Factory Tour:
The Cottage, Basingstoke Road, Riseley, Reading, EnglandBuy online directly from the producer:
www.villagemaidcheese.co.uk/product-category/cheese/Experimental phase: initial rating derived from official awards and critic reviews
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
Wigmore is a semi-soft cheese crafted by Village Maid Cheese, a company known for producing artisan cheeses. This particular cheese is made using pasteurized ewe's milk, which gives it a delicate and creamy texture. Wigmore has a gentle flavor that carries hints of floral and mushroom undertones, attributable to its aging process and the quality of milk used.
Village Maid Cheese, based in Reading, England, was established by Anne Wigmore in 1986 after a decade of experience at the National Institute for Research in Dairying. The company is renowned for its artisanal cheeses, including the award-winning Wigmore, Waterloo, and Spenwood, which are all produced using traditional methods and milk from local farms committed to sustainability and animal welfare.
The cheese production at Village Maid emphasizes minimal changes to traditional methods over the years, focusing on handmade processes and environmental sustainability. For instance, they innovated by replacing disposable cheese cloths with a more sustainable alternative to reduce waste.
Their range of cheeses has received numerous accolades, reflecting their commitment to quality and craft. The company has grown significantly since its inception, moving to a larger facility in Riseley to accommodate increased production and introducing new products like Maida Vale.