Union Star Cheese carries on the family tradition of cheese for over 100 years

Nothing says Wisconsin more than cheese and family traditions! Union Star Cheese Factory has been a staple in the Wisconsin cheese industry for over 100 years. Since 1911, four generations of the Metzig family have been innovating new cheeses and perfecting the classics.
Jon Metzig is continuing to carry out the family tradition to this day. As a fourth-generation cheesemaker, the business is part heritage, but also part science. The microbiology of the cheese-making process is equally important to Jon, which led him to earn his Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker certification in cheddar and colby.
Union Star Cheese sets themselves apart from other cheesemakers by sourcing their milk locally from Silver Thorn Farm just outside of Omro. It takes approximately ten pounds of milk to produce one pound of cheese. Each delivery can make up to ten to twelve pounds of cheese. On cheese making day, the magic starts as early as 4 a.m., with a variety of cheeses prepared in each batch.
Union Star now operates two cheese making facilities: The original Union Star Cheese Factory in Fremont and Willow Creek Cheese Creamery just outside of Berlin. Willow Creek opened its’ doors 22 years ago. Their facility is able to produce more than just the traditional cheeses, expanding them into the artisan cheese world.
Over the years, Wisconsinites have expanded their flavor palette to artisan cheeses, and Willow Creek has expanded their options to follow the trends. Their facility is one of the few in the state to have a curring facility. The curring facility is a specialized environment with controlled temperature, humidity, and ventilation essential for the cheese aging process. There are many factors that go into transforming cheese into a unique product.

Union Star carries a unique variety of artisan cheeses, fit for any flavor palette. Some of Willow Creek’s recommendations include:
•The award-winning Red Willow Cheese. This cheese was developed by Jon, with each wheel being aged for 20-25 days to produce a subtle, meaty, and savory flavor profile.
•A Five-Year Aged Cheddar with a rich, sharp flavor without being overly dry. The taste is worth the wait!
•The Hickory Nut Muenster, is produced with locally sourced Hickory nuts.
Customers still enjoy picking up the traditional options, enjoying their spin on the different provolone, mozzarella, cheddar, and Colby cheeses.
Cheese enthusiasts will be excited to hear that Union Star Cheese has brought their products to a new retail shop in Neenah, “The Cheese Table”. The storefront offers its traditional spread of cheese curds and string cheese, along with its traditional and artisan options.
Get a taste of Union Star Cheese at one of their three locations:
Union Star Cheese Factory, 7742 County Rd. II, Fremont
Willow Creek Cheese Creamery Cheese Shop, W1965 WI-21, Berlin
The Cheese Table, 125 W. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah
three locations:
Union Star Cheese Factory, 7742 County Rd. II, Fremont
Willow Creek Cheese Creamery Cheese Shop, W1965 WI-21, Berlin
The Cheese Table, 125 W. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah