Rogue Creamery

Rogue Creamery’s story begins in 1933 when an industrious entrepreneur from Portland, Oregon worked with the city of Central Point to create Southern Oregon’s first artisan creamery cooperative—the Rogue River Valley Co-op. Their aim was to support local dairy farmers struggling to make ends meet in the height of the Great Depression. With its fertile soils, ample water, and rolling pastureland, the Rogue Valley proved a very successful location for raising dairy cows and making cheese. Soon, two “cheese giants” took notice, including legendary cheesemaker, Tom Vella. Together with his partner, he transformed the small cooperative into a thriving cheese factory.