Vermont Business Magazine Vermont’s dairy leadership was once again on full display at the annual American Cheese Society (ACS) Competition. In a historic performance, Vermont makers swept the event with a record-breaking 54 total awards. Part of this masterful showing for local agriculture were sister brands Grafton Village Cheese Company and Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company, securing three major accolades each.
As the most prestigious sensory evaluation of its kind in the Americas, the ACS awards celebrate quality-driven dairy. The outstanding performance of both brands comes down to a shared dedication to Vermont’s working landscape, premium local milk, and distinct regional flavors:
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Grafton Village Cheese Company honors traditions dating back to 1892, using raw milk from small, local family farms. Handcrafted and slow-aged in specialized caves, these cheeses capture the natural, complex flavors of the landscape.
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Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company blends old-world recipes with creative innovation. Utilizing 100% Vermont milk, they celebrate local food culture through both traditional styles and unique flavor profiles.
The Award-Winning Lineup
Grafton Village Cheese (Cave-Aged Line):
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Bear Hill: Gold Medal (Sheep's Milk Cheeses)
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Storyteller: Silver Medal (American-Made/International Style)
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Shepsog: Bronze Medal (Cheddars)
Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company:
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Maple Bacon Cheddar: Gold Medal (Flavored Cheeses, Butter, and Cultured Dairy Products)
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Brie: Bronze Medal (Soft-Ripened Cheeses)
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Smoked Brie (New & Coming Soon!): Bronze Medal (Smoked Cheeses)
"To see Vermont makers sweep the competition is incredibly moving," said Kent Underwood, who also was awarded the Meritorious Service Award for his work with Vermont Farmstead. "Our wins belong to our production teams, the local dairy farmers we partner with daily, and the unique terroir of the Green Mountains."
For local retailers looking to bring these hometown champions to their shelves, or for neighbors looking to order directly to their door, visit https://vermontfarmstead.com/.
About the Brands
Bringing together over a century of traditional cheddaring heritage from Grafton and community-founded artisanal innovation from South Woodstock and Windsor, these sister brands preserve Vermont’s working landscape and deliver exceptional dairy products across the state and nationwide.
7.16.2026. GRAFTON & WINDSOR, VT — Grafton Village Cheese Company
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