The Heart and Soul Behind Tarago Cheese
WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH
IMAGES: MARCEL AUCAR
There's something truly magical about seeing where a product comes from...
Meeting the hardworking people behind it, walking the fields, meeting the beautiful animals and witnessing the craftsmanship and passion that goes into every single step. It's one thing to enjoy a lovely cheese board at home, but it's another entirely to stand on the very land where it all begins. And that's exactly what I experienced during my recent visit to Tarago Cheese Factory, a cheese brand that celebrates not just flavour but also heritage, heart, and an unwavering connection to the land.
In the lush, rolling hills of South Gippsland, the Tarago Cheese Company has been a proud part of Victoria's dairy heritage since the late 1970s. Family-owned and operated, Tarago has long championed traditional cheesemaking methods, blending time-honoured European techniques with a distinctly Aussie spirit. The region itself is a cheesemaker's dream, with its lush, fertile land, gentle climate, abundant rainfall, and endless green pastures. South Gippsland produces exceptionally high-quality milk. And it is this milk that is the heart and soul of Tarago cheese.
It was such a fantastic learning experience to visit these farmlands, meet the animals and spend a golden afternoon in South Gippsland. The air is crisp, the landscape stretches endlessly, and everywhere you look, there's a sense of purpose — a deep respect for nature and its animals that make it all possible. After spending time on the land and inside the factory, it's evident that Tarago cheese is more than just a product. It's a story about a farming family and its next generation of producers, creating absolute deliciousness from their much-loved dairy cows. Their dedication to quality shines through in every bite, every creamy texture, every perfectly packaged wedge.
From the fields, we journeyed inside the Tarago Cheese factory, where the real fun begins! Here, milk transforms into something extraordinary, a process equal parts art and science. Watching the cheesemakers at work was mesmerising, and I am so excited that I get to play cheesemaker for the day! There's such a specific science to it all, where years of experience, exploration and innovation are so evident.
Every step, from stirring the curds in a steamy room to aging the wheels in walk-in fridges, every single step is made with such care that you can feel the love behind it. And you can certainly taste it when it hits that platter!
So, come take a walk with me through beautiful farmlands, sneak behind the scenes, and join our chats with the farmers and cheesemakers themselves. It's time to learn all about Tarago cheese. A world that celebrates tradition, taste, and craftsmanship. This isn't just about what's on the plate. It's about the journey —from lush paddocks to your table —and the very special people who make it happen.
Next time you enjoy a slice of Tarago's Shadows of Blue, or a creamy wedge of Shadows of White, know that you're tasting more than cheese. You're tasting a story — one of premium farming land, passionate producers, and a new generation proudly carrying on the legacy of excellence. Because at its heart, this isn't just cheese.
