, stirred into dressings or glazes, or even used in sweet-savory breakfast combos like PB&J or egg sandwiches. 

  • Freddy Guys Hazelnuts is the family-run hazelnut orchard of Barb and Fritz Foulke in Monmouth, Oregon, in the Willamette Valley. They grow, harvest, roast, package, and ship their hazelnuts entirely on-site — no warehousing — ensuring peak freshness and flavor.

    What Makes Them Special

    • Farm-direct, small-batch processing: Everything is done on the farm; they roast twice weekly, and ship within 1–3 days post-roast

    • Family-operated since 1998: Barb, Fritz, their children, and extended family work together on the orchard.

    • Oregon Kosher certified & earth-friendly: Managed with integrated pest management; they also provide wholesale and farmer’s market offerings.

    • Rave reviews from foodies: Zingerman’s in Michigan praised them for being “roasted to order… only about a week out of the small Italian roasting machine” and “really as simple as can be”

  • If you're looking for tasting journals to chronicle and savor your favorite beers, wines, whiskies, coffees, cheeses, chocolates, ciders, cocktails, and more — the "33 Books Co." collection is a perfect fit. These compact tasting notebooks are designed for the discerning taster who wants to record notes in a simple, elegant, eco-conscious format.

    🎯 What Are "33 Books" Tasting Journals?

    • Pocket-sized but powerful design – About 3.5 × 5  inches, each journal contains space for exactly 33 tasting entries, including branded flavor wheels and checkboxes to log aroma, texture, origin, rating, and personal notes

    • Eco-friendly materials – Printed in Portland, Oregon, using 100% post-consumer recycled paper and soy-based inks. Some versions even include a tiny amount of the actual tasting item (e.g. coffee, cider) in the ink.

    • Wide variety of formats – Options include journals for beer, whiskey, wine, coffee, cider, chocolate, gin, cigars, oysters, doughnuts, tacos, and more.

    • Ideal for on‑the‑go tastings – Portable, non‑intimidating, and visually organized for quick notes during festivals, tastings, or personal exploration.

    • Rustic Bakery’s shortbread cookies are excellent for lovers of traditional, buttery, artisan cookies, especially with flavors like pecan, lemon, vanilla, and salted caramel.

    • Choose individual boxes to sample a specific flavor, or grab the cookie collection for a full tasting set or gift.

  • Here’s a look at Kelly’s Jelly, a family-owned, woman-run, Oregon-based producer specializing in artisanal pepper jellies and fruit preserves 🌶️🍓:

    🏡 About Kelly’s Jelly

    • Founded and headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon, Kelly’s Jelly is known for its small-batch, handcrafted jellies and fruit spreads made with local, all-natural ingredients. The operation combines a traditional recipe inherited from Great Aunt Danny with creative flavor innovations.

    • Co-founded by Kelly Calabria (the entrepreneurial heart) and Adam Calabria (the recipe developer dubbed the “Jelly Good Fellow”)

    🍯 Flavor Highlights

    Here's a look at some of their standout offerings:

    ProductDescriptionHabanero Pepper Jelly (11 oz)A crowd-pleaser featuring fresh habanero and red/green bell peppers. Balanced sweetness and heat—winner of Scovie and Good Foods awards. Strawberry Habanero ("Strawbanero") JellyA bright combination of Oregon strawberries with warm habanero heat. Won the 2014 Good Foods Award. Pineapple Jalapeño Pepper JellyTropical pineapple meets mid-heat jalapeño—fruity, spicy, and versatile as a dip or glaze. Marionberry Habanero JellySweet Oregon marionberries paired with habanero for a rich, complex jelly—often included in gift sets. Oregon Fruit Spreads(Strawberry, Tayberry, Blueberry Lemon)No heat—just fruit-forward spreads using Oregon-grown berries like tayberry (raspberry × blackberry), prized for depth and aroma.

    • Founded in 2008 by childhood friends Joan MacIsaac and Irene Costello, Effie’s Homemade began with a cherished oatcake recipe passed down from Joan’s mother, Effie MacLellan. The duo transformed that homemade biscuit into a nationally distributed snack offering classic flavor and simplicity.

    • The company is rooted in Hyde Park, Massachusetts (Greater Boston area), with national distribution via specialty food stores and retailers like Whole Foods.

    🍪 Biscuit Range & Flavor Notes

    Effie’s line evolved from their flagship Oatcake to include nine thoughtfully curated flavors—all lightly sweetened and finished with a hint of salt.

    • Oatcake: Layers of toasted oats and mild salt—classic and delicious. 

    • Corn: Crunchy cornmeal accented with a subtle hint of anise.

    • Pecan: Sweet southern pecans with wildflower honey over an oat base. 

    • Cocoa: Malted cocoa combined with toasted coconut for a richer bite.

    • Almond: Toasted almonds paired with aromatic cardamom in an oat crust. 

    • Walnut: Toasty walnuts, often paired with cranberry and fennel notes.

    • Ginger: Bold ginger adds warmth, layered into the oat biscuit.

    • Gruyère with Black Pepper: A savory new release featuring nutty cheese and a mild pepper finish.

    • Hazelnut: New flavor featuring roasted hazelnuts blended into the buttery oat base. Slightly sweet, slightly salty.

    🌟 Brand Philosophy & Special Attributes

    • Farmhouse heritage meets innovation: Inspired by Effie’s original recipe from Nova Scotia and carried forward with modern, diverse flavors.

    • Certified Woman-Owned: Co-owned and led by two women, dedicated to high-quality, naturally sourced ingredients.

    • Small-batch, simple recipes: No artificial flavors or preservatives—just wholesome ingredients and careful baking.

    • Perfect for pairing: Effie’s biscuits shine with artisan cheeses, tea, coffee, jams, or fruit spreads. They’re more refined than cookies and more flavorful than crackers. 

  • Founded in 1892 by Charles H. Doerr in Berlin, Ontario (now Kitchener) as a small cookie and candy shop, the business grew quickly. In 1919 it became C.H. Doerr Company, and after a devastating factory fire in 1943, it was rebuilt and renamed Dare in 1945 for easier pronunciation.

    Today, Dare Foods is headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario, operates seven to eight manufacturing plants across Canada and the U.S., and has over 1,300 employees, producing snacks for North America and exporting to over 50 countries. 

    🥠 Iconic Brands & Product Lines

    Popular Brands from Dare include:

    • Bear Paws – fun, maple-flavored kids’ cookies

    • Maple Leaf Crème Cookies, Whippets, Wagon Wheels

    • Breton Crackers, Vinta Crackers, Melba Toast, Baguettes Bites

    • REALFRUIT Gummies and RealFruit Minis – naturally sweetened gummy candies

    • Simple Pleasures, Breaktime Chocolate Chip Cookies, and others. They also produce cookies, candies, fine breads, and snacks including non-cookie lines under RealFruit and Grissol branded breads.

  • 🛒 2. FOODMatch, Inc. (Mediterranean foods importer)

    • FOODMatch (based in New York, founded 1996) is a gourmet importer and producer of Mediterranean specialty foods—think olives, antipasti, spreads, sauces, vinegars.

    • They own brands like Divina, Barnier, LaMedina, Peppadew, and offer a wide selection of olives (Kalamata, Castelvetrano), artichokes, tapenades, balsamic vinegars, and more.

    • They operate specialty foodservice, retail grocery, deli & foodservice channels, and support brands with sustainability, traceability, regenerative agriculture, and plastic recovery initiatives.

    Use case: Looking to source a premium Mediterranean olive for your deli, restaurant, or pantry? FOODMatch offers a range of gourmet products suitable for retail or foodservice.

  • What Makes Bonnie’s Jams Different?

    Experience the simplicity of our jams, conserves and jellies. Crafted in small batches from ripe fruit, with just the right amount of cane sugar, a little lemon juice, herbs, spices and other simple ingredients – our jams are the perfect complement to artisan cheese and charcuterie.

     

    Real Fruit. Simple Ingredients. Pure Flavor.

  • Handmade by passionate chocolate lovers who dream about chocolate ... while making chocolate!

    Meet Teresa and her team making exceptional chocolates in Canby, Oregon.

  • Domaine Lumineux is a boutique Oregon winery founded by Francis Ford Coppola in 2019 (originally called Domaine de Broglie) and focused exclusively on estate-grown wines from a 42‑acre, LIVE-certified sustainable vineyard in the Dundee Hills AVA of Willamette Valley Newsberg.

    The winery’s name honors its scientific inspiration—melding light and wine as a nod to quantum mechanics and the pursuit of beauty and clarity in each bottle. Their portfolio includes Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines, all crafted from fruit grown exclusively on-site, emphasizing minimal intervention and close attention to detail.

    In early 2024, Domaine Lumineux opened its new tasting room in historic downtown Newberg, Oregon, housed inside a restored 1890s Victorian building on N Washington Street. The space features both indoor and outdoor seating, vinyl record music, and a small culinary menu that may expand into full chef-driven events in the future.

    Visits offer a friendly and engaging tasting experience: choose from introductory Spectrum flights, deeper Quantum Pinot Noir flights, wine‑and‑cheese pairings, or enjoy by-the-glass or bottle service. Special offerings include Welcome Wednesdays, Happy Hour Thursdays & Fridays, and discounts for locals and club members.

  • 🏞️ Origins & Legacy

    Balsall Creek is a family-owned winery founded by Jon and Lesli Owens, whose multi‑generational Oregon roots trace back to the 1850 Oregon Trail settlement just a few miles from the current vineyard. Inspired by decades of global wine-country travel, the couple retired and turned their dream into reality in 2021, establishing a boutique estate on 35 acres with 20 planted acres and additional plantings in 2021 and 2023.

    Vineyards & Varietals

    Set at elevations of 325–450 ft with south‑southeast slopes and ideal volcanic soils, the estate follows organic, dry‑farmed, LIVE and Salmon Safe certified practices with solar installations planned to exceed their own energy. Beyond Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the vineyard grows an array of distinctive varietals: Gamay Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Aligoté, and Pinot Meunier—including a first release of Aligoté in 2021 and sparkling vintages in development.

    Tasting Room Experience

    In Spring 2024, Balsall Creek opened a modern tasting room featuring multiple indoor spaces (main tasting salon, luxe lounge, open‑kitchen dining) and a 2,500 ft² outdoor terrace with fireplace and vineyard views. Visitors can choose from estate tasting flights (red, white, or mixed, each with at least four wines), or an elevated vineyard tour + tasting experiencewith cheese & charcuterie in a private setting. Light food such as grilled cheese, prosciutto baguettes, or local charcuterie boards are also offered.

  • 🍎 RAW Cider Company – Oregon’s Wild Crafted Cider Experience

    Founded by Levi Danielson, RAW Cider Company began releasing its first batches in mid‑2022, quickly gaining recognition for its modern‑French style and minimal‑intervention approach.

    Situated just outside Dayton, in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley, the cidery operates on a 15‑acre orchard where cider‑specific apples and pears (including foraged fruit from old‑growth trees in Washington) are harvested, dry‑farmed, and fermented using the native yeasts on the fruit—a hallmark of their “Work with Wild” philosophy.

    RAW Cider practices tender, traditional cidermaking rooted in French methods: a slow, deliberate fermentation, hand disgorgement, and meticulous orchard care to produce clean, balanced ciders and perries that express the unique flavors of the Pacific Northwest.

    Their tasting room, open year‑round, invites guests to relax on a patio overlooking the orchard, sample flights or ciders by the glass, and browse their SMALL‑BATCH, award‑winning lineup—like Koosah, Sparkling Perry, and Frequin Rouge—noted for remarkable flavor and texture.Their ciders have earned accolades at regional and international competitions, including medals at the NW Cider Association’s Portland competition and Spain’s Gala of Cider.

  • 🍷 Duck Pond Cellars – Willamette Valley, Oregon

    Founded & Legacy
    Established in 1993 by Doug and Jo Ann Fries—transplants from California—the winery began with vines planted in Dundee and grew steadily into one of Oregon’s most recognizable wine brands. Over three decades, Duck Pond expanded to own and manage more than 1,000 acres across the Willamette and Umpqua Valleys, producing around 40,000–50,000 cases annually.

    Ownership Transition
    In 2018, Duck Pond Cellars was acquired by The Great Oregon Wine Company (a subsidiary of Integrated Beverage Group), including tasting room facilities and around 300 acres of estate vineyards in Oregon’s Dundee Hills and Umpqua regions. Staff and winemaking leadership, including winemaker Trevor Chlanda, were retained through the transition.

    Philosophy & Portfolio
    Duck Pond focuses on sustainably farmed, low-intervention winemaking. Their portfolio highlights varietals like Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Rosé, with some wines certified by the Clean Label Project and Natural Path initiatives for purity and transparency.

    Tasting Room & Experiences
    Located at 23145 OR‑99W in Dundee, the tasting room offers complimentary general tastings (often waived for wine club members) and an elevated “Vineyard to Glass” experience that includes barrel samples and a seasonal tour. Outdoor seating by the pond provides a relaxing backdrop for wine visits.

    Reputation
    Well-regarded for delivering quality wines at approachable price points, Duck Pond has earned a dedicated following as a value-driven Oregon Pinot Noir producer. While some wine enthusiasts have noted stylistic shifts following the ownership change, their wines remain favored for everyday enjoyment.

  • 🥃 Ransom Spirits – Sheridan, Oregon

    Founded in 1997 by Tad Seestedt, Ransom Spirits is a pioneering craft distillery in the Willamette Valley, combining winemaking and distillation in a hands-on, terroir-driven approach. Named both for the founder’s last name and the metaphorical debt he took to fund his dream, the brand embodies passion, resilience, and authenticity.

    Located on a 40-acre organic farm near Sheridan, OR (about 90 minutes southwest of Portland), Ransom grows barley (since 2008) and grapes (since 2010), earning organic certification for the farm in 2011 and for the distillery in 2021.

    Using a hand-hammered, direct-fired French alembic pot still, Ransom makes all their cut decisions by taste and smell—no automation. Their philosophy is built on six core tenets, like farming organically, avoiding shortcuts, celebrating life, and honoring craftsmanship.

    Ransom is known for reviving the Old Tom Gin style—reportedly the first U.S. Old Tom release since Prohibition—and for creating expressive Dry Gin, whiskeys (including award-winning bourbon, rye, and “The Emerald” pot still whiskey), as well as vermouths, grappa, and brandies—all handcrafted on-site.

    Their bourbon, made from a four-grain mash bill, has won top honors such as World Whisky Awards and Double Gold medals. Online reviews highlight its aromatic and complex character, with notes ranging from caramel and vanilla to pepper and marshmallow-like sweetness.

    The tasting room at 23145 Hwy 99W in Dundee (though farm is near Sheridan) is open daily (11 AM–5 PM), offering flights, cocktails, spirits club perks, and tours of their organic farm and distillery facilities.

    Enthusiasts and Redditors often praise Ransom as one of Oregon’s standout distillers, especially for its Old Tom gin and clean, expressive spirits made with integrity and terroir in mind.

  • 🍹 The Tap Trailer – Mobile Beverage Service in Newberg, OR

    • Founded in 2019 as an extension of Social Goods Market, a well-known bottle & tap shop in downtown Newberg. They now operate a fleet of three full-size trailers and a smaller cart, offering stylish, convenient beverage services for a variety of events.

    • What they offer: fully mobile bars specializing in beer, wine, cider, sparkling or frozen wine, cocktails, and non‑alcoholic drinks. Staffed by certified sommeliers and cicerones, they pride themselves on customized, knowledgeable service tailored to client preferences.

    • Ideal for: weddings, corporate functions, farmers markets, private parties, nonprofit fundraisers, brewery events, and more. Their compact trailers are designed to fit into smaller venues where traditional bars wouldn’t work.

    • Service Area & Contact: Based at 500 E 1st St, Newberg, OR, they serve all over the greater Portland metro, the Oregon Coast, and nearby communities. Reachable at 971‑333‑8466.

    • Customer Feedback: Clients rave about their friendly bartenders, excellent selections, seamless coordination, and affordability. One recent review noted:

      “They worked with us ahead of the wedding to curate the perfect list of drinks…so many of our guests commented on how friendly and fun they were.”

  • Here is to the new journey ahead.

    As the proud new owners of RH Wines, we are honored to carry forward the cherished legacy of our renowned Redhawk family of wines while introducing an exciting new line—RH Estate Wines, a collection of distinct varietals crafted with character, personality, and a memorable finish.

    We’re thrilled to share our personal touch with you through our remodeled tasting room, upcoming events, and the natural beauty of our vineyard. Whether you're joining us in person or enjoying a bottle from the comfort of home, we invite you to be part of this next chapter.

    Thank you for being part of the RH Wines family. We can’t wait to raise a glass with you.

    Tracey Rogers & Arron Bell

  • 🧀 Good Company Cheese – Newberg, OR

    📍 Location & Owner
    Located at 602 E 1st Street, Newberg, this boutique cheese bar and shop was opened in 2020 by Kristen Kidney, a seasoned cheesemonger with over 16 years’ experience, including stints at Market of Choice and Portland specialty shops.

    🧀 What They Offer
    A cut-to-order retail case stocks artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, jams, crackers, and accompaniments—featuring European imports and top Oregon creameries like Briar Rose and Rogue. You can shop for take-home goodies or savor cheese-and-charcuterie boards with wine, cider, or craft beer on-site.

    🕒 Hours & Contact
    Open Tuesday–Saturday, 11 AM–5 PM. Phone: (971) 832‑8942

  • 🧀 Mifroma – Swiss Cheese Artisan Expertise

    • Founded in 1964 in Ursy, Switzerland, Mifroma began by converting an old quarry into a natural sandstone cave for aging Gruyère. Over decades, it grew into one of Switzerland’s premier affineurs.

    • Mifroma doesn’t directly produce cheese but selects outstanding regional cheesemakers and oversees the full maturation, packaging, and global distribution process through their expert Maîtres Fromagers.

    • Their signature aging environment—the caves in Ursy and Reichenbach—offers ideal humidity and temperature for AOP‑certified Swiss cheeses like Gruyère, Emmentaler, Raclette, Appenzeller, Tête de Moine.

    • In 2023, Mifroma merged into the Elsa Group, the dairy arm of the Swiss Migros Cooperative, enhancing its capacity while preserving its artisan legacy.

    • Mifroma recently refreshed its brand identity and packaging (2024) to emphasize the artistry, heritage, and craftsmanship of its Maîtres Fromagers and cave-aged cheeses.

    • Their products have earned global acclaim—including 15 medals at the 2023 International World Cheese Awards, across categories from Gruyère to Emmentaler and Appenzeller styles.

  • 🧀 Somerdale International – Pioneering British Cheese Exporter

    • Established in 1990, Somerdale International is based in Wellington, Somerset, UK, and has grown into a global leader in exporting British cheese to over 50 countries, including the U.S., Australia, Canada, and more.

    • They partner with renowned, family-run cheesemakers across the UK and Ireland—such as Barber’s, Quicke’s, Cropwell Bishop, and O’Doherty’s Creamery—to source high-quality classics, artisan cheddars, and flavored blends.

    🍽️ Signature Styles & Innovative Blends

    • Classic offerings include their celebrated Barber’s 1833 Vintage Reserve Cheddar, Blue Stilton, and a wide array of regional varieties produced in tradition-steeped creameries.

    • Well-known signature blends include:

      • Wensleydale with Cranberries, Lemon & Honey, and other fruit-infused fresh cheeses

      • Il Truffelino (truffle-flavored cheddar)

      • Challenger IPA Cheddar and Poacher’s Cheddar (with caramelized onions)

      • Claddagh Bó Irish Cheddar varieties—Original, Porter, Whiskey—waxed in tricolors and popular around St. Patrick’s Day.

  • 🌍 FOODMatch – Gourmet Mediterranean Importer & Brand Owner

    • Founded in 1996, FOODMatch is headquartered in New York City and specializes in sourcing, producing, and distributing Mediterranean specialty foods under its flagship brand Divina, among others.

    • With a catalog of 350–500+ curated products, FOODMatch provides premium olives, antipasti, spreads, sauces, condiments, and ingredients from Mediterranean regions like Greece, Italy, Spain, Morocco, and Turkey.

    • The company emphasizes vertical integration and traceability: closely collaborating with small-scale, family-owned growers to ensure hand-harvested, traditionally cured, clean-label products that reflect terroir and authenticity.

    • FOODMatch has earned multiple SOFI™ Awards (e.g. Best New Product - Olive Oil, Outstanding Savory Snack), reinforcing its reputation for innovation and quality in the specialty foods industry.

    • On the sustainability front, FOODMatch publishes an annual Social Responsibility & Sustainability report (2024), supports initiatives like regenerative agriculture, plastic reclamation via rePurpose Global, and donates food to organizations like City Harvest—donating over 300,000 pounds over the past decade.

  • Sartori Cheese is a fourth-generation, family-owned artisan cheese producer based in Plymouth, Wisconsin, renowned for its award-winning cheeses crafted from high-quality milk sourced exclusively from local family farms.

    🧀 Company Overview

    • Founded: 1939 by Paolo Sartori

    • Location: Plymouth, Wisconsin

    • Specialty: Italian-inspired artisan cheeses, including the acclaimed BellaVitano® line

    • Awards: Over 330 prestigious domestic and international awards, including Best in Show at the 2017 U.S. Championship Cheese Contest for Black Pepper BellaVitano®

    • Sustainability: Committed to environmental stewardship, sourcing milk from local farms within 70 miles to reduce carbon emissions.

    🧀 Signature Products

    • BellaVitano®: A hybrid of Italian and Wisconsin cheesemaking traditions, with flavors such as Merlot, Espresso, Balsamic, and Tomato Basil

    • SarVecchio® Parmesan: A rich, nutty, and creamy Parmesan aged for over 24 months

    • MontAmoré® Cheddar: A creamy white Cheddar with hints of Parmesan.

  • Gourmet Foods International (GFI) is a family-owned specialty food distributor based in Decatur, Georgia, with a legacy dating back to 1967. Founded by Russell McCall, who began his journey in a small cheese shop in Greenwich, Connecticut, GFI has grown into a national leader in the specialty food industry. The company operates 14 strategically located distribution centers across the United States, ensuring efficient service and reduced carbon footprint.

    GFI offers a diverse range of gourmet products, including cheeses, meats, pantry staples, beverages, and specialty items.The company is committed to connecting consumers with exceptional specialty foods from around the world, focusing on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction .

    In 2025, GFI announced significant leadership changes to drive future growth. Brian Scott, who has been with the company since 2002, succeeded Doug Jay as President and CEO. Under Scott's leadership, GFI has expanded its national presence and continues to focus on enhancing supply chain efficiency and delivering high-quality specialty food products nationwide.

    For more information about GFI's products and services, visit gfifoods.com.

  • Champignon Cheese is a German-based brand known for crafting high-quality, artisanal cheeses that blend traditional European cheesemaking with innovative flavors. Founded in Bavaria’s Allgäu region, Champignon produces a variety of specialty cheeses, prized for their rich taste and creamy textures.

    • Cambozola: A unique hybrid cheese combining the creamy, soft characteristics of French triple-cream Brie with the blue-veined mold of Italian Gorgonzola. It offers a mild, buttery flavor with subtle blue cheese notes, making it smooth and approachable.

    • Briettes: These are smaller, fresh, soft-ripened cheeses crafted in traditional French style, often featuring delicate mushroom or herb-infused flavors. They’re creamy, slightly tangy, and perfect for cheese boards or cooking.

    • Other Varieties: Champignon also offers Limburger, Mushroom Brie (infused with fresh champignon mushrooms), and other specialty cheeses known for their distinctive aromas and balanced flavors.

    Champignon emphasizes quality ingredients, vegetarian-friendly microbial rennet, and a commitment to authentic, flavorful cheese experiences that appeal to both traditionalists and adventurous cheese lovers.

  • The Peterson Company, also known as Peterson Cheese, is a family-owned specialty food importer, distributor, and converter based in Auburn, Washington. Established in 1947, the company has built a strong reputation for offering a diverse range of high-quality artisanal foods, including cheese, charcuterie, bakery items, and specialty ingredients.

    Peterson Cheese operates two primary facilities: one in Auburn, WA, and another in Moonachie, New Jersey. From their Auburn warehouse, they provide direct-store delivery (DSD) services along the I-5 corridor, extending from the Canadian border south to Eugene, Oregon. Through partnerships with distribution allies, they also serve broader regions, including Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, and northern Wyoming.

    The company is known for its personalized service and commitment to quality, offering services such as cutting and packing, merchandising and promotion, third-party logistics (3PL), and event support. They maintain a strong presence in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, connecting with over 150 suppliers and artisans to bring innovative products to the market.

    For more information or to explore their offerings, you can visit their website at petersoncheese.com.

  • Beehive Cheese is a family-run creamery that started in 2005 in Northern Utah. We’re known for making hand-crafted cheddar cheeses with unique, flavorful rubs on the outside of the cheese wheel. Our goal has always been to make delicious cheese while staying true to our values: quality, authenticity, community, personal initiative, and being pioneers in cheese.

  • A premier Northwest Food Broker, Specialty Food Sherpa represents great brands like Appel Farms, Twin Sisters Creamery, Willamette Valley Creamery, Pepe Saya and others. Join Patrick and Janie and explore a true taste of the Northwest and the world.

  • Creamy. Sweet. Fresh.

    Our fresh Goat Cheese (chèvre) clean flavor starts with goat milk that makes a short trip from the farms to the creamery, guaranteeing a clean and fresh taste. This cheese has a milky, delicate, mild flavor complemented by hints of tangy sweetness.

  • Experience the best in specialty foods with Eric, Davis Specialty Foods, as he shares products from Culinary Collective, Matiz (A curated taste of Spain and the mediterranean, featuring premium conserves, vibrant spices, and more. Experience the rich flavors of Spain’s regional cuisine in every bite.), The Rodgers Collection (Welcome to Rogers Collection! We travel the world in search of the authentic, the artisanal, the absolutely delicious. We ferry those flavors across oceans, countries and time zones to your table. We source every one our fine foods from fields and groves, hearths and hands we know and love. Despite their premium pedigree, our foods are –at their heart– borne from cooking with family at home.)

    True flavors from all over the world!

A visit to Balsall Creek Winery, located just north of the Dundee Hills in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, inspired this summer pairing. Balsall Creek is a family business, dedicated to producing exceptional quality wines while paying special attention to sustainability and preserving the environment. Wrap fresh peach with prosciutto and top with Chèvre drizzled with aged, sweet balsamic vinegar. Enjoy!

Visit Balsall Creek

We’re welcoming a long time friend, Dave Selden, of 33 Books as a sponsor of the Cheese & Wine Pairing classes and vendor at the Chehalem Food & Wine Showcase. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Dave and pick up one (or more) of his pairing journals. From Cheese to Beer to Cider to Pizza to Coffee and even Doughnuts! Thank you Dave.

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Located in Newberg, Oregon, in the heart of Wine Country, Good Company Cheese & Wine shop curates a cut-to-order cheese and charcuterie case manned by a professional cheesemonger, as well as offering a wide selection of other specialty accompaniments and, of course, wine. Visit Kristin, owner and operator of Good Company Cheese!

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Mifroma is a respected Swiss cheese affineur known for selecting and aging some of Switzerland’s finest cheeses using traditional methods. Rooted in the heart of Gruyère country, Mifroma specializes in maturing cheese in natural sandstone caves, where steady humidity and temperature create the ideal conditions for flavor to develop slowly and deeply.

Their 14-month cave-aged Gruyère is a standout example of this care and tradition. Made from raw cow’s milk and aged in caves deep in the Swiss Alps, this Gruyère develops a dense, crystalline texture and a robust, complex flavor profile. Expect nutty, slightly caramelized notes balanced by a touch of saltiness, with a lingering finish that showcases the craftsmanship of true Swiss cheesemaking. It’s a perfect choice for cheese boards, fondue, or savoring on its own with a glass of crisp white wine or a mellow whiskey. Try this sweet and nutty treat- 14 month Gruyere paired with sweet Italian Cherries!

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Ransom Spirits are produced in Sheridan, Oregon. Offering a variety of spirits both alcoholic and a wonderful selection of non-alcoholic choices. This pairing was inspired by The Emerald 1865 American Whiskey. This award winner has bold aroma of oats, malt, and earthy minerals. the finish is long and satisfying, with a touch of spice. Aged three to six years in mixed cooperage of French and American oak barrels.

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Pay a visit to Gusto Gastronomia Italiana in Newberg today! Thank you to Dario, Kody and their team for great service and GREAT food. Gustone and Rosmarino Osteria Italiana are truly gems that you’ll not want to miss. FYI the cheese shown is Negroni Blue - soaked in gin, sweet red vermouth and bitter liqueur, and topped with candied orange slices.

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Truly located atop the hills in Oregon’s wine country, Jachter Family Wines offers stunning views and award winning wines. Make Jachter Family Wines a destination on your next trip to the Chehalem Valley.

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Champignon Cheese’s Briettes are a delightful line of soft-ripened, ready-to-enjoy cheeses known for their creamy texture, mild, buttery flavor, and convenient individual packaging. Crafted in Germany, Briettes are made with high-quality milk and feature a delicate white rind, making them perfect for snacking, picnics, or elegant cheese boards. Their approachable taste and smooth consistency appeal to both new cheese lovers and seasoned connoisseurs alike. Find your favorite flavors - Creamy & Mild, Creamy & Blue - Creamy & Buttery Red - Dulce de Leche - Smoky - and their newest flavors, Chai Style & Tropical. Lactose Free, Gluten Free, Made with rBST free milk, Pasteurized and Vegetarian Friendly!
”Champignon-Hofmeister’s success is rooted in the values of our family-run business—responsibility, loyalty, trust, and appreciation. Our dedicated employees craft consistently high-quality products using expertise, modern technology, and the finest local milk. The result is a diverse range of premium cheese brands loved nationally and internationally. We take pride in our heritage for 100 years and look forward to shaping the future of the Champignon-Hofmeister Group.”

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