Locals already knew it was the case and now it’s official. Woombye is the home of Australia’s best cheese.

Woombye Cheese Company’s “Blackall Gold Washed Rind” was recently crowned Grand Champion product at the 2023 Australian Grand Dairy Awards beating all other cheeses in all other categories.

Woombye Cheese owner Beth O’Leary, who bought the company only last year, said she she was thrilled with the win. 

“It’s amazing,” she said. “The fact that we won over large and middle-tier Victorian cheese makers is actually incredible.”

Beth said great staff and a great recipe were the secret ingredients in toppling her more fancied rivals. “I think just having a consistent team is what creates really consistent cheese. Our head cheesemaker Stefan Wilson has been here for the entirety of the business. We create and produce all our cheese by hand, using traditional methods with care and experience.

“And we’ve obviously got a great recipe.

“And I think the milk we get from Maleny, I think the cows feed off really good pastures in the hinterland. It’s excellent for cheese-making because of the fat content.”

The former nurse said the purchase of the business satisfied a life-long passion.

“I’ve just always loved cheese,” she said. “The whole romantic vision of eating cheese and sitting on your deck and having a wine and friends over. I love eating it. I love the business side. I love the whole Sunshine Coast vibe. I mean, there’s so many people making amazing things up here.”

Beth said Blackall Gold  was “perfect for something different on your cheeseboard with its unique orange appearance”. 

Grand Dairy Awards Chief Judge Russel Smith said Woombye Cheese punched above its weight in winning against much larger companies.

Each year, hundreds of gold medal winning products from around the country enter the Awards judged by a panel of esteemed cheese and dairy judges. 

Being named AGDA Champion is the industry’s most prestigious and highly regarded accolade.  The local company’s “Woombye Ash Brie”, pictured, also won Champion White Mould Cheese.  

Created using the Woombye Triple Cream Brie, the Ash Brie is carefully rolled in ash – resulting a striking black and white appearance in addition to the creamy centre. 

To even enter the awards a cheese has to have won gold at a state-based show like the Royal Brisbane Show.

Woombye Cheese was founded by Graeme and Karen Paynter in 2013. The range also includes Camembert, Triple Cream Brie, Vintage Cheddar and Truffle Triple Cream Brie. It is available at local IGAs, upmarket delis and boutique grocers across Australia and can be found at some of the country’s finest restaurants.  You can order at www.woombyecheese.com.