Best Sheep's Milk Cheese Types in the World
Serra da Estrela is a semi-soft cheese made from the milk of Bordaleira Serra da Estrela and Churra Mondegueira breeds of sheep. Milking is done by hand, after which the milk is heated, salted, and curdled using thistle extract.
The curd is formed into cheeses, which are left to ripen in humid and cold conditions. The cheese has a creamy, semi-soft interior that is yellowish-white in color, while its flavor is clean, sweet, and slightly sour. This cheese is Portugal's oldest, most traditional food product with international acclaim.
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Produced exclusively on the island of Sardinia, Pecorino Sardo is a semi-cooked, hard cheese made with whole milk from the pasture-grazing Sarda sheep. This breed is indigenous to Sardinia, raised throughout Italy and considered to be among the best domestic breeds for milk production.
Highly adaptable to different terrains, Sarda sheep feed on fragrant Mediterranean shrubs, which gives Pecorino its distinctive aromatic flavor. It is available in two varieties: Pecorino Sardo Dolce (mild), a sweet and more delicate version, and Pecorino Sardo Maturo (mature), a much stronger flavored cheese that's matured for at least 2 months and pleasantly piquant.
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This cheese has a long history, and it is the best-known Greek graviera cheese. It is produced using traditional methods and ripened in facilities in Hania, Rethymnos, Iraklion, and Lasithio prefectures on the island of Crete. It is traditionally produced from sheep milk or from a mixture of sheep milk and a maximum of 20% goat milk.
These goats and sheep wander freely on the green pastures of the island, and their diet is based on local plants, which give their milk a special quality that is expressed in this exceptional cheese. It is a hard table cheese with a light yellow color and firm texture.
Azeitão is a semi-soft cheese made from unpasteurized sheep milk. The origins of this cheese date back to the 19th century, when Gaspar Henriques de Paiva emigrated to the town of Azeitão. Out of nostalgia for his place of birth, he imported black dairy sheep from his home town to Azeitão and brought cheesemakers from Beira Baixa to make cheeses.
De Paiva's Azeitão cheeses quickly became famous throughout Portugal, winning several awards at agricultural fairs. The milk for this cheese is taken from sheep that graze on natural vegetation in the pastures of Azeitão. The sheep are milked manually, and the milk is mixed with the extract of a local variety of thistle to start the curdling process instead of animal rennet, meaning the cheese is 100% vegetarian.
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This semi-hard cheese is traditionally produced from sheep or goat milk, or a mixture of the two. The milk used to make this cheese comes from breeds reared traditionally in the Messinia and Lakonia prefectures, where this cheese has been produced for more than 100 years.
To make Sfela, the curd has to be divided into pieces and reheated. Afterwards, the pieces are drained using cheesecloth, and they are lightly pressed and cut into small strips ('sfelas') and salted. The strips are stored in tin cans full of brine for at least three months to mature.
This hard cooked cheese is made with whole milk from pasture-grazed sheep, and has a particularly salty and slightly piquant flavor. Aged for at least 5 months, Pecorino Romano makes an excellent table cheese, particularly when combined with fresh vegetables and fruit, but after eight months of aging, it is mainly used for grating over classic Roman dishes such as Bucatini all’Amatriciana, Rigatoni alla Carbonara, Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, and Tripe alla Romana.
The origins of Pecorino Romano can be traced back to the Roman Empire, when cheese processing methods were first described by some of ancient Rome's most important writers on agriculture: Varrone, Columella, Virgilio and Pliny the Elder. In 227 BCE, the production of this renowned cheese spread to the neighboring island of Sardinia, where even today almost 90% of Pecorino Romano is produced, while the remaining 10% comes from Lazio and the Tuscan province of Grosseto.
Back in the 15th century, when Pecorino production used to begin in spring, this Tuscan delicacy was called Cacio Marzolino, meaning March cheese. Nowadays, Pecorino Toscano is also produced in Lazio and Umbria, Tuscany's neighboring regions, and available year-round as either Fresco (fresh) or Stagionato (matured for at least 4 months).
This soft to semi-hard cheese is made with whole milk from sheep feasting on pastures nestled between the Apennines and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Compared to other varieties of Pecorino cheese, Toscano is only briefly salted and thus retains its delicate, sweet flavor.
This is one of the most famous Greek cheeses. It has been made in Western Macedonia, Epirus, Aitoloakarnanina, Evrytania, and in western mainland Greece since the 1960s, which makes it one of the newest cheeses on the Greek market. It is a hard table cheese usually made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. Kefalograviera got its name after two cheeses because it's a cross between Kefalotyri, a salty, intensely flavored cheese, and the mellow Graviera cheese.
It is sold in wheels or wedges, and is easily identified by its firm texture and light brown rind. Statistics show that it is becoming one of the most widespread cheeses in Greece, with annual production of around 3,000 tons. Kefalograviera is a hard table cheese that is often used to prepare a popular Greek fried cheese dish called saganaki.
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THE BEST Kefalograviera Cheeses
This white, soft, brined cheese is made from fresh sheep milk or a combination of sheep and goat milk taken from breeds that graze freely on wild grasses on the island of Lemnos in the northern Aegean Sea. The method of production is quite similar to that of traditional feta cheese, with one significant difference that also gave this cheese its name.
According to the traditional method, the curd is put in a kalathaki ("small basket") for draining and organic acidification, during which time the cheese acquires its characteristic cylindrical shape. Later, the baskets are submerged in brine to mature for at least two months.
This is a delicious hard table cheese produced exclusively from sheep milk or a mixture of sheep milk and no more than 30% goat milk. This cheese has been made for over a century in the mountainous Agrafon area of the Karditsa prefecture, and it contains the aroma and flavor of mountain herbs.
Graviera Agrafon cheese is ripened for around three months. During the maturing process, microflora develops on its surface which contributes to the ripening process and the characteristic scent of the cheese. It is a hard, round cheese, usually available in varying sizes from 2 to 3 kilos.
Best Sheep's Milk Cheese Producers in the World
Rodolphe Le Meunier is a cheese producer and affineur based in Tours, France. He comes from a family with a long tradition in the dairy industry, which has influenced his deep knowledge and expertise in cheese production. Le Meunier has won multiple awards for his work, including the prestigious title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) in the cheese category, an honor given to craftsmen who achieve the highest level of skill in their field.
His business includes aging and refining cheeses, as well as sourcing from various regions in France to offer a diverse selection.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023, 2021

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022
BEST Rodolphe Le Meunier Cheeses
Agour is a renowned Basque producer specializing in a wide range of high-quality products, particularly famous for their artisanal Ossau-Iraty sheep's milk cheese, which has been recognized as one of the best cheeses in the world. Established in 1981, Agour is dedicated to showcasing the traditional flavors and techniques of Basque gastronomy.
Agour's cheeses are crafted with the utmost respect for tradition, using the finest local ingredients, including milk sourced from regional shepherds. The company takes pride in its sustainable practices and its support of local farmers.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2019

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2021

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024
BEST Agour Cheeses
Finca Pascualete is a family-owned farm and cheese producer located in the Extremadura region of southwestern Spain. The farm spans over 4,000 hectares, making it one of the largest private estates in the southeastern part of Spain. Their Merino sheep graze freely, enjoying a diverse diet that includes various types of trees, natural grasses, wildflowers, and native plants such as rosemary, thyme, and juniper.
This type of grazing contributes to the unique flavor and quality of their cheeses. All Finca Pascualete cheeses are handcrafted and completely organic, made from raw sheep’s milk sourced from their own flock. Their range of cheeses includes several varieties, with La Retorta De Queso being the most famous.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2022
BEST Quesería Finca Pascualete Cheeses
Murray's Cheese, based in New York City, is a prominent gourmet cheese and specialty foods retailer and wholesaler, with a rich history dating back to its founding in Greenwich Village in 1962. Known for its wide selection of cheeses from around the globe, Murray's operates not only a flagship store but also a restaurant and cheese bar in New York.
They are notable for their state-of-the-art cheese caves in Long Island City where they age their own cheese. In 2017, Murray's became part of the Kroger Company, expanding its reach nationwide through over a thousand Kroger stores. Murray's is also committed to community involvement, supporting local charities and educational initiatives related to food and wellness.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023, 2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016
BEST Murray's Cheese Cheeses
Beecher's Handmade Cheese, established in 2003, is renowned for its artisanal cheesemaking in the heart of Seattle's Pike Place Market. The company was founded by Kurt Beecher Dammeier and quickly became known for its commitment to quality and natural ingredients, producing cheese free from artificial preservatives and flavor enhancers.
Beecher's is particularly famous for its Flagship cheese, a semi-hard cow's milk cheese noted for its robust, nutty flavor that is carefully aged for 15 months to develop its complex character. Beecher's operates transparently with a glass-walled facility that allows visitors to watch the cheesemaking process, emphasizing educational outreach and community engagement.
AWARDS

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2021

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007
BEST Beecher's Handmade Cheese Cheeses
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2023, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2022, 2018, 2016, 2014
BEST Hidden Springs Creamery Cheeses
Cypress Grove is a cheese producer that specializes in goat cheese varieties. The company began with a few goats to provide milk for her children. Cypress Grove gained popularity with its flagship product, Humboldt Fog, a soft-ripened cheese with a distinctive layer of edible ash.
The company has expanded its product line to include other types of fresh and aged goat cheeses.
AWARDS

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2020, 2014, 2010

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2022
BEST Cypress Grove Cheeses
BelGioioso Cheese, based in Wisconsin, USA, is renowned for its production of Italian-style cheeses since 1979. The company operates out of multiple facilities and crafts over 27 different varieties of cheese. BelGioioso is known for its commitment to quality, using fresh, local milk and traditional cheesemaking methods.
This commitment is evident in their practice of processing milk into cheese on the same day it is collected from local farms to ensure freshness and flavor. BelGioioso has been recognized widely in the cheese industry, receiving numerous awards from prestigious competitions like the World Cheese Championship and the American Cheese Society.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2003, 2002, 2000
BEST Belgioioso Cheese Cheeses
Quesería Artesanal Los Payuelos is a cheese producer located in Leon, Spain, specializing in artisanal cheeses that leverage local milk and traditional methods. They are known for producing cheese using milk from sheep breeds indigenous to the region.
Their products often feature in Spanish gourmet markets and are highlighted for their unique regional flavors.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2023, 2022

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
BEST Quesería Artesanal Los Payuelos Cheeses
Bellwether Farms, located in Petaluma, California, is a family-owned creamery that produces a variety of artisan cheeses and dairy products. They are known for using traditional methods and primarily sheep's milk, along with cow's milk, to create their products.
Bellwether Farms also offers a line of yogurts alongside their cheeses.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2009, 2004, 2003
BEST Bellwether Farms Cheeses
Best Sheep's Milk Cheeses in the World
Spenwood cheese, produced by Village Maid Cheese in Berkshire, England, is a distinguished artisanal cheese crafted from unpasteurised ewe's milk using vegetarian rennet. This firm cheese is matured for about 7-8 months, developing a thin, natural rind during the process.
Its flavor profile is rich and nutty with sweet and savory notes, and it becomes more piquant and slightly crumbly as it ages, making it a great substitute for Parmesan in various dishes. Spenwood is often compared to Mediterranean cheeses like Pecorino and Manchego due to its texture and taste.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022, 2021

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2019, 2018

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
Curado is a type of Spanish cheese made from the milk of Manchega sheep. This cheese undergoes an aging process of at least six months, which gives it a firm texture and rich, tangy flavor. The designation "DOP" stands for Denominación de Origen Protegida, indicating that it has a protected status and must be produced in the La Mancha region of Spain following specific traditional methods.
Manchego Artesano is known for its characteristic herringbone rind and ivory-colored interior.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2023
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2022
Queso Pata de Mulo Semicurado is a type of cheese produced by Quesería Artesanal Los Payuelos, a renowned artisanal cheese producer located in Spain. This particular cheese falls under the "semicurado" category, indicating that it has undergone a medium-length aging process that provides a balanced flavor profile, blending the freshness of a young cheese with the complexity of a more mature one.
The cheese is known for its distinct texture and rich, nuanced taste, appealing to cheese enthusiasts who appreciate traditional Spanish cheeses.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2023
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
Farmstead Feta made by Hidden Springs Creamery is a handcrafted cheese produced from sheep's milk. This feta is known for its creamy texture and tangy flavor profile that sets it apart from mass-produced offerings. It is created on a small family-owned farm where the sheep are pasture-raised, allowing for high-quality milk that contributes to the distinct taste and quality of the cheese.
Farmstead Feta is often celebrated for its artisanal methods and the farm's commitment to sustainable and humane practices.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2023, 2018, 2011, 2009
Pepato is an aged sheep milk cheese made by Bellwether Farms. This farmstead cheese incorporates whole peppercorns for a distinctive, savory flavor. Pepato is aged for a minimum of 2 months, during which it develops a firm yet creamy texture and a complex taste profile.
The presence of peppercorns adds a subtle spiciness that complements the natural richness of the sheep milk. Pepato can be enjoyed on a cheese board, grated over dishes, or paired with various wines and accompaniments.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2018, 2013, 2009, 2004
AWARDS

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2016

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2015, 2014, 2010, 2009
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024





TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Sheep's Milk Cheeses in the World” list until March 26, 2025, 12,436 ratings were recorded, of which 6,516 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.