The only thing Beth O’Leary is more passionate about than tasting cheese is sharing the story of how they make it.
After taking over the Woombye Cheese legacy two years ago, Beth and husband Simon have seen the artisan business go from strength to strength.
Much of this growth has been from enthusiasm and community engagement they have built since taking over from the founders, the Paynter family, who started the company in mid 2013.
That has brought new products and the opening of cellar door sales of a Saturday from 10-2pm.
These innovations are due to the popularity of the artisan cheesemaking process, and is seeing the expansion at the West Woombye factory.
“I suppose you could call it Woombye Cheese 2.0,” Beth said.
“There are cheeses for tasting and some other local products available as well.
“We want people to come and be comfortable, while we take them through the process of cheesemaking – what we do and what we’ve got available.
“We are expanding the factory and will conduct tours in the future.”
Along with the cellar door is the launch to the public of Persian feta cheese in 1kg tubs.
The feta has been available to food services, cafes and restaurants for chefs to use in their menus.
“We have decided to retail it in a 1kg tub that will last families for some time,” Beth said, “as it’s got a good shelf life.
“It can be used as a spread, whip it up and make your own dip, put it in quiche and frittatas because it melts nicely.
“I like the idea you can cook with cheese … it’s quite versatile.
“We’ve left our feta straight with no flavouring because that’s the way the chefs want it – they can do what they like with it.
“You can use it right down to the last drop of oil – if I’m making dip I will use the oil with it.
Cheesemaker Stefan Wilson was already making the feta and will be making more of it, as Woombye Cheese are trialling it now at some outlets.
Stefan Wilson has been at Woombye Cheese for the nine years it has been in operation.
He consistently makes good cheese, Beth said.
As for the business, coming into their third year in March, Beth said the time has flown yet they have achieved so much in that time.
It has been highlighted by a number of awards including their Blackall Gold washed rind cheese announced as grand champion in the cheese category at the 2023 Australian Grand Dairy Awards.
There were successes as well at Sydney Royal Cheese and Dairy Produce Show, and grand champion dairy product of show 2022 Royal Queensland Cheese and Dairy Awards.
“Sales have grown,” Beth said. ” We sort of re-established ourselves as a brand I suppose.
“Basically we’ve just done more shows, festivals, events, and probably more community engagement.
“It’s been nice how we’ve met other people in the industry, other people who are on the same journey as us – having their own business.
“I just had someone from Graceville come up here from a fruit shop/deli who wanted to know more about our story.
“That means he can talk about it more at the shop.
“That’s what makes the world go round … you know, joining the dots and communicating with each other.
“I think it’s nice that we can share the story more easily.
“If there’s one thing I like more than cheese, it’s telling the story of cheese and what we do here.
“The great part of the food industry is encouraging users to understand about food; where it comes from, what are the benefits, what does it taste like?
“It’s one thing having a local product – it also needs to be good.
“We had to replace a vat recently and we asked Stefan – our cheese maker – did he want one with an automatic handle to stop it mixing when the cheese was ready?
“He said: ‘What do you want … supermarket cheese or do you want artisan?’
“He understands that it’s the toughest and most important part of making cheese.
“Here’s someone who knows their craft so well – that they know to stir this batch for an extra three minutes.”
Woombye Cheese is open 10-2pm Saturdays unless closed for private functions. All other times are occupied with heavy vehicles and running the business.
Address: 463-481 Blackall Range Road, West Woombye.
