Oakdale Cheese & Specialties

In the heart of the picturesque valley where the city of Oakdale lies, you'll find a true gourmet paradise — Oakdale Cheese & Specialties. It's not just a shop, but a unique family-run creamery that brought the best traditions of Dutch craftsmanship to the USA. An atmosphere of home comfort and genuine passion for the craft prevails here.

Visitors can learn about the process of creating the famous Gouda cheese, which is made according to old recipes. This place has become a significant spot on the region's gastronomic map, attracting tourists with the opportunity to see production with their own eyes and taste high-quality products free of artificial additives.

The complex includes not only the production facilities and shop but also a well-kept garden with a small pond, where you can take a break from the road and enjoy your purchased treats. It is an ideal place for a family visit, combining an educational tour with a pleasant stroll in the fresh air.

To contact the representatives of Oakdale Cheese & Specialties or clarify visit details, you can use the communication channels listed below. We recommend checking their official website in advance to see the current product range and any seasonal offers.

The main reason to visit this place is, undoubtedly, the cheese tasting. You can try dozens of types of Gouda: from classic young to aged, as well as original varieties with herbs, garlic, or fenugreek seeds. Be sure to try the signature cream cheese and homemade yogurt, which are famous for their delicate natural flavor.

In addition to gastronomic pleasures, guests are invited to watch the production process through special viewing windows. You will see huge vats and long shelves lined with neat wheels of cheese waiting for their time in the aging room. This is a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of a real farm operation.

For those traveling with children, a nice addition will be a visit to the small petting corner, home to friendly goats and alpacas. They can be fed with special food, which always brings a lot of joy to little visitors. You can round off your visit with a picnic by the pond, having bought fresh bread, homemade cookies, and, of course, your favorite type of cheese from the local shop.

The attraction is located at 10040 CA-120, right on the highway leading toward the famous Yosemite National Park. The most convenient and reliable way to get here is by personal or rental car. The drive from the city center takes only about 5–7 minutes, and bright signs along the road will ensure you don't miss it.

If you prefer not to drive, you can use local taxi services or popular ride-sharing apps. Public transport in this area is limited, so an individual transfer is the most comfortable option, allowing you to avoid relying on schedules and enjoy your countryside outing in peace.

The history of Oakdale Cheese & Specialties began in 1983 when the Bulk family, who moved from the Netherlands, decided to establish their own production. Walter and Lenneke brought with them not just luggage, but secret family recipes for making Gouda that had been passed down through their family for generations.

Interestingly, the city was not chosen by chance — the local climate and agricultural conditions reminded the founders of their homeland. Initially, it was a very small farm, but thanks to the high quality of the products and a strict commitment to tradition, it quickly gained recognition among locals and travelers alike.

Over decades of diligent work, the creamery has received numerous awards at prestigious national and international competitions. Despite its success and expansion, the production remains a family business, where every stage — from collecting the milk to packaging the finished product — is strictly controlled by the owners, preserving the true authenticity of Dutch cheese.

For a quick look around the shop and a tasting of the main cheese varieties, about 45–60 minutes will be quite enough. This is sufficient time to choose your favorite delicacies and take a few souvenir photos.

However, if you plan to leisurely watch the production through the viewing windows, feed the animals in the mini-zoo, and have a small picnic in the shady garden, you should set aside 1.5–2 hours for your visit. The atmosphere here is conducive to relaxed leisure, so you won't want to rush during your walk.

Oakdale Cheese & Specialties is open to visitors daily, making it a convenient stop on any day of the week. The schedule is consistent: the doors are open from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.

This schedule makes it easy to fit a visit into your California travel itinerary. Keep in mind that hours may change on holidays, so it's worth double-checking the information by phone before traveling on such dates.

After visiting the creamery, you can continue exploring the surrounding area. The city offers many interesting places where you can experience local culture, see historical monuments, or simply enjoy a delicious lunch to complement your trip.