First, a Capriole Goat Cheese update in the form of A Letter from Our Founder (January 19, 2026).
In case you’ve been living under a rock, or just moved here, Capriole’s founder is Judy Schad. Capriole as a company is 38 years old, and is still going strong thanks in large measure to an effective family succession. They’re rarer than you might think. On a personal note, I’m happy beyond words that Capriole keeps moving forward; way to go, Sam.
The word “legend” is overused, but consult any dictionary, and adjacent to this word you’ll see Judy’s picture.
It’s not easy to work with a big, messy family—three of whom live and work here, and a grandmother who believes all customers are a mirror of herself. Sam (Schad) navigates the noise and brings new life and purpose to Capriole’s legacy, making it both more sustainable and approachable. In a constantly changing market landscape, where the delicate, signature cheeses we’ve built a reputation on require people behind the counter to sell and care for them, finding the ‘sweet spot’ in this market is difficult, a balance between ‘fun’ cheeses like Tea Rose and more serious and traditional ones like Sofia and Wabash Cannonball. With the goal of keeping Capriole on the farm where it began, Sam makes the limited size and space of our facility work for us, keeping us making the small batch cheeses we love and respecting the farm that sustains us.
Now, some big news. I’m repeating this verbatim from Capriole’s web site, where I’m recommending you go to see the photos that accompany the post.
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The American Cheese Society Returns to Louisville
This summer, Louisville will become the center of the American cheese world.
The American Cheese Society (ACS) Annual Conference is the largest educational and networking event dedicated to American-made cheeses. And this year it is being hosted in Louisville, KY on July 7-10.
Founded in 1983, ACS was created to support a growing movement of small-scale cheesemakers who were reviving traditional methods and building a distinctly American cheese culture. What began as a small gathering of passionate producers has grown into a national organization representing thousands of members across the industry.
At its core, ACS exists to elevate standards, foster education, and build community. The annual conference reflects that mission in action.
What Happens at the ACS Conference?
The ACS Annual Conference is much more than a trade show. It is several days of:
- Educational...Read more
