The fascinating history of our Wensleydale Blue

Steeped in heritage, its origins can be traced back to 1150!

One of our most popular varieties, Wensleydale Blue is made here in Hawes in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales by our talented team of expert cheesemakers. A true artisan delicacy, and loved by committed blue cheese lovers and newcomers alike, it features a natural rind encasing, a close textured, creamy cheese and a delicately mellow, yet full flavour. 

Steeped in heritage, its origins can be traced back to 1150, when Cistercian monks first settled in the dale, and is reminiscent to the original, matured Wensleydale cheese which became naturally ‘blued’ by how it was made and stored. 

Today, our award-winning Wensleydale Blue still uses this traditional recipe, using fresh, sweet milk from local farms, along with the Creamery’s unique cheesemaking starter cultures, to guarantee its quality and authenticity.   

Did you know…

Blue mould spores (Penicillium roqueforti) are added to the milk during the cheesemaking process.  The cheese is lightly pressed before being bound in a muslin bandage and transferred into our special maturing room, similar to a farmhouse or monastery cellar; with a dark, cool and moist atmosphere, to age and mature on open shelves to perfection.

Enjoy Wensleydale Blue in our Visitor Centre here in Hawes in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, or buy in over 500 Tesco stores nationwide.

Our team carefully control the temperature and humidity within the room, which are crucial elements to its aging and blue mould development. The cheese is turned regularly, and after 1-2 weeks is then pierced to facilitate the blue mould development, allowing air to come into contact with the mould spores so the maturation and blue veining of the cheese begins to develop.  This also changes the texture of the cheese from chalky and crumbly to a beautifully creamy texture. 

Our skilled Cheese Graders keep a careful eye throughout the entire making and maturing process, and at around 8 weeks, the cheese has completed its journey and is ready for sale.