Thistle Hill's John & Janine Putnam (photo courtesy of Thistle Hill Farm)

Thistle Hill Farm in Pomfret, Vermont has been a certified organic farm for over 15 years, having started out as a part time endeavor of the family of John and Janine Putnam. While making improvements to the farm they decided to pursue dairy alone, but it was not enough to sustain the family and farm and John continued his work as a lawyer.

In 1999, the Putnams went to Switzerland, where they visited almost every major cheesemaking region in the Swiss, French and Italian Alps. They’re quest was to find a cheese they loved that was produced in conditions matching as closely as possible the climate of Pomfret in the hills of Vermont. The journey led the family of six to Beaufort, France. There they were told of a Frenchman in the mountains above Moutiers who would tell them all they needed to know.

They found him at home on a Sunday afternoon. Having milked his cows, made some cheese, tended chores, and cleaned the kitchen, he had an hour for himself before evening chores and milking. So he seemed less than overjoyed to see two lost souls on his doorstep at a time when a nap seemed like a good idea. He let John and Janine struggle in French for a while before inviting them in for coffee in perfect English.

He makes Beaufort "alpage" from the milk of 100 Tarine cows, twice a day, everyday, all summer long. He is famous for his cheese, and for falling asleep at dinner. He said "to make Beaufort is too meticulous for you". That was the hook. He found the Putnams an apprentice and both have helped the family ever since. He now thinks that "maybe our job is OK". The Putnam’s Thistle Hill Tarentaise is the happy result, among the most superb cheese creations anywhere in the world, garnering prestigious First Place awards from the American Cheese Society in both 2004 and 2006!

If you'd like to purchase a 1/2 wheel or full wheel of the Putnam's Tarentaise go to: Organic Tarentaise Raw Milk Cheese