Words by Amanda Kennedy Images Supplied
It takes a certain kind of passion to make the move from the city to Victoria’s Alpine region to make cheese. Luke Armstrong and Vanessa Lipscombe are just those kind of people.
They established their micro dairy The Peaks Artisan Cheesemakers in 2018 in Myrtleford and have been plugging away making some of Victoria’s most sought-after cheese ever since. They source their milk from a single local farm in the Kiewa Valley for maximum freshness with one goal in mind – to create the best cheese possible.
Previously their range of cheese was only available through selected cheesemongers, farmers markets, some wineries and restaurants. Recently, demand has grown for their organic cows and goats milk cheese so much that they’ve just opened themselves a providore in the heart of Bright.
‘It’s actually kind of hidden away down a little arcade. We call it a petite providore,’ explains Vanessa. ‘Because I’ve been on the farmer’s market circuit for the last two or three years, a lot of the stuff I stock is from people I know from the market. So, I’m assured they’re a small producer.’
I’ve got the local stuff – olive oil, terrines, pâté – and then I’ve got other fancy stuff like canned fish from Spain.
Sounds like the perfect spot for a road trip stop to hunter-gather yourself a grazing platter. They can organise gift hampers too, featuring a selection of locally produced treats and, of course, some sensational cheese. And if you’re lucky, you might even get a chance to chat with the cheesemaker himself.
THE DETAILS
WHAT: The Peaks Artisan Cheesemakers Shop
WHERE: Shop 5/4 Ireland Street, Bright
WHEN: Wednesday – Sunday 10:30am – 5 pm
MORE INFO: instagram.com/thepeakscheese
We wish to acknowledge the Taungurung people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.
