Welcome to Vermont Shepherd. We are a sheep dairy and cheese producer in Westminster West, VT. We make three cheeses: Vermont Shepherd, Invierno and Ricotta Lana as well as a sheep's milk yogurt. Come visit our farm store and see the farm!
Greetings from Vermont Shepherd! Nestled in the hills of Westminster West, VT rests Patch Farm. The 250 acre farm is run by David and Yessenia Ielpi Major. There they run a sheep dairy with a milking herd of 170 ewes and make cheeses and a sheep's milk yogurt. Vermont Shepherd cheeses include:
Vermont Shepherd: This pure sheep's milk cheese is aged for 3-6 months to achieve a smooth, creamy texture and a delicate tangy, slightly nutty flavor. Almost twenty years ago, Vermont Shepherd was the first sheep's milk cheese is the country and it continues to be a favorite today. Due to its limited supply, Vermont Shepherd is only available from August through January, except at our farm store.
Invierno: Our winter cheese. Invierno is made by blending the rich, Autumn sheep's milk with cow milk from Live Water Farm up the road. This unique blend of milks gives the cheese its pungent spicy flavor. Invierno is aged in our cave for 5-15 months. Meaning winter in Spanish, Invierno is the only cheese we produce during the winter months. It is also our only cheese available year round!
Ricotta Lana: This is a traditional sheep's milk ricotta. Made only during the summer from the way of the sheep's milk, this ricotta salata is light, sweet and only slightly salty. This fresh milk cheese is only available during the summer months. Ricotta Lana is a favorite of Lana, David and Yessenia's daughter and the cheese's namesake.
Sheep's Milk Yogurt: Rich, creamy and tangy this yogurt is reminiscent of a Greek style yogurt and perfect for those who cannot eat cow's milk. This summer treat is delicious with granola or cut fruit and much missed when Fall brings an end to its season.
Come visit our farm store to see which local products we carry to accompany the cheese or visit our website for more information. We hope to see you on the farm!
