We’re really spoilt for choice when it comes to buying gorgeous locally made produce.
What really makes it special is tasting, sampling and buying direct from the source – at the farm gate.
Tolpuddle Goat Cheese & Farm Foods in Tarrawingee has just launched direct to the public tastings and sales from their farm gate on Sundays.
Run by former Melbourne couple Melissa and Donovan Jacka, Tolpuddle’s farm gate offers a unique insight into their working farm and tastings of their cheese.
“The goats are inquisitive and there is the opportunity for a cuddle and play if you want”
“We are first and foremost a working goat dairy and cheese factory, but the farm gate shop allows us to connect with our customers and provide them with our produce,” Donovan said.
“We are very proud of the fact there is no middle man in what we do.
“The animals that are here – you can see what they’re eating, what they’re doing, see how they’re kept and hopefully how happy they are.
“We’ve got alpacas and goats, not petting zoo animals, but proper working animals.
“The goats are inquisitive and there is the opportunity for a cuddle and play if you want.”
“There’s no greater joy really”
It’s clear the family is keen for visitors to soak up the atmosphere of the property.
“We’re trying to be more than just a farm gate shop,” Donovan said.
“We want people to enjoy a glass of wine, have a ploughman’s lunch and not only enjoy our produce, but others from around the area because we have the most delicious local, sustainable farms that also support paddock to plate produce.”
It hasn’t taken long for the former Melbourne couple to feel right at home in North East Victoria, pursuing their passion.
“Melissa and I are enormous foodies, excited by cooking and we fell in love with cheese making,” Donovan said.
“The goats are easy to look after, very friendly and affectionate, so it’s quite nice spending time with them.
“We then have the experience of ageing, maturing and feeding cheese to people who love it.
“There’s no greater joy really.”
You can visit Tolpuddle Goat Cheese & Farm Goods every Sunday from 10am – 4pm. For more information on their produce, including their popular Great Alpine Road, French style cheese visit their website www.tolpuddle.com.au
