Churning Out The Trophies For West Country's Sharpham Cheese Dairy

One of the West Country's leading cheese producers is celebrating after a week of outstanding awards success. Winning a host of impressive accolades, including the Best Soft Cheese Trophy for the second year running at the Devon County Show and two Golds at the recently announced British Cheese Awards, Devon's Sharpham Cheese Dairy continues to wow the judges with their stunning portfolio of handmade cheeses.

Over 1,000 products were entered into this year's highly competitive British Cheese Awards, which are now in their 21st year. The judging took place on Tuesday 27th May at the awards' new home at The Royal Bath & West Showground. The panel of 60 professional and 'pro-am' judges put their experienced palates to the test to name the truly exceptional cheeses amongst those in the line-up.

Sharpham Cheese Dairy won a Gold for its Sharpham Rustic in the semi-soft cow category and a Gold for its Sharpham Ticklemore Goat in the goat (up to three months) category. In addition, this innovative cheese dairy was also awarded a Silver for its Sharpham Cremet in the soft white goat category and a Bronze for each of its Sharpham Savour and Sharpham Rustic Chives & Garlic.  These, along with the other award winners, were on display for the duration of the prestigious Royal Bath & West Show (28th to 31st May).

The team of nine cheese makers were delighted to hear the news that Sharpham Cheese Dairy had won the Best Soft Cheese Trophy for the second year in a row at the Devon County Show earlier in the month.  In addition to this, it was also awarded first prize in the 'Speciality Cheese' and 'Devon Made Cheese' classes and been given two further awards.

Managing director of Sharpham Cheese Dairy, Mark Sharman says: "These awards reflect the high level of dedication and meticulous attention which goes into producing our range of cheeses, which we have been continually improving over the 33 years of cheese making here at the farm."

Traditional methods are used by this South Devon producer, which is based on the Sharpham Estate near to Totnes, including cutting moulding and turning, all performed entirely by hand.  This contributes to the incredible taste profile and general excellence of the various cheeses within the portfolio.

The results of the British Cheese Awards and those announced at the Devon County Show follow on from further great success at the Taste of the West Awards.  Eight medals were awarded to Sharpham Wine & Cheese including Gold for the Sharpham Ticklemore Goat.

A visit to Sharpham Estate is a must for those planning a trip to Devon this summer.  Cheese lovers can view some of the making process first hand through the windows of the creamery.  Although cheese making starts at six in the morning, after the cows have been milked, most of the action is between nine o'clock and midday.  Wine and nature enthusiasts can tie in their visit with a walk around the vineyards and all can relax at the end of the morning and enjoy a cheese and wine tasting followed by lunch in the on-site café.

For further information on Sharpham Cheese Dairy visit www.sharpham.com or call the cheese dairy direct on Tel: 01803 732 600.  Follow Sharpham on Twitter @SharphamWines.

For further information on the British Cheese Awards visit www.thecheeseweb.com (Twitter: #britishcheeseawards); for Devon County Show visit www.devoncountyshow.co.uk; and for Taste of the West visit: www.tasteofthewest.co.uk.