More than a cheese store; Whitestone Cheese is a Kiwi experience
Whitestone Cheese Co tasting platter - worth visiting Oamaru for!
Whitestone Cheese Co Lindis Pass Brie was one of my first true speciality Kiwi cheese loves and one I still always come back to. This iconic North Otago cheesemaker has gone from strength to strength in recent years and their bustling on-site store is a reflection of their success.
The Whitestone cheese factory and store acts as one of the most comforting refuges in the South Island for lovers of local fare and excellent cheese. The store offers perfectly matured, hand-cut and wrapped (in innovative breathable clingfilm) lovingly crafted cheeses for customers to sample at their leisure before buying, alongside a cheese-based kitchen menu and fantastic NZ wine and coffee. Visitors are served by knowledgeable staff with a genuine passion for their products and locally sourced ingredients.
The real novelty of the Whitestone buying experience is the sense of provenance one feels when buying from the same site as the factory itself. This also means all staff have intimate, first-hand knowledge of the manufacturing process right from the milk arriving to maturation and tasting the final product at its best. Guests can be privy to the process by taking a fascinating guided tour through the factory - ending with a cheese platter of course!
The entire Whitestone Cheese team create incredible grazing platters and cheese inspired food offerings, and are full of insider tips on each cheese variety, wine and condiment pairing and cooking with Whitestone products. Their in-depth knowledge and customer service are an exceptional representation of New Zealand cheesemakers and love of the craft itself. Simon Berry (MD) and his team “love that our product is truly local – with world class milk right on our doorstep, we offer a true handmade taste of all that is North Otago.”.
On top of their on-the-job training, staff can also access a tertiary course in ‘Cheese Affineur Skills’ developed by Whitestone in collaboration with Otago Polytechnic; this reflects Whitestone’s commitment to creating in-depth, well informed shared experiences for their team and customers alike.
If you’re not living in or visiting the Oamaru area any time soon, you don’t have to miss out on your Whitestone fix! Their monthly subscription cheese club and online store ensure you are always well-stocked with exciting new products and classic favourites. Keep up to date with their social channels for ongoing inspiration, tips and news.
Whitestone is so much store than a Kiwi cheese store; it’s a South Island food and beverage destination, an inspiration for all local artisans, and an opportunity to learn and understand where some of the highest quality New Zealand cheese on offer comes from. Next time you find yourself in Otago, make an effort to stop by to support one of our best and brightest cheesemakers – we promise you won’t be disappointed!
3 Torridge Street, Oamaru 9400
Mon – Fri 9.00am – 5.00pm
Weekends 10.00am – 4.00pm