Vermont's 'Godmother of Goat Cheese' Hits the Small Screen
Allison Hooper, the pioneering co-founder of Vermont Creamery, will be a guest on "A Cheese Course," a new series hosted by cheese expert and educator Adam Jay Moskowitz.
Vermont's 'Godmother of Goat Cheese' Hits the Small Screen
Allison Hooper, the pioneering co-founder of Vermont Creamery and a central figure in America's artisan cheese revolution, is set to be featured on a new YouTube program, bringing her four-decade journey from a Vermont farm to international acclaim to a global digital audience.
A Digital Spotlight for a Local Legend
Hooper will be a guest on "A Cheese Course," a new series hosted by cheese expert and educator Adam Jay Moskowitz. According to a press release from the show's producers, the program aims to "tell the stories of the pioneers and visionaries who shaped the cheese world." Hooper's selection for the series underscores her enduring influence and celebrates her role in transforming the American palate.
From a French Farm to a Vermont Institution
For many in Vermont's food scene, this national recognition is no surprise. Hooper's story is legendary. It began with a transformative experience working on a goat farm in France and a bold vision to bring traditional French cheesemaking to the Green Mountains.
That vision became Vermont Creamery, which she co-founded with Bob Reese in 1984. Their venture started small, born from a simple request from a local chef for authentic chèvre. The duo famously operated out of a defunct creamery in Websterville, beginning a journey that would not only define their careers but also help launch an entire industry.
According to those familiar with her work, Hooper’s impact extends far beyond just making cheese. She helped create a market where one barely existed, educating chefs and consumers alike about the nuanced flavors of goat cheese at a time when American cheese was largely synonymous with processed blocks.
Cementing a Legacy
The new YouTube feature provides a platform to retell this remarkable story. While the show is new, its production by Infinite Media and its focus on high-caliber guests suggest a polished and serious effort to document the history of modern cheesemaking. By appearing on "A Cheese Course," Hooper joins a curated list of industry titans, cementing her legacy for a new generation of food lovers. It's a fitting tribute to the woman who didn't just build a creamery; she built a cornerstone of Vermont's celebrated food culture.