Woodstock Water Buffalo

Woodstock Buffalo Milk Products was born from the idea of creating a unique product and helping to develop a new form of sustainable agriculture on Vermont's green hillsides. Although buffalo milk and its products have been consumed around the world for thousands of years, until now there has never been a US water buffalo dairy dedicated to the endeavor of creating an optimal farm environment and a multi-faceted creamery.

Star Hill Dairy Cheese
Our cheeses are made in the same fashion as the great Italian cheeses, by Italian trained Vermont artisans.

All cheeses are "living products". Most types mature and develop over a period of weeks, months or years. Fresh cheeses, such as buffalo mozzarella, have a life cycle measured in days. The taste and texture of buffalo mozzarella can change on an almost daily basis. In Italy the most sought after buffalo mozzarella is made from raw milk and goes through its complete cycle in only 48 hours! This cheese is not available in the US and cannot be made here because of regulatory reasons.

The Italian Mozzarella di Bufala that is exported to the US is made with pasteurized milk and processed to withstand the rigors of long distance shipment and extended shelf life. This export version of the Italian classic is the cheese that the American consumer has become accustomed to. It is typically purchased and eaten near the end of its maturation cycle when the inside of the cheese balls have become very homogeneous, soft, creamy and with a little extra "tang". Star Hill Dairy Buffalo Mozzarella is offered to you at the beginning of its life cycle. At this point, it has a more firm and coarse texture, with buffalo milk whey incorporated into the "spaces" in the body of the cheese. By the end of its three week cycle it is very similar to the Italian product that the American consumer is used to. Now, the consumer has the option to enjoy the cheese at the point in its cycle that they find most appealing.

As with any great artisanal cheese, our products reflect the environment and seasonal changes that our buffalo experience. In the tradition of Italian artisans, Star Hill Dairy does not attempt to standardize its milk or create artificial seasonal adjustments. We maintain a consistent, balanced nutritional program throughout the year, but the change of seasons will still induce a change in the components of the milk. As such, all of Star Hill Dairy products will have a variation that slowly varies over the four seasons. We believe that these special characteristics further distinguish us from the industrial cheese industry and provide the consumer with a product that they can recognize as being crafted with care.