Arethusa Europa Makes History by Winning U.S. Champion Cheese Contest Again

Arethusa Europa's Remarkable Achievement in Cheese

In a historic event held on March 6, 2025, Arethusa Europa, a renowned cheese produced by Arethusa Farm Dairy, was crowned the U.S. Champion Cheese for the second consecutive year at the prestigious U.S. Championship Cheese Contest. This marks a milestone as it’s the first time in the competition’s long history that a cheese has achieved back-to-back victories.

Crafted meticulously in Bantam, Connecticut, Arethusa Europa is a stunning aged gouda that managed to outshine an impressive 2,414 entries from across the nation, securing a remarkable score of 98.89 out of 100. This victory was clinched by a razor-thin margin of just one hundredth of a point ahead of its nearest rival.

The competition itself was intense, featuring some of the finest cheesemakers in the United States. The first runner-up position was taken by the St. Malachi Reserve, produced by The Farm at Doe Run in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, which scored 98.88. In third place, Cello Organic Copper Kettle Parmesan from Lake Country Dairy-Schuman Cheese in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin received a score of 98.81. The narrow scoring differences among these top contenders reflect the exceptional quality of cheese being produced in the nation today.

John Umhoefer, the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA), acknowledged the craftsmanship of cheesemakers across America in a statement, emphasizing the high level of talent showcased in the contest. He expressed congratulations to the Arethusa Farm Dairy team and commended all the competitors for their dedication to the art and science of cheesemaking.

This year, the contest attracted participants from 31 U.S. states competing in 117 different categories, emphasizing the extensive reach and diversity of American cheesemaking. Wisconsin cheesemakers triumphed with an outstanding total of 55 Best of Class awards, while Vermont secured 13 first-place finishes, and Idaho won gold medals across ten classes.

The U.S. Championship Cheese Contest, organized by WCMA since 1981, serves as the country’s largest technical evaluation of dairy products, showcasing the unparalleled craftsmanship found within the industry. With such a diverse range of cheeses and talents on display, the contest not only highlights individual achievements but also the rich heritage and evolving science of cheesemaking in the United States.

The complete results of the competition are available at USChampionCheese.org, allowing fans and cheese aficionados to explore the breadth of talent that participated in this year's event. Arethusa Europa’s remarkable repeat victory serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of cheesemakers nationwide, and sets a daunting standard for future contestants.

This recognition not only elevates the status of Arethusa Farm Dairy but also contributes to the growing awareness and appreciation of artisan cheeses across the country. Cheese lovers and connoisseurs alike are sure to keep an eye on the evolution of this award-winning cheese as Arethusa Europa continues to make its mark in the culinary world. Celebrate this achievement and look forward to what the next iteration of the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest has to offer.

Whether in gourmet cooking or paired with a fine wine, cheeses like Arethusa Europa are not just food; they are works of art that reflect the traditions and innovations of their makers. With each slice, cheese enthusiasts get a taste of history, passion, and the spirit of American cheesemaking.