Celebrating Marieke Penterman's Achievement as Wisconsin's Master Cheesemaker

Marieke Penterman Achieves Master Cheesemaker Certification

Marieke Penterman, the visionary behind Marieke Gouda, has recently achieved a monumental milestone in her cheesemaking career by obtaining the esteemed Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker certification. This honor places her among an elite group of artisans known for their exceptional creation of cheese. Notably, this marks Marieke as only the fourth woman to ever earn this prestigious title, highlighting her outstanding commitment and expertise in the field.

From her humble beginnings, Marieke has always aspired to recreate the gouda she cherished during her childhood in the Netherlands. Upon receiving the Master Cheesemaker certification, she expressed, "When I began making cheese, my dream was to recreate the gouda I grew up with in the Netherlands. This certification is a true honor and reflects my unwavering commitment to crafting the highest quality cheese that I can proudly label as my own."

The Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker certification is revered in the dairy industry, recognized for its rigorous qualification process. Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, "This certification is not easily earned. Only a select few achieve the title of Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker, making it a mark of unparalleled expertise and dedication."

Marieke’s cheeses have not only gained local recognition but have also garnered international acclaim, accumulating over 270 awards from various national and international competitions. Her creations are synonymous with excellence, merging traditional Dutch methods with the rich cheesemaking heritage of Wisconsin. The road to becoming a Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker is challenging, requiring a minimum of 13 years of professional experience coupled with advanced training. Marieke now joins an exclusive circle of cheesemakers who set the standard for quality and innovation in the dairy industry.

This achievement is not simply a personal accolade for Marieke; it serves as a celebration of the artistry and passion that have shaped her life’s work. It's a tribute to her family roots that inspired her journey and the supportive community that has stood by her side throughout the years.

About Marieke Gouda

Marieke Gouda produces premium, award-winning cheeses with a passionate dedication to excellence. Using milk from her own dairy cows, Marieke oversees every step of the production process, ensuring authenticity in flavor and quality. The commitment to traditional Dutch cheesemaking methods is evident in the rich, delectable characteristics of her cheese. To learn more about her artisanal cheeses, visit MariekeGouda.com.

About Wisconsin Cheese

The tradition of cheesemaking quality in Wisconsin extends back over 180 years, long before Wisconsin was even recognized as a state. Currently, 90% of the state’s cow's milk is transformed into cheese, with a vast network of 1,200 cheesemakers, many of whom are third- and fourth-generation artisans. Wisconsin has a storied reputation for cheese awards, consistently outshining competitors both nationally and internationally. For more information, explore WisconsinCheese.com.

About Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is a non-profit organization funded by dairy farmers, dedicated to marketing and promoting Wisconsin’s premium dairy products. Their efforts ensure that the rich dairy heritage of the state continues to thrive and receive the recognition it deserves.