Thursday, January 23rd
2025 Cheese Club Reviews
Cowgirl Creamery
- $110 per quarter + $15 shipping per delivery
- Each delivery comes with at least 3 cheeses (4 servings each)
- All cheeses handmade by organic and artisan producers in the US
- Gift-giving options available
In the culinary renaissance of 1976 California, Sue Conley and Peggy Smith rolled into San Francisco in a baby blue van, immersing themselves in the burgeoning food scene; Peggy at Chez Panisse and Sue co-owning Bette's Oceanview Diner. By the early 1990s, they launched Tomales Bay Foods, bridging West Marin's farms and dairies with local chefs. From this endeavor sprouted Cowgirl Creamery, sourcing milk exclusively from nearby farms. Two decades later, adorned with awards, operating not one but two creameries, and producing two thousand tons of cheese, Cowgirl Creamery stands as an industry icon, a testament to Conley and Smith's dedication and passion.
Get at least 3 varieties of cheese every quarter
This cheese club has changed a bit since our last review. First and foremost, it's only available as a quarterly subscription now: no monthly deliveries for you here. But, you'll still get at least three different cheeses (at four servings each), sourced from makers around the nation. For example, in one recent season's box, cheeses included Cowgirl Creamery's Pierce Point (described as herbaceous, floral, and fresh cream), 6 Month Cheddar from Shelburne Farms in Vermont, and Smoky Scamorza from Ferndale Farmstead in Washington State. Cowgirl Creamery will always give you suggested beverage pairings and accompaniments, some of which you'll find available as an add-on in their a la carte store.
Much more expensive than before
Another difference that jumped out right away? Pricing. As with everything these days, the cheese club at Cowgirl Creamery is more expensive now. You'll pay $110 for each delivery, plus $15 per shipment for delivery fees. $125 for 12 servings of cheese is... quite a lot.
Customer service isn't what it used to be
We're also not feeling so confident in Cowgirl Creamery's attention to customer service lately. When we went looking for some feedback on the company and on the cheese club in particular, we noticed that the social media account linked through the "contact us” chat stopped being active around 2022. That in itself wasn't a huge red flag, especially since the main Cowgirl Creamery channels were actually up to date. But seeing a cheese club review from just a few months prior to this evaluation from a customer who said their subscription box arrived with the ice packs no longer cold and the cheese was moldy? That's not a good sign. The customer continued, "We chalked this up to an honest mistake and reached out to customer service on three separate occasions, but we never heard back.”
(Still) no obvious satisfaction guarantee
We wish that Cowgirl Creamery had added a satisfaction policy since our last review, but unfortunately that's one change that hasn't happened here. As illustrated by that customer review we just mentioned, there's no guarantee that you'll even be able to get an appropriate response from the company if you don't like what you get in your cheese club delivery.
A few positives
And yet, Cowgirl Creamery (and its sister brand, Tomales Bay Foods) still gets an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau. You'll also find plenty of feedback on social media from people who are big fans of the cheese here, especially their famous Mt Tam.
Not a cheese club we'd recommend
Our final recommendation? You may want to try making a one-time purchase from Cowgirl Creamery before committing to the cheese club. You can put the company to the test first, and make sure it's everything you'd expect. Even though there are gift-giving options with this subscription (which you'll see during checkout), we would be hesitant to jump right in and gift Cowgirl Creamery's cheese club, due to the higher-than-average price and the potential problems with customer service.
More Cheese Club Reviews
Where Can You Find the Best Cheese Clubs?
Are you ready to embark on a delectable journey where sophistication meets delight? Welcome to the world of cheese clubs, where every bite is a celebration of flavor. Whether you're a devoted cheese connoisseur or seeking the perfect gift for someone special, cheese clubs offer an exquisite array of options to tantalize everyone's taste buds year-round.
Picture this: each month, bi-monthly, or quarterly, a mouthwatering selection of cheeses arrives at your doorstep, carefully curated from artisanal producers worldwide. With each delivery, you'll unwrap a surprising array of gourmet delights, each cheese a testament to the craftsmanship and diversity of cheese-making traditions.
Cheese Club FAQ
Continued from above...
Cheese club subscriptions have surged in popularity, captivating the taste buds and curiosity of people worldwide. At the heart of their appeal lies the promise of an immersive gastronomic journey, offering you a curated selection of artisanal cheeses from around the globe delivered right to your doorstep on a regular basis.
One of the primary reasons behind the allure of cheese club subscriptions is the opportunity for discovery and exploration. Each shipment can introduce you to a diverse array of cheeses, ranging from familiar favorites to rare and exotic varieties. This element of surprise and anticipation adds a sense of excitement to the experience, letting you expand your palate, deepen your appreciation for cheese, and uncover hidden gems that your may not have encountered otherwise.
Cheese club subscriptions also offer a convenient and hassle-free way to access high-quality cheeses from reputable producers. In a world where time is a precious commodity, the convenience of having carefully curated selections delivered straight to your door is invaluable. This eliminates the need to scour specialty cheese shops or navigate crowded farmers' markets in search of unique offerings, saving both time and effort while ensuring a consistently exceptional dining experience.
As you explore the world of cheese clubs, there are a few key factors to consider. Before you subscribe to a particular membership, look for the following details:
- Cost. What will you pay for the cheese club? Is it a month-to-month payment, or are you asked to pay for the full subscription upfront? Is shipping included in the quoted price?
- Flexibility. How much can you shape your subscription to your needs? Is it just a monthly delivery or are there options for bimonthly or quarterly shipments? Can you pause your subscription at any time?
- Gift-giving features. Cheese clubs make an excellent gift for your favorite foodies, and the best memberships include fun extras like a monthly newsletter. Also look for tools to make your gifting even easier, like being able to schedule deliveries well in advance (planning ahead for birthdays or holidays) or to include a personalized message for the recipient.
- Satisfaction guarantee. With perishable goods like cheese, it's important to choose a club with a solid satisfaction guarantee. Will you get a refund or replacement if your cheese is stinky or moldy upon arrival (and it wasn't meant to be!)?
- Reputation. Cheese clubs have been around for a while. What do other subscribers say about their overall experience? Are there enough customer reviews to get a feel for how well the club is doing at keeping people happy?
Here at Top Consumer Reviews, we've taken the guesswork out of finding the perfect cheese club. Our reviews and rankings showcase the finest offerings in the cheese club world, so that your journey into fromage bliss is nothing short of exceptional. So why wait? Treat yourself or a loved one to a gourmet experience that promises to delight the senses and elevate the everyday. Bon appétit!
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