Cheese in British Columbia - Upper Bench Cheese

This will be the first in a series of profiles on cheesemakers and cheeseries in British Columbia.  Check each month for some amazing artisan cheeses and the wines that pair well with them.  Enjoy!

Located at 170 Upper Bench Road South in Penticton is the new cheesery of long time cheesemaker Shana Miller.  The cheeses made from 100 % pasturized cow's milk from D Dutchaman Dairy in Sicamous, BC are hand crafted on site.  Shana makes 8 different washed rind, brie and blue cheeses.  Personal favourites are the Okanagan Sun squared and the Italian Gold.  All of the cheeses are gluten and additive free.  Phone 250-770-1733  www.upperbench.ca/cheese

Wine and Cheese Pairings

Pinot Gris & Italian Gold - Like a summer in tuscany, garlic, sun-dried tomatos and herbs shared with a crisp pinot gris with enough body to hold the texture of this cheese.  Summer in a glass.

Chardonnay & Gold - With a firmer texture, a medium bodied Chardonnay that has a subtle buttery component will compliment this wash rind cheese.

Sparkling & U & Brie  - Nothing washes away the creaminess of a silky cheese like the scouring bubbles of sparkling. Match up the luxury of this creamie brie with the racy acidity of sparkling brut. Perfect anytime.

The cheese is available at restaurants and fine cheese merchants throughout British Columbia.  Use their handy outlet locator for a retailer or restaurant near you.

http://www.upperbench.ca/where-to-buy/   Or visit Shana at the cheesery:

Hours

April through October 31st: open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
November 1st through December 22nd: open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Holidays: We will be closed December 23rd, 2013 to January 5th, 2014.
January through March: open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.