Сид Кук празднует 40-летие Carr Valley Cheese: четыре десятилетия традиций и инноваций в висконсинском сыроварении

Four Decades of Tradition, Innovation and Award-Winning Wisconsin Cheesemaking September 2, 2026 | 3 min to read LA VALLE, Wis. — Forty years ago, on September 1, 1986, Sid Cook purchased Carr Valley Cheese in La Valle, Wisconsin, beginning a journey that would help shape the future of Wisconsin artisan cheesemaking. Today, Carr Valley Cheese celebrates 40 years of cheesemaking under Sid Cook, marking four decades of dedication to excellence, innovation and the Wisconsin dairy traditions that have made the company a recognized name among cheese lovers around the world. When Cook purchased Carr Valley Cheese in 1986, he was taking ownership of a Wisconsin cheese company with deep roots in the local dairy industry. Over the past four decades, he has built upon that foundation while developing Carr Valley into a nationally recognized artisan cheese producer known for its award-winning cheeses and commitment to quality. “When I bought the factory from the Mueller Brothers, they wanted to retire and had considered closing the factory so they could. They were so happy to find a young man to work with and so proud of their accomplishments.” Under Cook’s leadership, Carr Valley Cheese has grown its portfolio to more than 100 varieties of cheese, ranging from traditional Wisconsin favorites to distinctive specialty and aged cheeses. The company has earned recognition at national and international competitions while continuing to make cheese using traditional methods alongside innovative approaches to flavor, aging and cheesemaking. Cook’s influence extends beyond Carr Valley Cheese. As a Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker with multiple certifications, he has dedicated his career to advancing the craft and preserving the knowledge and traditions that distinguish Wisconsin cheesemaking. His work has also helped inspire the next generation of cheesemakers and reinforce Wisconsin’s reputation as America’s Dairyland and a world-class cheese-producing region. Four Decades of Cheesemaking, Growth and Memories Over the years, Carr Valley Cheese has evolved from a small local operation into a company with multiple production facilities and retail locations throughout Southwestern Wisconsin. Yet the heart of the business remains the same: making exceptional cheese and sharing the story behind it. From developing new varieties and aging specialty cheeses to working alongside generations of cheesemakers, dairy farmers, employees, retailers and customers, Cook has witnessed enormous changes in the cheese industry. “I grew up in Irish Valley where my dad had a cheese factory making raw milk cheeses with milk in cans until the late 1960s. When you opened the kitchen door, the cheese vats were right there.” Today, Carr Valley uses the tagline “Taste Our Story®” to capture the connection between the cheese and the people and traditions behind it. Looking Ahead As Carr Valley Cheese enters its fifth decade under Cook’s leadership, the company remains focused on the same principles that have guided it for the past 40 years: - Quality - Craftsmanship - Innovation - A deep respect for Wisconsin’s cheesemaking heritage “We are very proud of all the cheesemakers, staff, previous owners, and farmers that have helped make Carr Valley what it is today. Without great quality milk, we could not have made the journey.” Carr Valley Cheese will commemorate the milestone throughout 2026 with celebrations highlighting its history, cheesemaking traditions, employees, products and the people who have helped make the company what it is today. About Carr Valley Cheese Carr Valley Cheese is a fourth-generation Wisconsin artisan cheese producer located in the Driftless region of Wisconsin. Founded in 1902, the company has been owned by Master Cheesemaker Sid Cook since 1986. Carr Valley produces more than 100 varieties of award-winning cheeses, including specialty, aged, blue, cheddar and Bread Cheese® varieties. With a commitment to traditional cheesemaking, innovation and quality, Carr Valley Cheese continues to share the story of Wisconsin cheese with customers across the country.