Say Cheese!

(plus milk, ice cream and more at this family farm and cheeseworks in French Creek)

BY JENNIFER BLYTH

Sometimes happy accidents can be life-changing. So it was when Manitoba dairy farmers Albert Gorter and Chelsea Enns happened to tour Little Qualicum Cheeseworks while on a visit to Vancouver Island.

Fast-forward a few years and as the two were looking for an opportunity to explore the processing side of the dairy business, they learned Little Qualicum’s owner was planning to retire. Not only could they see their own dream fulfilled, but the Island company that had delighted cheese lovers since 2001 would continue to thrive.

“We had always wanted to diversify our dairy farming, getting more into the processing. It’s more self-sufficient and closes the loop,” Chelsea says. “We knew we had good-quality milk, but how do we take the next step?”

That step came when the Cheeseworks became available, and after selling their shares in the family farm in Manitoba, the young family moved west, with Albert managing the mixed herd of more than 50 grass-fed cows and Chelsea handling the cheeseworks, along with the many team members who stayed with them following the transition.

“Right from the start, it felt great here. Everyone was super welcoming and excited for us to be here and for what the future would hold for Little Qualicum Cheeseworks,” Chelsea says. “Albert grew up on the family farm – that’s his passion – and I’m looking after the cheeseworks. We couldn’t do it without each other.”

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks was founded in 2001 by Clarke and Nancy Gourlay, who, after a career in humanitarian aid and development, moved to Vancouver Island to explore their dream of making Swiss-style artisan cheese. From their start with a handful of cows on a rented farm, making cheese in a renovated school-portable, they later purchased the 88-acre Morningstar Farm in French Creek, a heritage farm between Parksville and Qualicum Beach. Little Qualicum Cheeseworks had found its permanent home.

Today, Albert and Chelsea, with youngsters Rory and Willa, continue the vision the Gourlays started – not only to make delicious cheese, but to welcome the community to the farm for that agriculture experience.

Visitors are welcome to enjoy a self-guided tour of the farm, watch the live stream – no pun intended – of the robotic milker, a voluntary milking system, and interact with the calves and farm animals including sheep, goats and rabbits. You can also try also Canada’s first “milk on tap” dispenser, and watch the cheese-making through the windows from an outside deck. Next, stop by the farmgate store, where you’ll find a wide range of artisan cheeses along with specialty local foods, gifts, baked goods and an espresso bar.

What’s next for Little Qualicum Cheeseworks? We’re always trying out new things and doing little improvisations that we’ll have available here in the shop, Chelsea says. “We’re also working on a few new products for the coming year and trying to get out to more restaurants and events.”

Looking ahead to the spring and summer season, more help is always needed around the shop, especially once ice cream season arrives, she says, encouraging locals to get in touch! “We’re also looking forward to opening the café for the summer season this year.”

In the meantime, look for a full range of Little Qualicum Cheeseworks products in your Country Grocer deli case.

Plan your visit to Little Qualicum

Cheeseworks

Morningstar Farm and Little Qualicum

Cheeseworks are located together in French Creek, north of Parksville at 403 Lowry’s Rd. Open Tuesday to Sunday year-round, visit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

You can also call ahead to order a “Free Ranger” charcuterie box to round out your experience.

Learn more online at cheeseworks.ca