Five Reasons to Visit Heini’s Cheese
June 15, 2023

Celebrate Father’s Day in Berlin

Bunker Hill Cheese Co. in Millersburg, also known as Heini’s Cheese Chalet, is a must stop for cheese lover’s when you are in Ohio’s Amish Country. They were established in 1935 and have been attracting first time and repeat visitors from around the world ever since. They are consistently ranked #1 for shopping in Millersburg on Trip Advisor yet this place is so much more than a shopping destination. Sure, you can treat it like a trip to a boutique grocery store but then you will be missing out on half of the fun. You will not regret adding Heini’s to your list of activities while staying at Donna’s Premier Lodging. Stop by anytime between 9 am and 6 pm from Monday through Saturday.


1. The variety of cheese is amazing

Bunker Hill Cheese Co. makes an average of 50,000 pounds of cheese each week. Those pounds and pounds of cheese span over 35 varieties. You will find cheddar, raw milk yogurt cheese, beer cheese, muenster, and limburger. Honestly, the list of types of cheeses is too long to list here. And the be honest, the best way to experience the selection is with a visit rather than reading a long list. Good news for lactose-intolerant visitors, they make four selections of lactose-free cheeses. The store also features purchased and imported cheeses. Are you looking for an easy lunch while you are touring the area? Pick up some cheese to have alone or with some crackers. The cheeses are also great on a charcuterie board.


2. You will be supporting a truly family-owned and local business

John (Hans) Dauwaulder came to the United States in the 1920s after training as a master cheese-maker in Switzerland. He wanted to display his talents for artisanal cheeses amidst the growing cheese market. John returned to Switzerland for a short while and his brother, Crist, purchased the cheese company. John returned a few years later to help Crist build the family business. The company is now owned by the third generation of the same family. They also partner with local farms as much as possible for the ingredients in their products. Over the years they have built personal relationships with the farmers and are committed to promoting local products for years to come.


3. You can take a tour and watch the cheese being made

Heini’s offers a self-guided tour for guests who want to learn more about the cheese making process. The best times to take the tour are mornings on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Those are the days that they make cheese so you can see the methods in action. The science of cheese making is fascinating. Cheese is basically made from proteins, fats, and water from milk. Different bacteria and enzymes alongside cheese making techniques and aging create the multitude of flavors and textures. It can be hard to believe that such simple changes can result in so many types of cheese. This is a great way to learn more about a favorite food that is used in countless recipes.


4.  It is a great place to satisfy your sweet tooth

A cheese shop might not be the first place you think of when you have a hankering for something sweet. Heini’s boasts the best cheese fudge around. Pick up some fudge as a dessert for the day or as a gift to bring home from your travels. Flavors include a classic chocolate cheese fudge, sweet and savory peanut butter cheese fudge, and a unique blueberry cheese fudge. Heini’s also stocks an array of candies, chocolates, and cookies. Many of the candies are nostalgic classics like circus peanuts, licorice laces, jawbreakers, gum drops, and more gummi shapes and flavors than you can count.


5. Heini’s has so much more than just cheese

A trip to Heini’s is like a trip to best part of every grocery store. The products are all the special items that are fun to browse and even more fun to eat. You will find beef jerky, baking mixes, jams and jellies, mustards, popcorn, maple syrup, and more. A baking mix will travel well and making it can be a great way to reminisce about your trip while it cooks in the oven. Know someone who is buying a new house? A gift box from Heini’s is a thoughtful and delicious gift. Choose from a pre-selected box or create your own. They strive to feature products on their shelves that are made in Ohio.

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