What Makes Cheese “Artisan”?

Artisan cheese stands apart because of how it’s made. Unlike factory-produced cheese, these are crafted by people with years of hands-on experience. They often use traditional methods, including hand-moulding, stirring curds by hand, and even ageing cheese in natural caves or cellars.

The ingredients are simple and pure: mostly milk, salt, starter cultures, and rennet. But the result can be surprising. Artisan cheesemakers select milk from small farms, often using milk from a single herd of cows, goats or sheep. This gives every wheel of cheese a unique flavour depending on the season, what the animals eat, and even the weather.

What’s truly amazing is the level of care that goes into each batch. Expert cheesemakers use their senses — sight, smell, feel and taste — to judge when a cheese is perfect. It’s not just a product; it’s their way of life.

Types of Artisan Cheese to Try

With so many textures and flavours to choose from, it’s hard to pick favourites. But here are some standout types we think you’ll love:

Soft Cheese

Think gooey and creamy like Brie or Camembert. These cheeses ripen from the outside in, with soft moulds that bloom around the rind. They’re rich, earthy, and ideal with crusty bread or fresh apples.

Hard Cheese

These take longer to age and often have a crumbly texture and deep, nutty taste. Cheddar is a favourite, especially when made in traditional clothbound wheels. We also love Red Leicester and Lincolnshire Poacher for their bold character.

Blue Cheese

Blue veins running through the cheese give it a strong punch. These are matured in special conditions where air can help the blue mould grow from the inside. Stilton is a classic British example, creamy, piquant and crumbly.

Goat’s Cheese

Loaded with personality, goat’s cheese often has a tangy sharpness and is lighter on the palate. From fresh logs to aged wheels with briny rinds, this type suits salads, flatbreads or just enjoyed with honey.

You’ll find all these and more when browsing our artisan cheese selection at the Cheese Shop Nantwich.

Meet the Makers: Skilled Cheesemakers at Work

Behind every artisan cheese is a cheesemaker who knows their craft inside and out. These artisans go beyond just making good cheese; it’s about caring for the animals, tending to the milk, and checking cheeses every step of the way.

Many start their day at sunrise, helping milk cows, sheep or goats before preparing fresh milk for cheesemaking. Once warmed and curdled, the milk needs constant monitoring. They cut, stir, press and shape the curds, then salt and age them for weeks, months, or even years.

Maturing is key to flavour. During this time, cheesemakers turn and brush the rinds, keep humidity just right, and even move cheeses around for even ripening. It’s slow, careful work that machines just can’t do.

These people are not just following a recipe; they’re keeping centuries-old traditions alive and adding their own creativity to every batch.

Handmade Cheese from Local Farms

At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we believe in supporting local dairy farms and independent cheesemakers. We’ve built close relationships with suppliers who focus on animal welfare and treat the land kindly. Happy, well-fed animals produce better milk, and better milk makes amazing cheese.

From the lush pastures of Cheshire to the green hills of Yorkshire and the rolling fields of Cornwall, our farmers are proud of what they raise. And when that milk is fresh and pure, the cheese becomes something truly special.

Many of our cheeses are also seasonal. That means you’ll sometimes find rare varieties that are only made during certain times of the year, just like fruit and vegetables. It makes each visit exciting; you never know what you might discover.

Pairing and Serving Artisan Cheese

Artisan cheese is best enjoyed with good company and simple pairings. Here are a few easy tips to get the best out of your cheeseboard:

• Take it out of the fridge an hour before serving. Cold cheese doesn’t show off all its flavours.
• Offer variety: a soft, a hard, a blue and a goat’s cheese are a good mix.
• Add texture: crackers, crusty bread, fresh or dried fruit, nuts and pickles bring contrast.
• Complement with drinks: Red wine goes well with stronger cheeses, while white wine, cider or ale can be lovely with soft or delicate ones. Even a strong cup of tea works wonders.
• Don’t cut the rind off automatically – taste it first. Some rinds are soft and full of flavour, others add texture and bring out the inner cheese.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out our current collection at the Cheese Shop Nantwich online shop where you can see our top picks and seasonal favourites.

Why Artisan Cheese is Better for the Planet

Choosing artisan cheese also helps the environment. Small-scale farms often avoid overusing resources and focus instead on natural cycles.

They often use less plastic packaging, reduce food miles, and avoid over-processing. When animals are raised with space to graze and eat naturally, it also keeps the soil healthier and biodiversity stronger.

Buying handmade cheese also means more money stays in the community. You’re supporting family businesses, not giant factories. Every pound helps keep skilled cheesemakers doing what they love.

Frequently Asked Questions About Artisan Cheese

Is artisan cheese safe to eat if it’s unpasteurised?
Yes, artisan cheese made from raw milk in the UK must meet strict health standards. Skilled cheesemakers take great care to control every step of the process.

How long does artisan cheese last?
Each cheese is different. Soft cheeses may only keep for a week or two once opened, but hard varieties can last for months. Wrap in wax paper or cheese paper and store in the fridge.

Can I freeze artisan cheese?
It’s not ideal, as freezing can change the texture. If you must, only freeze hard cheeses and defrost slowly in the fridge.

What’s the white stuff on the rind?
White moulds are perfectly safe and part of the cheese’s character. It helps form the rind that protects the cheese and adds flavour.

Why is artisan cheese more expensive?
Because it takes skill, time and high-quality ingredients. You’re not just buying cheese; you’re supporting traditional methods and local makers.

Can I order artisan cheese online?
Yes! We offer a wide selection of handmade British and European cheeses at the Cheese Shop Nantwich website, and we deliver straight to your door.

Discover the Joy of Real Handmade Cheese

Artisan cheese is more than just food. It’s culture, tradition, and craft, wrapped into every slice. From the farm to the cheesemaker to your plate, there’s a story to enjoy with each bite.

At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we care about where our cheese comes from and how it’s made. That’s why we handpick every variety, making sure you’re getting the very best from skilled cheesemakers across the UK and beyond.

Explore our full selection online at the Cheese Shop Nantwich and find your new favourites today. Whether you’re building a cheeseboard, planning a picnic or just treating yourself, there’s something here for everyone who loves real cheese.